Tourists worldwide flock to Las Vegas to experience its iconic landmarks, capturing memories with photos shared across social media.
Among these landmarks are the renowned “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign on the southern Strip, the mesmerizing Bellagio fountain show, the majestic Hoover Dam, and the stunning Red Rock Canyon.
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However, some enthusiasts insist that the list is complete with mentioning the pink elephant.
This distinctive elephant, a fixture at the closed Diamond Inn Motel, greets travelers along the northbound Strip, steps away from the famous welcome sign at 4605 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Diamond Inn Motel History
Despite its decades-long presence, the elephant shows visible signs of wear and tear.
The motel, originally known as the Desert Isle Motel when it debuted in the 1950s, stands as one of the oldest structures on the Strip.
During that era, unlike today’s sprawling megaresorts, it was common for casinos to operate without attached rooms alongside motels like the Lone Palm and Desert Rose.
The property, including the iconic pink elephant, is now up for sale, with online bids closing at noon today: Trey Perman, president and CEO of J.P.
King Auction Company, the organization managing the auction, sees this as an opportunity for a visionary buyer to shape the future of the South Strip.
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Alternative Development Plans
“This property has stood the test of time on the Strip, longer than most of us have been around,” Perman commented. “It’s a unique chance for the next owner—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of property that could serve as a blank canvas on the Strip.”
Spanning 1.36 acres, the property requires a minimum bid of $12.5 million and a $50,000 deposit for registration.
Perman mentioned a mix of interested bidders, some aiming to restore and reopen the motel while others are considering demolition for new development.
The property is zoned for hotel-casino use with approved buildable heights ranging from 406 to 505 feet.
Positioned across from Mandalay Bay and a short walk from Allegiant Stadium, the location offers numerous possibilities for prospective owners.
Perman envisions a sports-themed establishment for the property, paying homage to the sports tourism industry that has thrived in the city over the years with events like the Super Bowl and Formula One races.
“The location of this property offers a unique chance to create a standout resort that could become a cornerstone of one of the most frequented and celebrated spots worldwide,” said Steve Ellis, executive vice president of J. P. King Auction Company.
The 48-room property faced closure by Clark County last fall due to building code violations related to faulty mechanical and plumbing issues over a two-year period.
Despite the county providing multiple opportunities for the owner, Sam Aldabaggh, to address the issues, they still needed to be solved.
Consequently, power to the motel was deactivated on Oct. 2, 2023.
Pink Elephant future?
Regarding the famed pink elephant, rumored to have originated from Disney World in the 1950s (though this claim is debated), Perman reflects on its historical significance.
According to the motel’s website, the elephant used to produce loud trumpet sounds, leading to accidents and prompting the owner to remove the sound mechanism under county orders.
The website also claims that thousands of tourists annually stop to take pictures with the elephant, a testament to its iconic status.
Today may mark a turning point for the elephant’s future.
The property might undergo demolition, potentially relocating the elephant to a new home like the Neon Museum.
Alternatively, the elephant could continue symbolizing the property’s heritage under new ownership.
You’ll check back here regularly to stay updated on the news.
