Maine Street demolition begins south of Nugget

Demolition of two buildings in a phased project has begun on a block immediately south of the Fallon Nugget.

According to Scott Tate, president and general manager of WCW Corporation that owns the Nugget along with other gaming facilities in Churchill County and in western Nevada, a new project will eventually be built downtown, but Tate said he is not at liberty to elaborate on those plans because of the economy’s uncertainty. Tate said the current economy makes businessmen cautious in moving forward with projects.

Tate confirmed the demolition will be done in phases and completed in 2014. So far, A & K Earth Movers have razed the old Candylyscious store and the Western Hotel. The city of Fallon said WCW Corporation owns everything on the block except for Lumos and Associates.

Tate also said businesses are reluctant to take major steps until owners know what the 2014 tax code will look like.

“Good, solid strong business people don’t take steps unless they know what the roles will be,” he said.

Tate also confirmed that escrow is scheduled to close sometime during the early spring for Chukars, which, before it closed, was a sports bar in Fernley near two major Interstate 80 truck stops, Pilot Travel Center and Love’s Travel Stop. Tate said WCW Corporation will not be able to open the new property until the Nevada Gaming Commission approves a gaming application which has been filed with the state agency.

“We plan to remodel the interior and open late summer or early fall,” he said.

Tate said part of the remodeling will be transforming the inside to a casino with a sports wagering revenue.

No terms of the sale have been released.

WCW Corporation also own the Bonanza Inn, The Comstock and Super 8 motel in Fallon; the Nugget and Wigwam in Fernley; and other casinos in Silver Springs, Gardnerville and Carson City.