October 24, 2007
Contact: Christina Brodsly, SK+G Public Relations
(702) 478-4027, christina.brodsly@skgadv.com
Kimberly Juday, Kirvin Doak Communications
(702) 737-3100, kjuday@kirvindoak.com
EL CORTEZ SELECTS YWS ARCHITECTS TO REDESIGN ADJACENT OGDEN HOUSE TOWER IN DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS
Historic Landmark Remodel Is At The Cornerstone Of Downtown’s Revitalization
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 24, 2007) - YWS Architects, Ltd. was selected by El Cortez Hotel & Casino to redesign its 29,000-square-foot Ogden House Tower located east of the property. Renovations at the historic Ogden House will commence this November. The remodel of the existing five-story Ogden House Tower will encompass 64 rooms including mini-suites and super-suites, an expanded entrance lobby, an enhanced fitness center and a landscaped walkway providing convenient access to the Ogden House from the El Cortez.
“The remodeled El Cortez and the Ogden House Tower are at the cornerstone of downtown’s revitalization efforts,” said Mike Nolan, general manager at the El Cortez. “We looked to YWS Architects to redesign our historic landmark in conjunction with the city’s efforts to bring vintage Vegas back to downtown.”
El Cortez renovations, including the Ogden House Tower remodel, will become a part of the East Fremont Street Corridor, downtown Las Vegas’ new entertainment headquarters scheduled for completion in early 2008.
“We worked closely with the El Cortez Hotel & Casino to create a look for the Ogden House that is timeless yet modern,” said Jon Sparer, partner at YWS Architects. “The architectural statement of the Ogden House redesign is cool and boutique-like with a contemporary Art Deco feel, reflecting the energy of downtown Las Vegas.”
The exterior design of the Ogden House Tower 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 gas-less and vent-free fireplace.
Future plans for additional renovations at the El Cortez include the transformation of an existing bar into a performance lounge featuring live entertainment, remodel of the entire casino floor, restaurants and back-of-house areas. The addition of a pool adjacent to the Ogden House is also planned.
About YWS Architects
YWS Architects - the Las Vegas-based architecture firm - was founded in 2001, offering a selection of design services for hospitality, casino/gaming and mixed-use developments including The Pinnacle Las Vegas, Fiesta Henderson and Avi Resort & Casino (Laughlin). YWS Architects is also responsible for designing numerous other projects in the Las Vegas area including the new Congregation Ner Tamid, the new Race & Sports Book expansion at Sam’s Town, Sushi Roku and Boa Steakhouse at The Forum Shops and Diamond Casinos in Worth County and Dubuque, Iowa, among many other venues. For more information, please visit www.ywsarchitects.com.
About El Cortez Hotel & Casino
El Cortez Hotel & Casino, an anchor property in the soon-to-be developed 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 and “Best Keno in Las Vegas” in 2005 and 2006. 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 full-service beauty and barber shops. For more information, please call 1-800-634-6703 or 702-385-5200, or visit www.elcortezhotelcasino.com
