By james art 
Reno, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) – Thursday has been 25 years since the center’s silhouette changed forever when the iconic Mapes Hotel in Renault was accompanied by a significant event in the history of the city. Mapes, built in 1947, is the first skyscraper built in the Western United States after World War II, combining hotel and casino in the distinctive style of Art Deco. He quickly became a premiere destination, attracting celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift and Clark Gable during the photos of The Mispits, as well as US President Harry Truman.
The driving room of the hotel was a famous nightclub, with stars such as Frank Sinatra and Sami Davis, Jr. However, Davis was forbidden to stay at the hotel due to segregation. Mapes also starred in the popular culture, appearing in an episode of Route 66 of 1961 and the 1974 movie California Split.
Despite its early success, Mapes struggles to compete with the more casino hotels by the end of the 70s. The financial difficulties led to the closure of his casino on December 17, 1982. Over the years, different owners tried to revive the property, but all efforts failed. In 1996, the Renault Reversion Agency acquired the building.
Although listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the “most endangered object”, the protection efforts were styled by reports showing poor construction. Despite the local protests, the city of Renault decided to demolish the cards on January 30, 2000.
The location is already home to Reno City Plaza – city leaders have provided major plans for the site but have not yet invested funds for a project. Plaza is visited by skaters, pedestrians and has random rally or protest.
It was the last major destruction in the largest small town and attracted hundreds, if not thousands, from viewers.