Stardust’s last days

Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006 | 7:45 a.m.

The plug is being pulled on another storied Las Vegas resort. The slot machines and table games at the Stardust will turn quiet Wednesday morning and the iconic hotel will close around noon, to make way for a $4 billion project, Echelon Place.

During its heyday, the Stardust's restaurants, clubs and bars were among the most popular in town. "Lido de Paris" entertained millions. The gambling was fast and furious and, behind the scenes, millions of dollars were skimmed by mobsters until Boyd Gaming took over the property in 1983. The company plans to implode the hotel tower in early 2007, with Echelon construction scheduled to begin by June.

That's how it happens in Las Vegas: Strip resorts are planned, built, opened, operated, closed, imploded and replaced. At the time of its death next week, the Stardust will be 48 years old. It is survived by memories. REFLECTIONS ON THE STARDUST, PAGE 6

archive