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The demolition of the former Lakeside Inn and Casino began on Monday morning (Oct. 3). Formerly known as Tahoe Sky Harbor, Fabulous Eddie’s Stardust Club, Caesars Inn and Harvey’s Inn, Lakeside Inn was a 123-room hotel and casino that was among the oldest Nevada casinos.
Barton Health acquired the shuttered casino with plans to demolish it and build a healthcare facility. The demolition of the main building will pave the way for Barton Health to broaden regional medical services and expand healthcare at Lake Tahoe.
Another part of Nevada casinos history is ing on
Barton Public Information Officer Mindi Befu said earlier this year:
“Furthering its mission of improving community health and well-being, Barton Health is moving forward with its regional expansion, which will broaden regional medical services.”
The demolition of ancillary buildings started in April 2022. Those vacant buildings have been used for community fire and police service training.
Barton Health is closely working with JM Environmental for the demolition. Although Barton has not yet contracted with a partner for the construction of the healthcare facility, there have been ongoing assessments of the community’s needs.
Barton has also requested from the local community to assess current and future health care needs.
As Befu explained:
“Barton has gathered input from community stakeholders, partner agencies, and physician and staff teams for a broader strategic master plan to accompany the facility plan as the project moves forward. A dual campus strategy will better position the healthcare system to serve the future needs of the region and ensure long term viability through improved access to services, efficiencies, and state-of-the-art technology and facilities.”
Initial planning is scheduled for completion in early 2023, resulting in a facilities master plan to outline new buildings and services to be rendered. A target completion date for new construction projects is set for early 2026.
An emotional moment making a beautiful transition
A former owner and CEO of Lakeside Inn, Mike Bradford, told Tahoe Daily Tribune:
“After 35 years, this is an emotional moment that marks a beautiful transition with limitless possibilities. Having the site transformed into a health system is the best imaginable outcome for us and for the community. It’s truly a win-win-win.”
Bradford owned and operated the Lakeside Inn and Casino in partnership with others for 35 years, from 1986 until the business closed in 2020.
Barton purchased the casino in May 2021 for $13.3 million while the place was closed during the coronavirus outbreak and never reopened. The purchase included lots on the west side of Highway 50 that amounted to nearly seven acres of land.
