Reno: New hotel-casino project filed for city's consideration

New plans for a casino resort have been submitted to the City of Reno, Nevada, for consideration. The Firecreek Crossing Resort Casino would expand accommodations and lodging options for tourists and business travel, while also adding entertainment and gaming options.

“When thinking about where to launch our next project, Reno was an obvious choice,” said Ryan Stone, CEO and Owner of Elevation Entertainment, as reported by KOLO. “Reno is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, so bringing a new entertainment destination with its already-recognized gaming industry and ideal location for building, we see this new and exciting project as appealing to the entire marketplace.”

Elevation plans to combine 20 acres of land located directly across from the convention center with an adjoining entrance to the Firecreek Shopping Center. Current project plans include 201 hotel guest rooms and suites, a 62,500 square-foot gaming floor, 1,250 slot machines, 40+ table games (including poker), and a sportsbook.

“A gaming license is a privilege and we take that responsibility very seriously,” added Masis Kevorkian, President/Owner at Elevation Entertainment. “We will strive to be true community partners and amplify what makes Reno-Tahoe a global destination for both leisure and businesses.”

The new Reno casino would also include a rooftop pool above the hotel, in addition to a large public park. It marks the first Reno ground-up hotel-casino project in decades. “This project is going to be a complete game changer for entertainment in Reno,” Stone told Reno Gazette-Journal. “Reno deserves it and needs it.”

California-based Elevation Entertainment specializes in constructing and renovating boutique hotels. Its interest in Reno started after California kicked off mandatory business closures in early 2020 due to COVID-19, according to Stone. The pandemic lockdowns pushed the company to look outside the state to find new opportunities and diversify its portfolio.

Stone described the casino’s site as an “A+++” location and a perfect fit, especially given the company’s focus on infill development and revitalization. The site is on a busy intersection of Reno but has been vacant for many years, the cited source notes. Although the sale has not officially closed, the company is currently under contract to buy the land.