The Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency has approved a $50,000 Visual Improvement Grant for the El Cortez Hotel & Casino. The historic property will apply the funds toward exterior renovations of its Ogden House, the property's tower located directly adjacent to the casino.


The Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency and its improvement grant are intended to help further the development and revitalization of Las Vegas' downtown area by assisting commercial, industrial and mixed-use properties. The agency's Commercial Visual Improvement Program provides funding for the grant and supports the exterior improvements to the following areas: storefronts, windows, awnings, painting, signage, landscaping, doorways, lighting, parking lots and rear accesses. Recipients of the Visual Improvement Grant are required to match the funds provided by the city agency for their exterior improvements.


The Ogden House's $6.3 million interior and exterior renovations are currently underway and scheduled to be completed by end of 2008. Once completed, the 29,000-square-foot Ogden House will be transformed into a boutique hotel and renamed Cortez Cabana Suites.


The exterior of Cortez Cabana Suites will feature design materials reminiscent of the 1950s, such as natural stone, bright colors and plaster finishes, and distinct lampposts and planters. The interior remodel will feature steel awnings, vertical shade structures made of specially treated steel and a gasless and vent-free fireplace. An outdoor pool adjacent to the tower is also planned.


Cortez Cabana Suites will feature 64 rooms, including mini suites and super suites, an expanded entrance lobby, enhanced fitness center and a landscaped walkway providing convenient access from the tower to the El Cortez.


ABOUT EL CORTEZ HOTEL & CASINO


Constructed in 1941, El Cortez Hotel & Casino, an anchor property in the Fremont East Entertainment District, is located in historic downtown at 600 East Fremont Street. With 300 newly remodeled hotel rooms, El Cortez features full-pay single deck 21, 10x odds on craps, state-of-the-art roulette and over 1,000 slot machines. El Cortez is proudly affiliated with Michael Gaughan's South Point Sports Book. The Las Vegas Review-Journal voted El Cortez "Best Blackjack in Las Vegas" in 2007, "Best Video Poker" in 2008 and "Best Keno in Las Vegas" in 2005, 2006 and 2008. Dining options at El Cortez include: Kitty's Café, Roberta's Steakhouse, Chinese Kitchen Buffet and Express Breakfast Buffet. The property's other amenities include: Subway, Dreyer's Ice Cream Shop, Seattle's Best Coffee, El Cortez Gift Shop and a full-service beauty and barber shop.


El Cortez Hotel and Casino