El Cortez Las Vegas Named To The National Register Of Historic Places
El Cortez Hotel and Casino Las Vegas has been named to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation.
“We are thrilled to become one of the beloved properties across the nation recognized on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places,†said Alex Epstein, executive vice president of El Cortez. “Our hotel represents not only the treasured memories of our city’s history but also embraces the future of downtown.â€
When El Cortez first opened its doors in 1941, it became the premier hotel/casino in downtown Las Vegas. The popularity of El Cortez helped bolster the city’s economic development while its various owners helped define the city as it emerged as an international entertainment capital.
Following the 1959 installation of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, also named to the NRHP in 2009, new resorts established the Las Vegas Strip and later eclipsed the popularity of downtown.
In recent years, however, downtown Las Vegas has witnessed resurgence among locals and tourists with the likes of the Fremont Street Experience, the Mob Museum, and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts among hotel renovations and other attractions. El Cortez remains a constant presence and supports the growth of the downtown area while maintaining the historic and vintage culture.
Constructed in 1941, El Cortez is primarily Spanish Colonial Revival style but reflects the 1952 remodel when the façade was ‘modernized’ and the marquee and prominent rooftop signage were added. El Cortez remains one of the oldest establishments on Fremont Street and is the only establishment to continue operation under its original name.
Bill Cody is an entertainment, technology and luxury travel reporter in Las Vegas. He reports on celebrities, events, tech, food, Las Vegas and luxury travel.