BRAD HORN/Nevada Appeal Robin Zakzeski, of the Ormsby House, talks about the project's progress Thursday morning from the swimming pool area on the second floor.
Despite its closure in December 2000, the Ormsby House is getting two to three calls for room reservations per day, said Ormsby spokeswoman Robin Zakzeski.
Owner Don Lehr expects the casino to open for business sometime in 2005, and people should expect to see a lot of activity soon, Zakzeski said.
"This summer we'll be working on the exterior," she said. "We're going to get that done while weather is nice and save the interior work for next winter."
Now the building is a shell with cement floors and steel beams. From the 10th floor, the Ormsby offers expansive views of the Capitol complex, the town and the mountains beyond.
The building's exterior boasts new arched windows, and a smooth, stucco exterior is replacing the old brick.
No theme or decor has been chosen, but Zakzesi promises an upscale facility that can accommodate locals and other casual visitors.
"We want people to be comfortable here. The success of our business depends on locals," she said. "Don Lehr wants the Ormsby to be something the people of Carson City can be proud of."
First-floor plans include a hotel lobby, casino, brew pub, buffet and coffee shop. The convention space, meeting rooms and fine dining will all be on the second floor and about 168 hotel rooms and suites will fill the remaining eight floors.
The walkway coming from the parking garage will be enclosed, as will the pool on the deck just outside the third floor.
Lehr and his partner, Al Fiegehen, originally expected to undertake the renovation without closing the hotel and casino. After hammering away at the walls, they found multiple structural problems and announced the closing to give contractors room for a massive renovation.
Built in 1972 by the Laxalt family, Ormsby House has had troubled times for most of its existence except for the 10 years it was owned by Woody Loftin, who died in 1986.
Bankruptcy shuttered the Ormsby House from January 1993 to February 1995, and a second bankruptcy followed in February 1997.
Fiegehen and Lehr, owners of local manufacturer Cubix Corp., bought the property for $3.75 million in September of 1999.
Contact Susie Vasquez at svasquez@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.
