McCarthy Building Companies Completes $20 Million Renovation of Historic El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas

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

The ambitious 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 dramatically 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. 

“Working on a property as iconic as the El Cortez is a privilege and a challenge we welcomed,” said Ross Edwards, Senior Vice President, McCarthy Building Companies. “Balancing modern upgrades with the historical integrity of the space required great care and collaboration. We’re proud to have delivered a more expansive, guest-friendly casino environment while preserving the unique character that defines the El Cortez.” 

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 that services like bars and loading zones remained functional or were temporarily relocated without impacting the guest experience. 

"As the longest continuously running hotel and casino in Las Vegas, it was important for us to maintain the legacy of El Cortez throughout our recent renovations," said Kenny Epstein, owner and CEO of El Cortez Hotel & Casino. "McCarthy understood our vision and helped us create a space that ultimately enhances the comfort, convenience, and level of hospitality that our visitors expect, and upholds our historic position in Downtown Vegas."  

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. 

This renovation is the latest example of McCarthy’s impressive hospitality and gaming portfolio in Nevada, where the company continues to lead transformational projects that preserve legacy while preparing for the future. 

About McCarthy Building Companies 

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. (McCarthy) is the oldest privately held national construction company in America. With more than 160 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients, McCarthy is committed to delivering superior results and creating great experiences for everyone. With an unrelenting focus on safety and a comprehensive quality program in all phases of the project, McCarthy utilizes industry-leading design phase and construction techniques combined with value-added technology to maximize outcomes. Recently named the top healthcare builder in Modern Healthcare and repeatedly honored as a Best Place to Work and Healthiest Employer, McCarthy is ranked the 17th largest domestic builder (Engineering News-Record, May 2024). With over 8,000 salaried employees and craft professionals, the firm has offices in St. Louis; Atlanta; Collinsville, Ill.; Kansas City, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Denver; Austin, Channelview, Dallas, and Houston, Texas; and San Diego, Newport Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, Calif. McCarthy is 100 percent employee-owned. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com or by following the company on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.