1963: Remaining hotel section used as Thunderbird West. 1962: some bungalows removed/relocated (RJ 10/16/62, 11/11/62, 12/27/62) “to make way for new multi-million-dollar El Rancho Building on the grounds” (RJ 9/23/62).
1960, June 17: casino/showroom destroyed by fire. 1951: Hotel renovation led by Katleman, designser Tom Douglas (RJ 7/3/51) “last summer Katleman told Dougles he wanted to ‘get rid of the corn’ but keep the Western character” (RJ 6/18/52) Round Up room becomes Opera House, signs on the building changed. Beldon Katleman is president of the hotel (RJ 2/22/51) some time after inheriting El Ranco Inc. 1950, Sep: road sign opposite from the resort changed from a billboard to the neon arrow.
Leased to different groups over the next five years. 1943: Hotel bought by Conrad Hilton, Joe Drown (RJ 6/22/43). 1941, Nov: New wing with rooms and KENO (AM) station (11/22/41). Hull, Hull Hotel Corp, owner and builder bought 66 acres for $5000 from the LSJ Hunt estate in 1939 or 1940 (RJ 10/25/40, RJ 3/3/86). LAS VEGAS FESTIVAL GROUNDS / HILTON GRANDġ941-1960: El Rancho Vegas | 2720 Hwy 91 | T. Prior to 1959, S Las Vegas Blvd was South 5th St / U.S. Index of every casino, hotel, motel, club and landmark on the Strip, listed by property, north to south.
