1941

The El Cortez Is Born

John Kell Houssels partnered with John Grayson from California, and Marion Hicks, a Los Angeles Architect and developer, to build and operate the El Cortez Hotel-Casino on East Fremont Street. Constructed for $245,000, it was Downtown Las Vegas’ first major resort with 59 rooms and designed in a Spanish Ranch theme.

1945

The El Cortez Is Sold

Houssels & his partners sold the El Cortez to a Mid-West group that included Gus Greenbaum, Moe Sedway, & Bugsy Siegel (later investors in the 1946 Flamingo) & Dave Berman on behalf of Meyer Lansky for $600,000.

Interior Remodel

Wayne McAllister is hired to remodel the Interior of the El Cortez while primarily leaving the exterior in original 1941 condition.

1946

Houssels Reacquires The El Cortez

John Kell Houssels reacquires the El Cortez and with Ray Salmon announces a $250,000 expansion in May of 1946 including a barber shop, nightclub, swimming pool and a 4 story wing.

 

1950

Remodeled

El Cortez remodeled and the cocktail lounge renamed to the Rose Room.

1952

Grand Opening

The “new” Hotel El Cortez held its grand opening. Bill Moore was the general manager, and Tom Douglas remodeled and redecorated the property, the bar was renamed “Buccaneer Bar,” with cocktail waitresses wearing pirate costumes.

Marquee Installed

El Cortez installs its neon arrow, marquee, and signature large roof sign which are still downtown landmarks.

1953

Supper Club Renamed

The Supper Club was renamed the Pirate’s Den. The dinner theater was decorated by paintings of “pretty pirates” by Denny Stephenson. The casino started using pirate graphics in its advertising.

1955

Only Female Maitre ‘D

The Pirate Den’s maitre ‘d was Pat Gallagher, the only female maitre ‘d in Las Vegas at the time.

1957

Goodbye Pirate Theme

Jack Smith became El Cortez General Manager when J.K. Houssells took over the property. He launched several changes, including eliminating the pirate theme and renaming the dinner theater the Cirque Room.

1958

Celebrity Lounge Opens

The Celebrity Lounge opened, featuring continuous entertainment 5:30 pm to 6 am; from the lounge, Jerry Dexter hosted “El Cortez Calling” on Keno 1460 from 1-3 am live.

1960

Lounge Renamed

The lounge was renamed the V.I.P. Lounge

1963

Jackie Gaughan Purchases El Cortez

Jackie Gaughan purchases the El Cortez from John Kell Houssels for $4,000,000.

1980

Tower II Is Built

The El Cortez Guest Tower II is built bringing the overall room count to 297.

2006

El Cortez Renovates

El Cortez Renovates casino and guest room interiors.

2008

Ike Gaming

El Cortez sold to Ike Gaming.

2009

Cabana Suites

El Cortez opens the 64 El Cortez Cabana Suites in the former Ogden Hotel bringing the room count to 364.

2010

“Design A Suite”

El Cortez holds the “Design A Suite” competition.

2016

El Cortez celebrates its 75-Year Anniversary

El Cortez celebrates 75 years of turning players into winners.