Las Vegas Hotel Imploded

Las Vegas's New Frontier casino-hotel was demolished early today as over 1,000 pounds of explosives imploded the 16-story tower, as reported by the Associated Press. A group of reporters and bystanders stood by watching as the second Las Vegas Strip property was destroyed.

As the New Frontier fell, Elad Group owner and Israeli billionaire Yitzhak Tshuva shook hands and gave hugs. His goodbye to the New Frontier is the official starting point for the next big Vegas venue, an $8 million dollar resort project that will bear The Plaza brand name. It is set to open in 2011.

The new property will house a luxury hotel, private residences, retail space and a casino, all aiming to reach the highest end of the market. IDB Group and Elad Group, the owners of New York's Plaza hotel, said, "Let me promise to all of you today that we will build in this beautiful city one of the most magnificent hotels in the world."

The New Frontier was built in 1942 and was the Strip's first theme casino. It also hosted Elvis Presley's debut to Las Vegas. Over the years, the New Frontier became known for bikini bull riding, cheap accommodations, and $5 craps. It officially closed its doors in July.