Key Takeaways
Ellis Island Casino Hotel no longer wants to be known as a dive. The first official renderings of how the family-owned property will look after emerging from its current $35 million cocoon of renovation were released Monday. And, frankly, the vibe is more Wynn Resorts than it is cheap BBQ, dive bars, and $5 blackjack and craps.
This is the largest renovation in the history of Ellis Island, which was opened by Frank Ellis Jr. as the Village Pub in 1968 before Frank’s son, Gary Ellis, expanded it to a full-fledged casino in 1973. (Image: Ellis Island)“It’s no longer the little dump with cheap and good food,” commented Twitter/X user @lizzie3420552 below the first glimpse of the renderings provided by X account this weekend.
“Long as steak and eggs stay at $9, they can do anything they want lol,” added @picazo_198.
The expansion, occurring in the casino s former brewery space, will take the gaming floor out to Koval Lane, adding over 250 slot machines, an additional pit area, a new casino center bar, and a new rooftop bar/event space. The existing building will have its casino floor, Village Pub Café, and ever-popular karaoke lounge all revamped.
The new casino center bar. (Image: Ellis Island)“We are very excited to have this project under way,” VP of Development Christina Ellis, Gary Ellis’ daughter, said in a press release. “The city is growing, and we are eager to expand our offerings while staying true to what has kept us a staple on Koval Lane for 56 years, with great value dining, gaming, and amenities.”
No timeline for the renovation was provided.
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