McCarthy Completes $20M Renovation of Historic El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas

McCarthy Building Companies completed the $20-million, 18,000-square-foot renovation and expansion of the El Cortez Hotel & Casino, enhancing one of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada’s most storied landmarks while preserving its rich heritage.

The renovation expands the casino’s footprint by 10,000 square feet, improves 4,000 square feet of existing space and introduces a host of new features including a high-limit gaming lounge, a modern Asian eatery—Hot Noods by Chinglish and the Show Bar, a centerpiece entertainment venue featuring a 20-foot-wide LED screen for sports and music videos and a stage for live performances. Nearly 200 additional slot machines, a roulette-themed bar and an enhanced table gaming area also contribute to the revitalized guest experience.

One of the most technically challenging aspects of the project was the complete reconfiguration and raising of the casino ceiling — an effort that transformed the interior space with a more open, elevated ambiance. This upgrade required surgical precision to integrate with decades of previous construction while maintaining the building’s historic integrity.

Originally operated by legendary figures including Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky, the El Cortez is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over its 80-year history, the property has undergone numerous renovations, making it critical for the construction team to anticipate and address hidden conditions throughout the build. Maintaining continuous operations during construction added further complexity, requiring meticulous scheduling and coordination to minimize disruptions to hotel and casino operations. Strategic phasing ensured services like bars and loading zones remained functional or were temporarily relocated without impacting the guest experience.

The renovation was designed by JIVE Architecture, with interior design by Kenneth Ussenko Design and signage and lighting by YESCO, in coordination with IKE Gaming, Inc. At the peak of construction, nearly 60 tradespeople worked on-site to bring the vision to life.