El Cortez Hotel

Designed by Reno-based architect George Ferris and his son, the El Cortez Hotel was Reno’s tallest building when it was completed in 1931. Today it is one of three remaining major Art Deco buildings in the city. In its heyday the hotel featured the Orchid Room and a popular restaurant called the Tracedero Room. The El Cortez was built in anticipation of increased divorce traffic after Nevada’s divorce laws were liberalized.

VR by Reynolds School of Journalism student Brett Corbin (2004).