Once known as a classic mob joint, “The Riv” was used in three of the most famous movies ever filmed in Las Vegas, including “Ocean’s 11,” the 1971 James Bond film “Diamonds Are Forever” and 1995’s “Casino.” “It’s got weird architecture compared to everything else on the Strip.” “This is like history right here,” Dan Teson told the Las Vegas Sun as he pointed to the 17-story Monte Carlo tower and other remaining buildings.
But a small crowd began gathering on Las Vegas Boulevard to witness the implosion, many of them snapping photos before blasts caused the building to collapse into a pile of rubble. Unlike the previous implosion in June, there was no designated viewing area Tuesday morning. The expansion is expected to be completed in January.
The tourism agency bought the entire 26 acres last year for $182.5 million, plus $8.5 million in related transaction costs. The tourism agency plans to use the site to expand the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority now owns the property and is spending $42 million to level the 13-building site.
