The rebranding effort aims to modernize the 1.6 million-square-foot resort while honoring its rich legacy.<\/span> Renovations, which began last year, are set to pause during the busy summer season and are expected to be completed by mid-2026<\/span> .\u200b<\/p>\n \u201cThis transformation honors the storied history of Harveys while introducing modern amenities and elevated experiences that will redefine luxury in Lake Tahoe,\u201d said Karie Hall, senior vice president and general manager of Harrah\u2019s and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe. \u201cWe look forward to welcoming guests to a resort that blends the best of our past with an exciting vision … \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n A Legacy Rooted in Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n Harveys Lake Tahoe was founded by Harvey Gross, a Sacramento meat wholesaler, and his wife Llewellyn.<\/span> In 1944, they opened Harvey\u2019s Wagon Wheel Saloon & Gambling Hall on seven acres near Stateline, Nevada.<\/span> The establishment began modestly, featuring just three slot machines and two card tables, but it quickly became a cornerstone of the burgeoning Lake Tahoe casino scene<\/span> .\u200b<\/p>\n Gross was known for his innovative approach to attracting visitors, including installing the area’s only 24-hour gas pump and creating a winter skating rink in the parking lot to draw in guests during the colder months<\/span><\/p>\n Trials and Triumphs<\/strong><\/p>\n Harveys has witnessed significant events over the decades.<\/span> In 1963, it expanded into an 11-story high-rise hotel, marking a new era of growth.<\/span> However, in 1980, the resort faced a major crisis when a bomb exploded on the premises, causing extensive damage but no injuries.<\/span> The incident led to an $18 million reconstruction effort, and the casino reopened within 48 hours, fully repaired by May 1981<\/span><\/p>\n Harvey Gross passed away in 1983 at the age of 78, but his legacy continued under family management.<\/span> In 1986, the resort unveiled the 19-story Tahoe Tower, further cementing its status as a premier destination.<\/span><\/p>\n Harvey Gross, a Sacramento meat wholesaler, and his wife Llewellyn opened the first casino on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n The establishment began modestly, featuring just three slot machines and two card tables.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Harveys expanded into an 11-story, 197-room hotel, becoming the first high-rise in Nevada just across the state line from Lake Tahoe, California.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n A 1,200-pound bomb planted by extortionist John Birges exploded at Harveys, causing extensive damage but no injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n The explosion created a crater three stories deep and resulted in an estimated $18 million in damages.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Parts of the casino reopened within 48 hours, and the fully repaired hotel reopened in May 1981.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Harvey Gross died at the age of 78.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n The company continued to operate under family management.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Harveys unveiled the 19-story, $74 million glass “Lake Tower,” further cementing its status as a premier destination.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Harveys was acquired by Harrah’s Entertainment, bringing it under the umbrella of one of the largest gaming companies.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Ownership of Harveys was transferred to Vici Properties as part of a corporate spin-off, then leased back to Caesars Entertainment, which operates the property.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay opened a Hell’s Kitchen restaurant at Harveys, enhancing its dining offerings.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The Tahoe Tower underwent a significant remodel to update its accommodations.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Caesars Entertainment began a comprehensive $160 million renovation to transform Harveys into Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n The renovation includes aesthetic upgrades to the casino, new slot machines, a high-limit room, and a World Series of Poker room.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n The Mountain Tower will be renamed the Remus Tower, and the Tahoe Tower will become the Romulus Tower.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The transformation into Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe is expected to be completed by mid-2026, introducing modern amenities and elevated experiences while honoring the storied history of Harveys.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n The current renovation will introduce a range of luxury features, including updated casino aesthetics, new slot machines, a high … , and a World Series of Poker … .<\/span> The Mountain Tower will be renamed … offering butler service in select suites, while the Tahoe Tower will become the Rom … both names paying homage to Roman mythology.<\/span> Dining venues such as Lisa Vanderpump\u2019s Wolf and Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s … will remain, with the addition of Cleo’s Coffee and Cocktails in the lobby<\/span><\/p>\n As the transformation progresses, Harveys’ legacy as Lake Tahoe’s first casino continues to evolve, blending its historic roots with a modern vision for luxury and entertainment.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Stateline\u2019s first casino gets a bold transformation\u2014luxury redefined by 2026, but the legacy of Harvey Gross lives on.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8163,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"subtitle":"Stateline\u2019s first casino gets a bold transformation\u2014luxury redefined by 2026, but the legacy of Harvey Gross lives 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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/inedc.com\/24\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ScreenHunter-5536-254x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHarveys Lake Tahoe: A Timeline<\/strong><\/h3>\n
1944 \u2013 Founding of Harvey’s Wagon Wheel Saloon & Gambling Hall<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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1963 \u2013 Expansion into a High-Rise Hotel<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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August 27, 1980 \u2013 Harveys Resort Hotel Bombing<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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1983 \u2013 Passing of Harvey Gross<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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1986 \u2013 Opening of the Lake Tower<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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2001 \u2013 Acquisition by Harrah’s Entertainment<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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2017 \u2013 Ownership Transferred to Vici Properties<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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2019 \u2013 Introduction of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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2020 \u2013 Renovation of the Tahoe Tower<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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2024 \u2013 Commencement of $160 Million Renovation<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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2026 (Projected) \u2013 Completion of Transformation<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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