Elaine Wynn, a pivotal figure in the transformation of the Las Vegas Strip, passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a lasting legacy that shaped the city’s resort landscape.
On a poignant evening last week, her friend and former executive assistant, Punam Mathur, took a drive along the Strip, where every resort marquee displayed a tribute to Wynn, projecting her image alongside the simple message: “Elaine Wynn — 1942-2025.”
Mathur reflected on the significance of this tribute, stating, “What made it so special for me is that she was presiding over the entire Strip that she helped deliver to the world.”
She reminisced about the challenges Wynn faced as a woman asserting her place in an industry dominated by men, highlighting how she forged her path to influence the iconic Las Vegas resorts we know today.
Among the projects Wynn was instrumental in creating are Wynn Las Vegas, Encore, Bellagio, and Treasure Island, all of which celebrated her contributions through the displayed tributes.
Elaine’s first steps into Las Vegas began at the Golden Nugget, an important landmark that marked the start of her illustrious journey in the city.
Her influence extended beyond the resorts as she worked alongside her former husband, Steve Wynn, and close friend, award-winning designer Roger Thomas.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Thomas expressed, “Elaine Wynn was the most significant woman in my career — a profound source of inspiration, a crucial critic, and a steadfast guide. Her unwavering encouragement and decisive course corrections were always given with generosity.”
Thomas continued to remember her not just as a mentor, but as a dear friend who had a profound impact on his life.
The Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation, led by Mathur, is currently engaged in an ambitious project that stands as a tribute to Wynn’s love for the arts: the $200 million Las Vegas Museum of Art, nestled in Symphony Park near The Smith Center for Performing Arts.
This museum is being developed as an affiliate of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where Wynn served as co-chair since 2015.
Construction is slated to begin next year, with an anticipated opening by 2028.
“Elaine referred to it as her last hurrah,” Mathur recalled. “She told me, ‘I have one more lift left in me.’ But she followed with her time and energy. Elaine wasn’t a drive-by donor.”
In a recent meeting, Wynn discussed her vision for the museum with newly elected Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, who expressed strong support for the initiative that had initially sparked under former Mayor Carolyn Goodman.
Berkley characterized the art museum as Wynn’s ultimate legacy for the city, emphasizing the significance of their shared history and mutual appreciation for each other’s contributions.
“I think that moment touched us both in a very profound way,” Berkley noted. “We were both looking forward to the future.”
As a journalist, I had the privilege of conversing with Wynn last December for a story regarding her longtime executive assistant, Shawn Cardinal.
During our 30-minute discussion, we reminisced about the 1989 opening ceremonies for The Mirage.
In that moment, she recounted an amusing incident where she expertly shielded financier Michael Milken from my inquiry amidst the gathering crowd.
Wynn also shared her aspirations for the art museum, highlighting plans to meet with a potential architect regarding a sculpture garden.
“We’re still a young city and we need to make this into a lovely place for everyone to enjoy,” she asserted passionately.
In other news regarding the tourism sector, Canadian visitors continue to show reluctance in traveling to Las Vegas, leading to a noticeable decline in air travel.
The latest figures from Harry Reid International Airport indicated a 4 percent dip in passenger numbers in March compared to the previous month, contributing to a 3.7 percent overall reduction for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Specifically, Canadian travel has seen a downturn as citizens express grievances toward the current U.S. administration and trade tensions that have affected relations between the two countries.
The three largest Canadian airlines reported declining numbers; WestJet, Reid’s leading carrier, saw a 14.4 percent decrease, while Air Canada fell by 6 percent.
The low-cost airline Flair reported the most significant drop, plummeting by 62 percent in passenger traffic.
Although international passenger numbers experienced a slight decline of less than 1 percent, they remain up nearly 5 percent compared to last year.
Shifting to other news, Clark County has approved an improvement district for the Oakland Athletics stadium proposal, advancing plans for the $1.75 billion project.
The creation of this Sports and Entertainment Improvement District grants the A’s owner, John Fisher, access to around $120 million for the development, thus propelling the project closer to a June groundbreaking.
Moreover, analyst insights reveal a trend among Las Vegas gaming executives favoring the elimination of federal income tax on tipped wages and Social Security payments.
Conversations with CEOs and CFOs from seven Las Vegas casino operators suggest this change could stimulate economic growth in the local community by increasing employees’ disposable income.
In conclusion, Elaine Wynn’s influence on Las Vegas remains etched in its vibrant Strip and the community at large.
Her efforts toward the art museum and other charitable initiatives demonstrate her commitment to building a brighter future for the city she loved.
With the Strip honoring her legacy, Wynn’s remarkable journey and contributions will continue to inspire future generations.
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