Haunts of the Rich and Famous

Black And White Photography, Emilio, Photography

Haunted Storefront

 For a high res split tone version, please click on the image

(Though the following history of the property is quoted directly from Wikipedia, it is definitely interesting and worth reading.)

Lake Las Vegas is a 320-acre man made lake surrounded by 3,592 acres developed by 5 companies.

When first opened in 2003, the area included several hotels and casinos including the Monte Lago Village Resort, the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort, the Hilton Lake Las Vegas, and Casino MonteLago.

Lake at Las Vegas Joint Venture, LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 17, 2008. Debts were estimated at between $500 million and $1 billion.

Lake Las Vegas emerged from bankruptcy in July 2010. The creditors have filed a lawsuit against the former insiders. In a related action, resort property owners are suing lender Credit Suisse as part of a multi-billion dollar lawsuit claiming the bankruptcy was caused by a scheme between the bank and resort developers.

The golf course was purchased by Nevada South Shore LLC, a Hawaii based corporation for $4.5 million on February 17, 2011.

The Ritz Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, closed after 8 years of operation on May 2, 2010.

The former Ritz Carlton was reopened on February 11, 2011. The property was renamed Ravella at Lake Las Vegas. On April 30, 2013, Kam Sang Co. announced that the Ravella would be renamed the Hilton Lake Las Vegas. The Hilton opened June 6, 2013. The casino closed in October 2013, as a result of a lease dispute between Kam Sang and the casino’s operators.  

From a TripAdvisor.com review dated October 18, 2014:
“Ghost Town”
The golf course is closed, the casino is closed (“seeking a buyer”), the village is eerie and empty. There are “For Sale” signs on several properties around the area. Everything shut down when the economy crashed in 2008. Will not return any time soon.

32 thoughts on “Haunts of the Rich and Famous”

  1. Patti Fogarty's avatar

    What a merry-go-round. Why do I get the feeling some consortium out there was able to clean their money through this spin cycle of spend and bust? Great shot Emilio and what a fabulous place to explore, and yes, well done on the twinkly lights!

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  2. Pingback: Still Life With Motor Scooter | Photos by Emilio
  3. Omar Upegui R.'s avatar

    Interesting story about the abandoned buildings and infrastructure, and your amazing pictures. I’ve read several books about the sub-prime mortage bubble of 2008, and the whole financial disaster sucks. I’ts amazing what greed will do to people. Whole nations went under asa result of uncontrolled greed. Six years later and the reverberations are still here. I enjoyed your story and image. Congrats!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Emilio Pasquale Photography's avatar

      Sir Emilio Pasquale? Naw. You can call me Emilio! Thanks for commenting. I was specifically looking for something Halloweenie and processed for it.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. LB's avatar

    The lights were the first things to catch my eye, then the light on the front of the building caused by the street light. I like this a lot, and I always love being able to read the backstory / history

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  7. Mike Pratt's avatar

    This is really nice, Emilio! The atmosphere is fantastic.
    The split tone image has an entirely different feel – which highlights the beauty of photography + processing! I also agree with Cardinal Guzman above, the Ford truck image is superb! Would make a great print.

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    1. Emilio Pasquale Photography's avatar

      I have prints of my own work all over the house. Just like all other photographers, I’m sure. I think I’m going to have to start switching out prints once a month. What do you do?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Mike Pratt's avatar

        Honestly, my walls are blank for the most part!! Other than a few Star Trek posters lol! My wife and I talk about putting up some of my photography – it is simply a matter of choosing the right ones. I’m probably one of the few photogs who only prints for clients, friends or family – and not for my own home! One of these day, I keep saying 🙂

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        1. Emilio Pasquale Photography's avatar

          The only movie poster I have left is a 5 foot high King Kong. Everything else is mine! Problem is, I never really see them any more. They’re just there!

          Liked by 1 person

  8. Stacy P. Fischer's avatar

    Seems everyone likes the star effects, Emilio! I’m hopping on that train too 🙂 Adds another great layer to this wonderful photo. I, too, clicked on the image (didn’t want Tim to get all the credit) – and really, really like the split-toned image as well! Sad story of hard times. Never would have thought a Ritz could go under …

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    1. Emilio Pasquale Photography's avatar

      That night I forgot my tripod and had to hand hold the camera. There weren’t too many good shots from that evening so I went back the following weekend and there was a wedding shoot as I turned in the entrance, then on the grounds there was a second wedding party, and on the edge of the lake a rock band playing a free concert. So maybe there will be a renaissance, who knows.

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    1. Emilio Pasquale Photography's avatar

      Thanks, Joanne. The area used to be beautiful. It is still being kept up but most of the shops and restaurants are shuttered closed. The star effect was all my doing and I’m darn proud of it. Thanks for noticing!

      Liked by 1 person

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