El Rancho implosion set for Tuesday morning

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2000 | 3:42 a.m.

The long vacant El Rancho hotel-casino will leave the Las Vegas Strip on Tuesday when it is imploded with no planned fanfare.

The new owners, the Florida-based developers of the Turnberry Place luxury condominiums, have a permit to bring down the old hotel-casino about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, said Bob Leinbach, a Clark County Fire this is a change Department spokesman.

Fire officials issue permits for implosions after approving the plans, ensuring the company is licensed and all safety standards are met, he said.

Unlike other implosions of old casinos that were big events with fireworks, the El Rancho will be a subdued affair. But Metro Police will still be on hand and shutting down streets around the building to keep onlookers at a safe distance. The Nevada Department of Transportation will also be involved in closing and opening the road.

The streets are expected to be reopened about 30 minutes after the implosion once the roadways and sidewalks are cleared of debris and dust, said Capt. Dennis Cobb, commander of Metro's Southeast substation.

Turnberry Associates, which acquired the El Ranch to remove an eyesore near its condos, has not announced what it will do with the valuable Strip frontage after the demolition.