Even though the casino/resort was not opened, Frank Caroll and his wife Sue opened the Landmark Plaza on the bottom of the tower in November of 1961. It advertised ample parking for up to 650 cars.

"One of the great commercial events of 1961 was the official opening of Frank Caroll's Landmark Plaza Shopping Center. Boasting of the finest array of stores found anywhere, some merchants were completed for shoppers while others were nearing completion. But when the last particular of dust has settled, the last bit of pavement poured, the extraordinary Glass Dome, the Landmark Plaza will become a landmark through the whole State of Nevada." - Mike Novello, December, 1961

In September of 1961 Shirley Babich and Marge Blake opened they gift shop at the Center.

On November 1, 1961, Bob and Peggy Ramsay opened the first Strip Department Store in the Landmark Plaza Shopping Center. Taking over the largest location in the Landmark, they featured two floors of some of the finest of merchandise for women, children, and men.

A party wazs held at the Coach & Four on November 6, 1961 to honor Frank Caroll on his birthday and to toast the opening of the Landmark Plaza. It was noted that Caroll was also the builder.

In December of 1962, Appliance Buyers cut off further credit declaring that the firm had agreed only to put up a maximum of $3 million, not to underwrite an apparently unlimited expansion of the project. Six months later, Federal Judge Roger D. Foley granted the creditors an injunction to prevent sale of the tower.

The structure remained 80% completed, an empty tower which appeared to lean to one side as if it would fall over. In reality, the building was correct but nearby utility poles, set at different angles, made it look like it was leaning. Visitors and locals alike joked about "The Leaning Tower of Las Vegas." Some called it "Frank's Folly," for Frank Carroll.

Because of its location near the city's Convention Center, businessmen took a more serious view of the octagonal shaft, capped by a superstructure which resembled a flying saucer. This structure could be a very valuable asset.

Work on the Landmark was not resumed until the fall of 1966, when a massive $5.5 million loan by the Teamsters Union Pension Fund enabled its builders to push it to completion.

In late 1967, Landmark announced the opening of the lounges and main showroom to open on New Year's Eve. The Landmark suffered lack of funds and it could not be completed.

1967 - Convention Center is in background

In 1968, the owners kept saying the resort would open in April of 1968, but as of February of 1968, it was noted that the resort hadn't even applied for a gaming license yet.

In April of 1968, people were wondering if Howard Hughes was going to buy the Landmark. Rumors were flying that Hughes was going to buy the resort and make it into an airport tower. Vegas officials shot down that rumor when they stated that the structure wouldn't help McCarran at all as it was too far away, and no airport was going to be built in the area. With resorts going up like the International, it would be a trick to try to land any plane in that area.

Howard Hughes, known to do the impossible, took over the hotel just a few months after the antitrust division blocked Hughes' takeover of the Stardust on the grounds that his acquisition of any more gambling resorts might violate the Sherman Antitrust Act. At this time Hughes also owned the Desert Inn, The Sands Hotel, The Frontier, Castaways and Silver Slipper.

Hughes agreed that if the sale was approved, he would pay all creditors in full. This apparent act of generosity astonished almost everybody. Even Hughes' critics were impressed by his gesture. In all, there were three dozen creditors, a considerable number of whom were small Las Vegas businesses risking bankruptcy because of non-payment. One local plumbing contractor was holding an unpaid bill for $227,000. The sale was approved on January 17, 1969. Financial terms of the sale called for Hughes to assume approximately $8.9 million in Teamster Union loans and about $4.6 million in other debts. A balance of $2.4 million was to be paid to the selling group.

Out of all the properties Hughes owned in Vegas, he turned all his attention to the Landmark overseeing every detail. When he discovered 36 inch beds had been ordered for the smaller rooms, he was upset. Hughes viewed this as cutting corners and angrily gave instructions that they were to be replaced with beds of standard 42 inch width. In all, Hughes reportedly spent an additional $3.5 million finishing the hotel to his specifications.

As the opening of the Landmark drew near, Hughes became touchy about his dream, going over minor details again and again, and impatient with delays which might cause the announced opening to be postponed.

"Exactly 15 years ago, the founder of this publication (Jack Cortez) predicted that Paradise Road would one day be heralded as a second Strip. Next week's launching of the Landmark (July 1) and International (July 2-3) Hotels brings that forecast into sharp reality.

Both hotels aer luxurious additions to our fabulous scene, each boasting its own architectural splendor. Imported marble is highly evident in both, with exquisitely decorated facilities. The Landmark Dome is a three story glass bubble . . . The International has an eight and one-half acre recreation area on its first floor rooftop, as well as a Youth Hotel to service pre-school to teenage progeny.

An interesting point of controversy is the actual height of both structures. Each is alleged to be the tallest building in the state. The Landmark is reputed to be 31 stories tall with a height of 346 feet. The International is 30 stories high and 365 feet tall. Even the elimination of a 13th floor wouldn't resolve the discrepancy. Question . . . Did each calculator measure to the utmost crown letter? Someone will have to set the state height record straight.

As we went to press, there was much talk about the possibility of a court litigation delaying the opening of the Landmark on July 1. We hope not. We've been looking forward to its opening since we first ran ads for the bistro back in 1961" - Etta Cortez, June, 1969 Fabulous Las Vegas Magazine

With the opening just a few weeks away, Landmark announced that General Nigro was to head the resort until Air West became a Hughes' operation. At that time, Nigro will head the airline and Al Benedict will become President of the resort.

When completed, the Landmark measured 346 feet in height. This put it well above the Mint, which was 290 feet tall, including its rooftop sign. The main casino opened with 26 table games and 401 slot machines.

". . . The Landmark Hotel, which looks like an oversized version of the famous Seattle Space Needle, claims only 346 feet. Yet, when you are atop the Landmark, you seem to be looking down on the curving-rectangular International, which is only a block away. No explanation of this phenomenon was available in the hubbub engulfing the tandem debut. . . The structure itself has dominated the Las Vegas skyline for several years, having been started by others in 1961, only to bog down, nay, hog up as an unfinished round tower, with money and gambling-license troubles. But only hours before the July 1 opening did he get clear title to the property, which had been clouded by a lawsuit against the seller. This was given as the reason for the sudden, but elegantly staged, opening for an invited throng of some 500. The approach of the lucrative July 4 weekend, and the long-scheduled opening of the International the following night, may have been significant factors. The crowning features of both high-altitude establishments are their top-story restaurants, cocktail lounges, and spectacular views. The Landmark's superstructure, looking like a huge flying saucer atop a pylon, was in functioning splendor.

Taken on July 1, 1969

Most of the Landmark's rooms are at ground level, and its facilities, while sumptuous, are fairly conventional by Las Vegas standards. The structure's architect was John Jameson of Santa Ana, Calif. The interior designer, who brought off an agreeable, if anomalous, combination of space-age and ancient Inca motifs, was Leonard England of Las Vegas. The Landmark's flying saucer superstructure is three stories high. A glass-enclosed elevator runs up the side of the pylon section to the flying saucer. The hotel's rates start at $16 single, $17 double, and go up to $25 for 'petite suites' in the tower section. Larger ground-floor suites are scaled from $65 to $85. " - Gladwin Hill, July 20, 1969

The opening occurred on July 1, 1969, with Danny Thomas playing in the showroom until July 6th. Stage Manager was Bill DeAngelis. Jimmy Durante performed there July 7-9, 1969.

With Thomas opening the resort, he was one of the many big-name entertainers to "swing" from one hotel to another (operated by the same owner). Hughes personally requested Thomas to open the Landmark for him calling the entertainer a "good luck" performer and a good box-office attraction. The "dual" booking of Thomas at the Sands and the Landmark by Hughes suggested up-coming, long term, multi-hotel contracts for Vegas entertainers and a possible plateau on spiraling talent costs.

The Landmark consisted of 525 rooms with two fully equipped casinos, one on the first floor and another on the second level of the three-story steel-and-glass cupola atop the tower. Adjoining the sky-high casino was a lounge bar and coffee shop. The topmost floor of the structure was occupied by a plush night club which provided a panoramic view of the city. The dance floor was large enough to accommodate 250 patrons. Two restaurants occupied the dome, Landmark's Mandarin Room which specialized in Chinese food and the Prime Rib Room. The dome covered over an acre of area and one could go there by a special glass-enclosed outside express elevator that travelled non-stop.

The entrance was in Incan with the entrance containing over 65 tons of marble. The unusual lighting fixtures cost $200,000. Just off of the casino area was an extensive shopping arcade which featured several shops and boutiques.

Each room advertised that they were soundproofed, draped with blackout curtains, and air-conditioned.

The swimming pool which resembled a lagoon was awarded the National Swimming Pool Institute's Gold Award as the world's most beautiful swimming pool.

The pool held 400,000 gallons of water and stretched close to 240 feet. At one end a massive lava rock waterfall tumbled nearly 4,000 gallons of water into the pool every minute.

Hughes had arranged that guests could receive daily golf privileges at either the Desert Inn (which he also owned) or the Paradise Valley Country Clubs at special rates. Landmark also sponsored a number of special guest golf tournaments which was named the Silver Cup Class Golf Tournament where teams of guests from various parts of the U.S., Mexico and Canada compete each month. The monthly winner and runner-up were invited back to compete in a Grand Championship Playoff for the Landmark Silver Cup.

Opening of the Landmark, which was located at the intersection of Convention Center Drive and Paradise Road would also mark the beginning of what real estate men and investment brokers said would be a second Strip. Paradise Road, which is east of the Strip and runs parallel to it, was the main thoroughfare for motor traffic to and from McCarran International Airport. At the time Hughes bought the Landmark, vacant areas along the artery were being bought up by developers who planned further hotel construction and commercial building.

The 500-seat Landmark Theatre was for showcasing the headliners.

In 1969, the Everly Brothers performed at the Landmark Theatre to a sold out crowd.

Other celebrities that were showcased in 1969 in the Landmark Theatre were Edie Adams, Charlie Callas, Allan Drake, Connie Francis, Peggy Lee, Trini Lopez, Nipsey Russell, Ray Sinatra Orchestra, Dinah Shore, Skiles & Henderson, and Joey Villa.

The Nighthawk Lounge showcased Tower Sweets Revue featuring Fay McKay/Ray Malus. Also showcased were Marian Love with Louis Chachere.

The Sky Lounge showcased Lauri Perry Four, Jody's 4, Judge's Nephews, Marv Nielsen & New Ideas, and Ray Malus Quartet.

Just across Paradise Road from the Landmark, Kirk Kerkorian's International Hotel (now called the Las Vegas Hilton), Las Vegas' most spacious (1,519 room) and costliest at the time ($60 million), was nearing completion and had announced an opening the day following that of the Landmark.

Unfortunately, the Landmark could never maintain economic stability. In just one year, the Landmark lost $5.944 million and Hughes' dream was faltering.

In 1970, Landmark Theatre showcased Glenn Ash; Teresa Brewer; Red Buttons; John Byner; Charlie Callas; The Celebrations; Bobby Darin; Danny Davis & The Nashville Brass; Jimmy Dean; Everly Brothers; Connie Francis/Danny Davis/Nashville Brash; The Four Guys; Bobbie Gentry; Goose Creek Symphony; Dick Jensen; The King Family with Alvino Rey; King Sisters; Rich Little; Trini Lopez; Jaye P. Morgan; Ray Sinatra Orchestra; Kay Starr; and Irwin C. Watson. The Maitre d' was Emile Chappuis.

In March of 1970, Charlie Callas stirred up some hysteria in the hotel's coffee shop. He took a cream pie, plunged his fingers into it, and lathered his mouth. Looking like a mad werewolf, he circled the dining area trying to sell the battered pie with no luck. He went into the casino looking for a buyer . . . still no sale. When he returned with the plate, a little lady (admittedly from the farm and not a hep show biz buff) came in and innocently asked for the pastry. She sat down next to Callas, gave him a nickle, ate the dessert, and returned to her slot machine, all the while with Callas looking at her.

Also in March of 1970, Trini Lopez was performing when one of his fans became extremely boisterous. After telling the maitre d' it would take five men to quiet him, he calmly put his bare feet on the table. When two security guards attempted to remove the man, he resisted so forcibly, he rolled onstage. Fortunately, an off duty Vegas police officer was in the audience. He promptly took over the situation and escorted the man out of the showroom. Through it all, Lopez crooned Raindrops Fallin' On My Head, ignoring the entire incident. The crowd roared when the star casually capped the incident with "And to think I was considering a political career!"

The Nighthawk Lounge showcased the musical The Bare Facts alternating w/Al Bello Revue; Tubby Boots; Alliene Flanery; Trini Lopez; Roger Minami; The New Kick; Tower Sweets Revue starring Fay McKay/Ginnie Palone/Alliene Flanery/Algene/Roger Minami; Topless Tower Sweets '71 Revue starring Bernard Brothers/Joey Villa. The Sky Bar showcased Ken Brown Trio; Lauri Perry; Ray Malus; and Jody Four (aka Jody's 4).

Slavka Berosini borrowed the orangutan Gogo from dad's act at the Dunes, in order to greet Fay McKay on her return to the Landmark. Gogo created a lot of excitement applauding at ringside and later presenting Fay with roses. What the audience didn't know was that Slavka had foot surgery the day before and was in great pain. In spite of it, she forced herself to put on her stage boots and attend the show.

Club 27 showcased Stacey Carroll at the piano bar.

In July of 1970, Dwayne Hickman of Dobie Gillis fame was appointed publicity head of the resort.

Also during July of 1970, former champ Ray Robinson passed up the Landmark elevator in favor of a hike up and down the 27 floors for a speaking engagement.

The Landmark's happy hour in the Club 27 offered beverages for $.75 with free hors d'oeuvres.

During the 1970's strike going on at various resorts including Landmark, Jimmy Dean was seen waiting on tables much to the delight of the patrons.

During this time Landmark's Personnel Director was George H. Rhodine. Rhodine was born on February 4, 1905. As a youngster he studied for the ministry but switched to criminology. He entered the Denver Police Department as a detective secretary at 18 years old. He stayed in that field for 40 years. While working with Juveniles his concern was mainly directed toward parents, many of whom he felt abdicated their parenthood and were a direct cause of today's revolutionary actions of today's youth.

Upon formation of the Hughes Nevada Operation in Las Vegas in November of 1966, Rhodine functioned as an Executive Aide to Robert A. Maheu. Later he was charged with the employment of 1,400 workers for the manning of the Landmark.

Rhodine was a member of the Nevada Council, U.S. Small Business Administration, Las Vegas Sportsrayers, American Society for Industrial Security, Desert Inn Country Club, Nevada Safety Council, The Civilian-Military Council of S. Nevada, an honorary member of Veterans of Foreign Wars of U.S., secretary director of the Better Business Bureau of S. Nevada, and was appointed as special consultant to Clark County District Attorney George Franklin.

In 1934, Rhodine married Oldean Warren. His hobby was savings all his newspaper clippings.

Also during this time, Frank Modica was Managing Director.

In November of 1971, Dwayne Hickman and his assistant Roberta Boschetto resigned from their posts in the opens of opening a local branch office of Holland, Rothman, Hickman & Associates, an Advertising/Public Relations agency.

In 1971, Landmark Theatre showcased Buddy Alan; Leonelle Anderson; Frankie Avalon; Bakersfield California Brass; Tommy Cash; Roy Clark; Mike Curb Congregation; Danny Davis; Jimmy Dean/The Imperials/Dottie West; Duncan Sisters; Barbara Eden; Herb Eden; Every Brothers; Four Guys; Bobbie Gentry; Grand Ole Opry w/Ferlin Husky/Archie Campbell/Bob Luman/The Stonemans/Nashville Sounds; Kenni Husky; Waylon Jennings/Grandpa Jones/Roy Acuff; Dick Jensen starring in Aloha Hawaii w/cast of 40; George Jones; Merle Kilgore; Abbe Lane/Charlie Callas; Local Gentry; Jerry Lee Lewis; Tommy Martin Orchestra; Lamar Morris & Cheating Hearts; Jan Murray; Buck Owens; The Duke of Paducah; Patti Page/Billy Walker/The Tennessee Walkers; Susan Raye; Plymouth Rock; Joe Recca; Don Rich & The Buckaroos; Ray Sinatra Orchestra; Billie Jo Spears; John Strong Circus; Tahitis Dancers; Tennessee Walkers; Gordon Terry; Diana Trask; Lee Tully; Billy Walker; Hank Williams, Jr.; and Tammy Wynette/George Jones.

Due to the overflowing audiences, people were being refused admittance to the Jimmy Dean/The Imperials/Dottie West shows. One evening, unknown to the Landmark staff, one of the people to be refused entrance was Elvis Presley. It was stated that Presley, pretending he was not a celebrity, took it in stride and left. He showed up early the next evening and was allowed entrance.

Herb Eden had the audience laughing when he commented on the Pope's statement that he was against the Birth Control Pill "If you don't play the game, don't make the rules!"

When Barbara Eden opened at the resort, included in the audience was Eden's husband Michael Ansara, Bob Crane, Shirley Jones, Gail Fisher, Peter Marshall, Lex Barker, Don Drysdale, Merv Adelson, and Irwin Molasky.

When Foster Brooks walked out of International to look for his car, he was a bit confused and walked up to a parking attendant wearing a floral shirt, to ask for directions. The attendant obliged and Brooks located his car. A few evenings later Etta Cortez of Fabulous Las Vegas Magazine introduced Brooks to that parking attendant. Brooks was flustered to discover the attendant was Dick Jensen.

The Nighthawk Lounge showcased The Bare Facts; Stacey Carroll; Pat Collins; Roy Clayborne Show; Davis & Reese; The Goodtime Chariot; Instant Fun w/Davis & Reese; Jades & J'Adorables; Maryland King Show; The Marshmello Company; The Uprising featuring Jan Mills/Paul Littlechief; The Jerry Naylor Show featuring Kay Adams/Durham Brothers; Rising Generation; and Tower Sweets '71 starring The Bernard Brothers/Ginny Palone/Roger Minami.

The Sky Bar showcased The Jody Four; Dick Francis Quartet; Marv Nielsen; Lauri Perry/Kenny Brown Trio; Tommy Martin Quartet; and Chip Richards Trio.

During this year the Sky Bar was advertised as having a 360 degree view of the entire Las Vegas valley. Music was continuous 10:00pm to 4:30am.

Frank Modica and the Landmark took out an ad in the Fabulous Las Vegas magazine wishing everyone holiday greetings.

In December of 1972, it was advertised the all-new Sky Top Rendezvous featuring dancing 31 floors up among the stars from 9:00pm to dawn. It was advertised that Charlie Shaffer and his gang, featuring Diane Elliott and Canada's number one dance group Joy.

It appears that sometime in 1972 the Landmark Threatre was renamed Supper Club. It also appears that the Nighthawk Lounge was renamed Casino Lounge, but then switched back again. (I'm still trying to figure it out.)

Please get your scorecards ready - during June of 1972, Hughes Corporation was playing musical positions - Perry Lieber was still Chief of Public Relations for Hughes Hotels, even though he was also the new General Manager of the Landmark; Frank Modica became General Manager of Desert Inn; Irv Rogers left Desert Inn to become General Manager of Silver Slipper; Glen Neely left Slipper to head the Landmark's casino; Jack Pieper was recalled from Reno to become General Manager of Frontier; and Al Guzman moved his publicity/advertising office to Landmark.

In 1972, the Theatre showcased Frankie Avalon; Jeannine Burnier; Roy Clark; Jimmy Dean; Barbara Eden; Donna Fargo; Bobbie Gentry; Florence Henderson; The Imperials; Frankie Laine; Rich Little; Tommy Martin Orchestra; John Miller; Roger Miller; Patti Page; Skiles/Hernderson; and the Sound Generation.

Club 27 (which was also called Casino Lounge) showcased Stacey Carroll; and Jami Jamison. The Maitre 'd was Sam Barbee.

Also showcased in 1972 in the Supper Club was Carroll & Daly; Chandler Conspiracy; Florence Henderson; Jades & J'Adorables; Joy; Kimo; Zella Lehr; Frankie Laine; Rich Little; Jack Loren; Gary Marshal & Tony Reese; Tommy Martin Orchestra; Roger Miller; Patti Page; and Tony Rome. The Sky Top showcased Charlie Shaffer featuring Diane Elliott; The Jody Four; Joy; and Jimmy Hendrickson. The Nighthawk Lounge showcased Briley & Branch; Stacey Carrol; and Kenny Davis Road Show. The Supper Club advertised a prime rib dinner and a show for $4.95.

On June 30, 1973, Red Glover who started at the Landmark as a Box Man, began his new position of Casino Boss.

In 1973, Supper Club showcased Carroll & Daly, Chandler Conspiracy, Roy Clayborne, Carroll & Daly, Dancing w/Joy, Kimo Show, Zella Lehr, Jack Loren, Gary Marshal/Tony Reese, Gelsa Palao, Ralph Pollack Trio/Bonnie Graham, Terry Richards, and Lou Styles & The Stylists with Toni Sandoval. The maitre d' was Sam Barbee, then Peter Bella.

The Nighthawk Lounge showcased Briley & Branch, Kenny Davis Road Show, Leonard Stanley. The Maitre 'd was Sam Barbee.

The Sky Top showcased Jimmy Hendrickson, Chuey Reyes, and Charlie Shaffer featuring Diane Elliot.

It was reported that Landmark employee Jennie McIlvaine was sending publicity releases to her husband, Red McIlvaine, of KORK TV and radio.

Buffets during the first part of 1973 cost $1.95, but in mid-1973 it was raised to $2.25.

In 1974, William G. Bennett and William Pennington attempted to buy the troubled Landmark. Every time Bennett made an offer and thought he was close to a deal, Hughes would raise the price. They gave up and bought Circus Circus instead.

In 1974, the Sky Top Rendezvous showcased Rich Bono, and Charlie Shaffer/Dianne Elliott with dancing nightly from 9:00pm to 3:00am.

The Supper Club showcased Carrolll & Daly, and Zella Lehr.

The Theatre showcased Lloyd LIndroth, Jack Loren, and Gary Smith & The Whiskey River Band.

Also in 1974, Perry Lieber, General Manager of the Landmark, was transferred to General Manager of Public Relations for Howard Hughes' Nevada Corporation. Lieber also acted as consultant to the Desert Inn, Sands, Castaways, Silver Slipper, Frontier, and Landmark Hotels.

In 1976, Landmark showcased Country Western USA starring Johnny Tillotson; Gunilla Hutton; and George Lindsey. The Sky Top Rendezvous showcased Disc-O-Dance. The Club 27 Piano Bar showcased Vince Cardell.

Vince Cardell was the protege of Liberace. Cardell would play anything from ballads to show tunes to pop and rock, from Chopin to Gershwin to Bacharach to the Beatles. Club 27 was located on the 27th floor of the tower.

In 1979, the Nifty Nook showcased Freddie Empire. Skytop Rendezvous showcased Edie Aikels and live disco dancing. Club 27 showcased Scott Nellis. Empire Room showcased Redd Foxx; and The Gentlemen.

Sometime in the 1980s renovations were made and it was called the New Landmark even though the new marquee still stated Landmark.

In 1981, one of the stars to appear was Redd Foxx.

In 1981, 1983, and 1985, The Sky Top Disc-O-Dance advertised dancing from 9:00pm to 3:00am nightly.

In 1982, Landmark showcased Lovelace Watkins for $14.95 including two drinks.

In 1983, the Galaxy Lounge showcased The Last Band.

In 1984, Landmark showcased Mikey Finn Presents Pete Barbutti & Fay McKay. The Empire Room showcased Jimmy "The Scot" Jordan in his Live Gambling Show.

In 1985, the Empire Showroom showcased the Mickey Finn Show starring Fred Finn.

The Love Song Lounge was located at on the 31st floor. It offered dancing with a view of the entire valley.

During this year the casino held six poker tables with Jeff Parise as Manager.

The Cascade Terrace Buffet was $3.48 for breakfast, $4.48 for lunch, and $5.98 for dinner. The Sunday brunch was $7.95 with children being $3.50.

In 1987, Landmark had a recurring role in the TV show Crime Story.

Chuck Wood, Manager of the Casino Royale, remembers that during this time period, William Morris had purchased the Landmark. Morris didn't fare any better as the bank forclosed on this property, and it was subsequently sold to the Las Vegas Convention Authority.

"Bill Morris was a minority owner in the Holiday Casino. Shelby Williams and his wife Claudine were the owners of it originally when Bill was involved. Shelby died, and everyone thought Claudine would give it up and sell it or let Morris run it. Claudine went it alone and turned it into a huge success. When Harrah's wanted to buy in, she sold a percentage for $60 million. Later Harrah's asked her to sell the remainder. She told them she would take $120 million for the remainder and they accepted the offer with Claudine staying on as a Chairperson. Morris sold his interest in the neighborhood of 6 million.
Hughes Corporation under Lummis sold the Landmark to Morris. It never did make any money because of it's lack of rooms. Morris was underfinanced and borrowed a couple of million from Charlie Frias who owned several of the local cab companies. The film "Diamonds are Forever" was filmed at Landmark and around Vegas. This did boost business at the Landmark but not saving it. When Morris lost the Landmark he did not pay Frias back. Morris had to work for Frias as his "in-house" attorney. Morris died several years ago. Charlie Frias is still kicking. He owns the largest cab and limousine company in town.
Frias couldn't obtain a gaming license. He owned about 40% of the Boardwalk casino up until MGM acquired it. I think he made about 200 million on that deal. Various individuals and the Convention Authority asked to leave the Landmark and use it for offices. Didn't quite understand this....As I recall, a lot of people were hung up on the uniqueness of the Landmark. After all, it WAS a "Landmark."
The restaurant at the top revolved. It was really neat. I can't remember if it was still in operation or not in later years when Bill had it. I do remember they had a "Lambada" dance club, but I can't remember if it was in the tower or not. I do remember that one of the bartenders there was Meyer Lansky......Meyer Lansky of the "Bugs and Meyer" gang....Last I heard, he went to Reno. Al Capone's grandson is here in Vegas now. He has a band.
I always liked the Landmark for it's showroom. It was one of the best designed larger showrooms I've ever experienced. We used to have our monthly "Saints and Sinners" charity meetings in the Landmark showroom." - Donator L, early 2002

In the summer of 1988, Landmark unveiled Top of the Place, a new lounge encompassing the 31st floor. The upscale nightclub had gigantic windows that overlook the Las Vegas Valley, providing a 360 degree view of nighttime Vegas. A professional disc jockey played jazz and sophisticated rock music with a high-tech video system.

In 1988, Main Showroom showcased 88 Follies Revue starring Melinda, and Melinda, the First Lady of Magic. The Night Cap Lounge showcased Chuy Gomez.

The Landmark closed in 1990. The owner of the Landmark at the time of closing was Bill "Wildcat" Morris, who in 1998, was representing taxicab companies. Before she closed, she showcased The Pat Collins Show, and the Casino Lounge showcased The Steve Long Show.

On Tuesday, November 7 ,1995, at 5:35am, using a mere 100 pounds of dynamite, the Landmark was no more. After the initial detonation, the Landmark didn't go down immediately as planned. It was standing erect and proud. Some onlookers thought the detonation didn't work. Then half of the building, like in slow motion, started disintegrating and topple over, with the second half following.

Click here for newspaper photos of the demolition

The following implosion pictures were taken by, and is owned by, Mike Christ. These pictures are for the purpose of documenting this site. Mike Christ - All rights reserved. These pictures, in whole or in part, may not be copied or duplicated in any manner without written permission from the owner. If you wish to buy the original pictures from Mike, please e-mail me. The Stratosphere's basic lights are in the background, the Sahara in the background clearly shows the time - 5:39am, and the temperature at 62F. The last picture was taken about 2 minutes after it was totally down. Mike had to wait for some of the smoke and dust to clear. This picture also depicts the new Landmark (Stratosphere Tower, not completed at this time) taking its place. A poetic picture of the old giving way to the new.

First four pictures. The next four pictures. The next four pictures. The last two.

In it's place is now a parking area for future convention attendees.

The implosion of the Landmark hotel was the second tallest building in the world ever imploded. The tallest was the Mendez Caldera office building in Brazil in 1978, which was only a few feet taller. Incidentally, Controlled Demolition, Inc., executed both projects along with the completion of the demolition of the Oklahoma City Federal Building after the bombing.

While planning the demise, the demolition company discovered not only that there were no blueprints available, but that there were also many hidden and unusual features. Among them was a hidden stairwell which was behind a plain locked door presumed to be a secret exit for Hughes.

The Landmark did make some movie appearances including that of "Casino". The Landmark's demise will not be completely forgotten. The actual implosion was used by Director Tim Burton in the movie "Mars Attacks!", as well as in the movie Blasted in Las Vegas.

As to why Hughes chose the Landmark, out of all his casinos as his dream and pet project is pure speculation but some opinions are as follows:

1. Out of all the resorts/casinos owned by Hughes, the Landmark was the only one that wasn't already opened and fully operational. The Landmark was bare so to speak, and this gave Hughes' total control of the interior, patterns, dice, cards, stirrers, ashtrays and logos. The Landmark had no reputation so Hughes would be the one to give it a reputation in Las Vegas;

2. As stated above, analysts, businessmen, developers, people looking for employment, and the like were all looking up to Hughes, as well as Kerkorian, to start a New Strip. With the success of the International and Landmark, his resort would definitely live up to its name. It would be known as one of the two "landmarks" of the new Strip.

Why didn't the Landmark make it? Again, pure speculation, but all research and talking with the people who were there at the time, said it was because of the man who made it his vision. Hughes killed his dream.

This was the kiss butt period for the Strip. Owners went out and gambled with people, giving them comps and making them feel like money lost was well spent. They hired high profile celebrities to entertain and mingle with people. At the International, Kerkorian could be seen roaming the casino, buying people drinks, comping them and gambling with everyone. He would have the biggest names there, not only entertaining but also mingling (an art he used when he opened the MGM Grand a few years later).

At the much smaller Landmark, Hughes was nowhere to be found. Even though there were big names, few mingled. Hughes knew the rules as he used them at his other resorts, but somehow, somewhere, he just didn't see the need with his baby Landmark.

Some say the Landmark's failure was the end of Hughes' visions. He left Las Vegas shortly after it was evident the resort was failing. So many people were relying on Hughes to start a new Strip with more income for Las Vegas. The International couldn't do it alone. It needed at least another big name owned resort to get it off the ground. The Landmark wasn't it and Hughes' saw failure at its maximum limit.

Everyone at the other resorts I talked to all had one question. Why was the Landmark imploded? With Las Vegas needing all the convention facilities they can get, and the Landmark having that revolving huge open space on top, it would've made an excellent convention facility. It was much more useful being a convention center than a parking lot.

Skyline picture of the Landmark next to the Paddlewheel.

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