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Clark County weighs $25.3 million renovation of Las Vegas landmark
New Orleans Square could be renovated for as much as $25.3 million or demolished for $3.8 million, after the county identified extensive building repairs. A decision is expected in early December, as remaining tenants face uncertainty about their businesses and the property’s future.
Clark County is weighing whether to spend up to $25.3 million to renovate New Orleans Square or demolish the longtime Las Vegas landmark for a projected $3.8 million.
The county bought the property for $6.5 million. After the purchase, officials found extensive repair needs, including roof leaks and holes, damaged stucco, sewer-line problems and drainage work, Commissioner Tick Segerblom said.
The county’s plans for a renovated site could include educational and arts uses developed with UNLV, as well as a connection to Insomniac, the company behind the Electric Daisy Carnival. New Orleans Square is associated with Las Vegas’ entertainment history, with the Rat Pack and Elvis Presley cited as frequent visitors.
County commissioners are expected to consider the options in early December. The decision comes as tenants continue to operate in the aging complex. Monica Gresser, principal architect at Brazen Architecture, said the number of tenants has fallen from about 30 when she moved her office into the property under its previous owner to eight now.
Segerblom said the county intends to pay relocation costs for tenants who leave during a renovation, and to allow them to return if they wish and space is available. Gresser supports rehabilitation, saying a renewed New Orleans Square could help spur redevelopment and reshape the surrounding Commercial Center.
The choice may be made amid changes on the commission: some members are up for re-election, while another is leaving office. That could mean the officials deciding how to handle the property’s repair costs differ from those who backed its purchase.