Next phase of demolition of Lakeside Inn and Casino underway
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/03/2022 - 4:23pm
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - In 1946, a casino opened on the South Shore that would go through several changes and owners as it expanded into what was most recently known as the Lakeside Inn and Casino.
The owners of the Lakeside Inn announced its permanent closure in April 2020 after what was supposed to be a temporary COVID-related closure. Then in May 2021, Barton Health closed escrow on the property to build a new healthcare complex. In April of 2022, the hotel, neighboring bike shop and real estate office, and other outbuildings were removed.
Starting this week, the main casino building will be removed from the site.
“After 35 years, this is an emotional moment that marks a beautiful transition with limitless possibilities,” said Mike Bradford, former owner and CEO of Lakeside Inn. “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, in partnership with others, owned and operated the Lakeside Inn and Casino for 35 years, beginning in 1986.
“Upon the closure of Lakeside Inn, we received purchase offers from other developers and the like. Through a fortunate series of events, Barton stepped up to purchase the building,” said Bradford. “For me, this was the ideal passage, building upon the fundamental need of every community: to have high-quality medical care.”
During the permit approval process for the demolition of the main casino building, the vacant space was utilized for community fire and police service training.
Initial planning for the new health campus is scheduled for completion in early 2023, resulting in a facilities master plan outlining new buildings and an overview of services. A target completion date for new construction projects could be as early as 2026.
Barton plans to keep their California-side facility and have a dual campus strategy which they say 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.
There have been surveys with the public on what they feel is needed in South Shore health care, and that, along with other feedback, market trends, utilization data, state regulations, and CA 2030 seismic requirements for healthcare facilities are being considered to help develop a facilities and services plan to best meet these needs.