Las Vegas | Derek Stevens Claims More Frontage on Fremont

Posted by: Blackjacker1979 , April 23, 2016

It’s no mystery to those of us who follow Vegas that the resurgence of downtown from recent low points to the destination for tourists it is today is thanks in no small part to the vision that Derek Stevens has for his properties and how they affect those around him.

From his work transforming the old Fitzgerald’s into The D, addition and renovation of the Golden Gate, and the opening of the Downtown Events Center as well as his very active role in how the Fremont Street Experience is transforming, Derek has a vision for downtown that’s one for every man, from the casual gamer to even the high roller.

It was no surprise then when his company owned jointly with his brother Greg, 18 Fremont Street Acquisition LLC, snatched up the fading Las Vegas Club seeing the potential in the existing property much like he did with The D. But now news comes that the same company has purchased three properties from Granite Gaming Group, and based on their locations, it’s impossible to say he doesn’t have strategy in mind.

The three properties in question are the La Bayou Casino, Mermaids, and the Glitter Gulch.

And as you can see above, they are both adjacent to properties already owned by Stevens. In the case of Mermaids and Glitter Gulch, they give Stevens the entire block including the Las Vegas Club directly across from the Golden Gate. Given his good tidings with the city, It’s perfectly plausible that he could tie all of the lots together giving him the entire block to work with, giving him the chance to do another gut renovation similar to The D and completely transform the entire block into something that could rival the Golden Nugget for their market segment albeit on a smaller scale.

As for the La Bayou, it’s direct adjacency to the Golden Gate likely means more casino space and possibly new rooms for a hotel that’s already wildly popular with downtowners for it’s raucus and friendly attitude and of course, some of the best pancakes in the world. (Shout out to Du-Par’s!). With the same legal moves regarding properties, there’s no reason not to speculate the Golden Gate is going to get some love in the coming months as well as the new property across the street.

We won’t fully know what’s in store of course until plans are unveiled officially, but I think speculation is fair that Stevens wants to do to North Fremont what he’s done to the South end with the transformation of The D Las Vegas. With his insight, personality, and knowledge, it’s safe to say that Stevens is the Wynn of downtown Las Vegas, and possibly today’s Vegas in general. Is it too much to hope for a #MicroWynn where the Las Vegas Club was? Only time will tell, but for what it’s worth we at TravelZork are thrilled to see where he takes his new acquisitions.