Boyd Gaming has announced plans to demolish the shuttered Eastside Cannery Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The property, which has been closed since the pandemic in 2020, will be razed to make way for a potential residential development. This decision marks the final disposal of a Las Vegas Valley casino property that closed during the COVID-19 shutdowns.
Key Takeaways
- Boyd Gaming will demolish the Eastside Cannery, closed since 2020.
- The site is being considered for residential development.
- The closure was due to insufficient market demand.
End of an Era for Eastside Cannery
The Eastside Cannery, which opened in 2008, has remained closed for over five years. Boyd Gaming cited a lack of sufficient market demand to reopen the facility as the primary reason for the demolition decision. The company had previously held out hope for a market improvement, but ultimately decided to move forward with razing the building. Fencing has been erected around the property as demolition plans are finalized.
A Shift in Strategy
Boyd Gaming acquired the Eastside Cannery, along with its sister property in North Las Vegas, for $230 million in 2016. The 300-room hotel-casino featured a 65,000-square-foot gaming floor, a ballroom, restaurants, and bars. While the company maintained the property by investing in utilities and security systems, and even allowed it to be used for training by local law enforcement and firefighters, the decision to demolish signifies a definitive end to its operational future as a casino.
Future Development and Market Impact
Boyd Gaming is reportedly in discussions to sell the 17-acre site for residential use. This move aligns with broader trends in the Las Vegas market, where some former casino sites are being repurposed. The closure and subsequent demolition of Eastside Cannery means it is the last Las Vegas Valley casino property from the COVID-19 shutdown era to be disposed of. Other properties, such as those formerly owned by Red Rock Resorts, have already been sold and demolished, with some being redeveloped into retail or other uses. The only other casino property from that period that remains closed is the Colorado Belle in Laughlin.
Community Use During Closure
During its closure, the Eastside Cannery served as a valuable community resource. It was utilized by the Three Square Food Bank for weekly food distribution and by the Metropolitan Police Department and Clark County Fire Department for various training exercises. These included active-shooter scenarios, cadet seminars, and rescue training, highlighting the building’s utility even after its operational closure.
Sources
- Shuttered Eastside Cannery casino to be demolished, Boyd Gaming announces, The Nevada Independent.
- Boyd Gaming to demolish Eastside Cannery hotel-casino after five-year closure, KTNV Las Vegas.
