In 1981, Major Riddle sold the Silverbird to veteran casino executive Ed Torres. Torres added a Spanish Mission style front, and built a new tower. He renamed the property the El Rancho, after the first hotel on the strip. He added a 52-lane bowling center, which included a bar and snack bar.

In spite of Torres's efforts, business at the El Rancho declined and the property closed in 1992.

For many years the El Rancho stood empty and neglected. I can remember seeing a sign on the property, for years, that said "Countryland USA-coming soon!" Countryland never came, nor did any of the other projects proposed for the property.

Finally, in 1999, Turnberry Associates bought the property which was a major eyesore by that time. They imploded it on October 3, 2000.

First published in the Casino Chip and Token News Magazine, Volume 20, Summer 2007 issue.

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