Blonde4ever
Blonde4ever
  • Threads: 32
  • Posts: 169
Joined: Feb 2, 2010
April 24th, 2016 at 11:54:36 AM permalink
By Scott Roeben at Vital Vegas



Demolition of Riviera Las Vegas Begins
Blonde4ever's articles on https://blonde4everdoesvegas.blogspot.ca/
Wizardofnothing
Wizardofnothing
  • Threads: 121
  • Posts: 3493
Joined: Jul 3, 2015
April 24th, 2016 at 12:01:08 PM permalink
This link done be broken
No longer hiring, don’t ask because I won’t hire you either
Blonde4ever
Blonde4ever
  • Threads: 32
  • Posts: 169
Joined: Feb 2, 2010
April 24th, 2016 at 12:02:00 PM permalink
Fixed

This should be over in DEFUNCT Casinos now.....
Blonde4ever's articles on https://blonde4everdoesvegas.blogspot.ca/
Ibeatyouraces
Ibeatyouraces
  • Threads: 68
  • Posts: 11933
Joined: Jan 12, 2010
April 24th, 2016 at 2:32:26 PM permalink
Google Streetview looking south is interesting. If you keep moving south, some scenes show Encore still being built and Riviera open and others show Encore finished and Riviera being torn down.
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
RenoGambler
RenoGambler
  • Threads: 3
  • Posts: 49
Joined: Apr 23, 2016
April 24th, 2016 at 2:57:12 PM permalink
I always hate to see the old historic casinos disappear.
Variance giveth and variance taketh away.
MrV
MrV
  • Threads: 364
  • Posts: 8158
Joined: Feb 13, 2010
April 24th, 2016 at 6:02:44 PM permalink
I don't.

Out with the old, in with the new.

That's what keeps Sin City hoppin'.
"What, me worry?"
Wulfgar1224
Wulfgar1224
  • Threads: 8
  • Posts: 111
Joined: May 19, 2014
April 24th, 2016 at 6:21:10 PM permalink
Yeah, that whole end of the north strip is in trouble. Circus is a dump and little is done to upgrade it. Honestly, I can't blame MGM since their money would be better spent on other casinos. Stratosphere and even the SLS are just too isolated from the rest of the strip. It is hard to justify heading up to that part of the strip unless you just don't want to be around people.
RenoGambler
RenoGambler
  • Threads: 3
  • Posts: 49
Joined: Apr 23, 2016
April 24th, 2016 at 7:37:11 PM permalink
Quote: Wulfgar1224

Yeah, that whole end of the north strip is in trouble. Circus is a dump and little is done to upgrade it. Honestly, I can't blame MGM since their money would be better spent on other casinos. Stratosphere and even the SLS are just too isolated from the rest of the strip. It is hard to justify heading up to that part of the strip unless you just don't want to be around people.



The north end of the Strip is definitely in trouble. With the Riviera gone, Circus Circus is completely isolated from other casinos. The giant empty lot between Circus and Fashion Show is brutal as well. SLS has helped things a bit, but it's too far away to help much.

As far as not wanting to be around people, for me that's a feature of the Stratosphere rather than a drawback :-P
Variance giveth and variance taketh away.
Wizard
Administrator
Wizard
  • Threads: 1491
  • Posts: 26432
Joined: Oct 14, 2009
June 3rd, 2016 at 11:13:43 AM permalink
Taller of two Riviera towers to be imploded June 14 --LVRJ article from 6/1/16.

The article the implosion is scheduled for 2 AM on June 14. I'm tempted to watch. Who is up for joining me?
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
cwazy
cwazy
  • Threads: 14
  • Posts: 178
Joined: Mar 18, 2016
June 3rd, 2016 at 12:41:42 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Taller of two Riviera towers to be imploded June 14 --LVRJ article from 6/1/16.

The article the implosion is scheduled for 2 AM on June 14. I'm tempted to watch. Who is up for joining me?



There is a lot of asbestos in those buildings. Not sure I'd want to be in town during or a few days after, and I definitely don't want to be near the actual implosion.
AxelWolf
AxelWolf
  • Threads: 164
  • Posts: 22272
Joined: Oct 10, 2012
June 3rd, 2016 at 12:58:28 PM permalink
Quote: cwazy

Quote: Wizard

Taller of two Riviera towers to be imploded June 14 --LVRJ article from 6/1/16.

The article the implosion is scheduled for 2 AM on June 14. I'm tempted to watch. Who is up for joining me?



There is a lot of asbestos in those buildings. Not sure I'd want to be in town during or a few days after, and I definitely don't want to be near the actual implosion.

A little asbestos never hurt anyone.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
TwoFeathersATL
TwoFeathersATL
  • Threads: 37
  • Posts: 3616
Joined: May 22, 2013
June 3rd, 2016 at 2:53:04 PM permalink
Anyone want to venture a guess as to why 2:00 AM?
Seems an odd time....
Youuuuuu MIGHT be a 'rascal' if.......(nevermind ;-)...2F
AxelWolf
AxelWolf
  • Threads: 164
  • Posts: 22272
Joined: Oct 10, 2012
June 3rd, 2016 at 3:17:28 PM permalink
Less traffic
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
Ayecarumba
Ayecarumba
  • Threads: 236
  • Posts: 6763
Joined: Nov 17, 2009
June 3rd, 2016 at 3:20:39 PM permalink
Less wind too.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
Wizard
Administrator
Wizard
  • Threads: 1491
  • Posts: 26432
Joined: Oct 14, 2009
June 4th, 2016 at 2:43:52 AM permalink
Quote: cwazy

There is a lot of asbestos in those buildings. Not sure I'd want to be in town during or a few days after, and I definitely don't want to be near the actual implosion.



I would hazard to say the dust cloud will not reach the onlookers. However, maybe I'll bring a dust mask just to be safe. I also assume there is somebody thinking about the safety of the whole thing. When I worked at Disneyland there was a nightly firework show. It would get canceled if there was any chance of the wind carrying the firework debris over populated areas or the section of the park with guests.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
DrawingDead
DrawingDead
  • Threads: 9
  • Posts: 2263
Joined: Jun 13, 2014
June 4th, 2016 at 4:33:10 AM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

Less traffic

Yup, same as usual for that. Nothing odd about the time, especially for a site that's in or at least on the edge of one of the most densely trafficked areas on Earth, both vehicles & on foot. In fact I think this one is a little earlier than some of the others I've been around for. I think something like 3 or 4 in the AM has also been a common time to pick, if I'm remembering some of them right (and I might not be).

Besides, it's more fun to set off every car alarm within five miles at 2am than at noon. And the fireworks look better, if they're planning any for this one.

Quote: Ayecarumba

Less wind too.

Good point. Some of them create a huge dust cloud. And in the desert in the summer or near summer, the strongest winds do tend to kick up during the heat of the day and into earlier evening hours, then tend to die down after it cools off.



Last edited by: DrawingDead on Jun 4, 2016
Suck dope, watch TV, make up stuff, be somebody on the internet.
Paigowdan
Paigowdan
  • Threads: 115
  • Posts: 5692
Joined: Apr 28, 2010
June 4th, 2016 at 1:34:31 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Taller of two Riviera towers to be imploded June 14 --LVRJ article from 6/1/16.

The article the implosion is scheduled for 2 AM on June 14. I'm tempted to watch. Who is up for joining me?


I am. I liked the Riviera, had some good times there.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
LuckyPhow
LuckyPhow
  • Threads: 55
  • Posts: 698
Joined: May 19, 2016
June 14th, 2016 at 7:00:40 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard



The implosion is scheduled for 2 AM on June 14. I'm tempted to watch. Who is up for joining me?



Ahhh, to live in Vegas! I didn't get to watch as it happened, but the videos on the news sites suggest it was a real beauty of an implosion.

Wiz, did ya see it? Huh? Huh? Was it great, or what? Please share. Curious minds want to know...
billryan
billryan
  • Threads: 240
  • Posts: 16282
Joined: Nov 2, 2009
June 14th, 2016 at 10:02:58 AM permalink
I was there. An awful lot of waiting,followed by some Intense fireworks..
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
Ibeatyouraces
Ibeatyouraces
  • Threads: 68
  • Posts: 11933
Joined: Jan 12, 2010
June 14th, 2016 at 10:10:18 AM permalink
Here's the short version.

https://youtu.be/wZdlizuOkUg
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
Wizard
Administrator
Wizard
  • Threads: 1491
  • Posts: 26432
Joined: Oct 14, 2009
June 14th, 2016 at 10:20:14 AM permalink
Quote: billryan

I was there. An awful lot of waiting,followed by some Intense fireworks..



What time did it go down? I heard 2 AM was planned. In case anyone is wondering, laziness won out, as usual, as I slept through it.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
billryan
billryan
  • Threads: 240
  • Posts: 16282
Joined: Nov 2, 2009
June 14th, 2016 at 1:17:07 PM permalink
I believe it was supposed to go at 220 AM.,
Like everything in Vegas, it went off almost exactly on time, thirty minutes late.
Not sure the exact time, but it was well after 230.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
LuckyPhow
LuckyPhow
  • Threads: 55
  • Posts: 698
Joined: May 19, 2016
June 14th, 2016 at 5:34:44 PM permalink
Quote: Ibeatyouraces

Here's the short version.

https://youtu.be/wZdlizuOkUg



Wowie! Many thanx for the video link.

In 1999 I saw them demolish the Waldorf Hotel in downtown Seattle. Even though it was only about 8 stories tall, it was quite a show. And, bless their hearts, they scheduled it for 9 am.
Ayecarumba
Ayecarumba
  • Threads: 236
  • Posts: 6763
Joined: Nov 17, 2009
June 16th, 2016 at 4:27:59 PM permalink
I watched the video and was curious why the flood lights went out. Was it intended, or did someone or something cut the power prematurely.

There were "Countdown" fireworks fired into the sky above the event which were very cool.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
Pokeraddict
Pokeraddict
  • Threads: 36
  • Posts: 786
Joined: Feb 21, 2012
June 17th, 2016 at 2:28:19 PM permalink
To clarify the asbestos discussion, the Monaco Tower that imploded this week was constructed in 1987 and opened in 1988, long after asbestos ceased in construction. The Monte Carlo Tower dates to about 1975 and has asbestos and lead paint in the walls and stucco. It is being covered by a gigantic sheet and that toxic material will be chiseled off over the next two months. If you look at the building now, the interior walls are probably already done.

The Monaco Tower likely had to be imploded first, even if there wasn't any asbestos in Monte Carlo Tower. The Monaco Tower was built into the crevice underneath the suite floors of the Monte Carlo Tower.
Pokeraddict
Pokeraddict
  • Threads: 36
  • Posts: 786
Joined: Feb 21, 2012
June 17th, 2016 at 2:32:04 PM permalink
Quote: Ayecarumba

I watched the video and was curious why the flood lights went out. Was it intended, or did someone or something cut the power prematurely.

There were "Countdown" fireworks fired into the sky above the event which were very cool.



We watched it from the Springhill Suites parking garage. The last fireworks before the ones on top of the tower reminded me of a 21-gun salute.

Maybe the flood lights went out due to the explosion that damaged the electrical. It looks like it happened right about the same time the Riviera sign went out but that could have been from its destruction. It flickered a couple of times before hitting the ground.
DrawingDead
DrawingDead
  • Threads: 9
  • Posts: 2263
Joined: Jun 13, 2014
June 17th, 2016 at 3:39:26 PM permalink
Quote: Pokeraddict

To clarify the asbestos discussion, the Monaco Tower that imploded this week was constructed in 1987 and opened in 1988, long after asbestos ceased in construction. The Monte Carlo Tower dates to about 1975 and has asbestos and lead paint in the walls and stucco. It is being covered by a gigantic sheet and that toxic material will be chiseled off over the next two months. If you look at the building now, the interior walls are probably already done.

The Monaco Tower likely had to be imploded first, even if there wasn't any asbestos in Monte Carlo Tower. The Monaco Tower was built into the crevice underneath the suite floors of the Monte Carlo Tower.

Thanks for the details on that. The cutoff dates sound right, and I wondered. I don't have any citation of the source handy, but I have read somewhere in the local business press that the a major reason Binion's hotel continues to sit vacant is that the current owner discovered that the mandatory asbestos remediation costs involved in doing anything, whether major remodeling or demolition & reconstruction, would be astronomical compared to the value of that property.
Suck dope, watch TV, make up stuff, be somebody on the internet.
Pokeraddict
Pokeraddict
  • Threads: 36
  • Posts: 786
Joined: Feb 21, 2012
June 17th, 2016 at 4:24:50 PM permalink
Quote: DrawingDead

Thanks for the details on that. The cutoff dates sound right, and I wondered. I don't have any citation of the source handy, but I have read somewhere in the local business press that the a major reason Binion's hotel continues to sit vacant is that the current owner discovered that the mandatory asbestos remediation costs involved in doing anything, whether major remodeling or demolition & reconstruction, would be astronomical compared to the value of that property.



They deny this when asked directly. A rep told me that the plumbing and wiring need to be completely rebuilt and that expense makes the hotel not worth repairing, at least at this time. I suppose if there is asbestos in those walls (why wouldn't there be considering the era of the structure?) then that becomes a real problem.

Binion's Facebook page did a tour of the hotel a year or so ago. It is still furnished and looks like it did when it operated, although all of that furniture is probably worthless.

I believe both of the towers at Las Vegas Club are too new to be from the asbestos era. I don't guess we will get an implosion there though for several reasons (FSE, Viva Vision screens, proximity of several occupied hotels). If they demolish it, my guess is they do it piece-by-piece like Harmon.

I wonder how much work they could do to the hotel at Binion's without having to close the casino if it has to come down one day. That hotel will probably sit idle for many years or maybe even decades.
  • Jump to: