Committed to the community

Representatives from Full House Resorts, the parent company of Fallon’s Stockman’s Casino, Mayor Ken Tedford and other community leaders attended on Wednesday the demolition of an office building that will make way for a new well-lit parking lot in order to provide improved casino access.

“This is a great project,” Tedford said after crews from A & K Earth Movers began to tear down the old building that dates back about 50 years. “They (Full House Resorts) have a real interest and confidence in our community. They were willing to make the investment.”

At one time, the building served as a “mini” strip mall with four businesses.

Furthermore, Tedford said both Full House and Stockman’s are “strong players” not only in the local economic community but also in the fabric of both Fallon and Churchill County.”

Stockman’s recently celebrated its 47th anniversary in July. Full House Resorts acquired the property in 2007 from the Peters family.

The $1.5 million project will take about six to seven months depending on the winter weather. Scott Ruhl, general manager of Northern Nevada for Full House, said the parking lot should be completed by the end of the year, and the new office building should be finished in early 2017.

With the demolition of the old building, Full House Resorts — which owns, develops and operates gaming facilities throughout the country —set up temporary accommodations in the back of Stockman’s for the main offices. The new offices, however, will be located on the casino’s east side.

“Our entire team is excited with the upcoming improvements,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming our guests into a newly energized casino.”

Likewise, Fallon native John Oceguera, who served as Speaker of the Nevada Assembly but now lives in southern Nevada, is a consultant to Full House Resorts. The former Churchill County High School graduate said he is pleased with Full House’s interest in Fallon and also with its involvement in the All-Community Reunion, Fourth of July parade and Relay for Life.

“The community is really excited about what they (Full House) are doing here. With the new parking lot, we can have car shows or cookoffs,” Oceguera said. “Their investment in the community will get others to step up.”

Daniel R. Lee, president and CEO of Full House Resorts, echoed Oceguera’s enthusiasm for Fallon.

“We value our long-standing position in the Fallon market, and we look forward to showcasing these exciting property improvements to our customers and friends in the community,” he said.

In addition to adding a beautifully landscaped parking lot, Jill Marshall, director of marketing for Northern Nevada, showed an architectural rendition of how the casino’s west side will be enhanced with energy-saving foyers and a porte-cochere. Additionally, she pointed to the areas where plants, trees and bushes will be planted around the building for improved curb appeal.

Marshall said Full House has also been undertaking “soft renovations” inside the casino with new products and better lighting. The new project follows recently made improvements that included new carpeting and enhancements to the slot machine floor.