100-Year-Old California Resort Once Owned by Frank Sinatra and Visited by the Kennedys Will Reopen Next Year

**Historic Lake Tahoe Resort Set for Major Redevelopment**

The iconic Cal Neva Resort, once a glamorous getaway for Hollywood’s elite, is set to undergo a significant redevelopment, emerging as the Lake Tahoe Proper Resort and Casino. Backed by a $298 million investment, the redesigned property is anticipated to reopen its doors to the public in late 2027.

Originally established in 1926 along the California-Nevada border, the Cal Neva gained fame in the 1960s as a playground for stars, including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and President John F. Kennedy. The resort became synonymous with glamour during this era, hosting numerous high-profile events and performances.

Realberry, a Denver-based real estate firm, announced it has secured the funds necessary for the ambitious project. Partnered with Proper Hospitality, the aim is to revitalise the historic site and restore its status as a premier hospitality destination in Lake Tahoe. Chad McWhinney, CEO of Realberry, expressed a commitment to preserving the resort’s legacy while ensuring its long-term sustainability in a recent press release.

“Cal Neva is one of the most storied hospitality properties in the West, and we feel a deep responsibility to get the execution right with Lake Tahoe Proper,” McWhinney stated. “Our focus has been on rigorous restoration, and this financing milestone allows us to continue to thoughtfully reestablish this asset.”

The redevelopment will feature a range of modern amenities and facilities. The new Lake Tahoe Proper will include 197 guest rooms, suites, and villas, as well as a variety of dining options anchored by the resort’s famed Circle Bar. Significant upgrades will be made to the existing meeting and event spaces, alongside the addition of a 225-seat theatre and a bustling casino.

In keeping with contemporary trends, the redesign will also encompass outdoor leisure activities. Two pool areas and a spa are planned, aimed at enhancing the overall guest experience while harking back to the resort’s historic charm.

The Cal Neva has a convoluted history, having experienced several ownership changes over the years. Frank Sinatra briefly owned the property from 1960 to 1968, during which time it became famous for its intimate theatre that allowed performers to engage with their audience like never before. The resort also featured a network of private tunnels for discreet movement among guests.

In 2013, the resort closed its doors for what was expected to be a major renovation; however, it remained shuttered. Five years later, the property made headlines once again when Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison purchased it at a bankruptcy auction for $35.8 million. Its latest ownership transfer occurred in April 2023, when McWhinney acquired it for about $52 million, signalling a renewed vision for the historically rich site.

As the Cal Neva approaches its centenary, the redevelopment into Lake Tahoe Proper marks a new chapter in its storied existence. With a careful blend of nostalgia and modern hospitality, the team behind the resort aims to attract a new generation of visitors while honouring its illustrious past.

The latest development is met with anticipation as the community watches the transformation unfold. The proposed reopening in late 2027 is expected to reinvigorate the local economy and restore the property’s image as a cherished destination for leisure and entertainment in the Lake Tahoe area. As plans become more concrete, excitement grows around the prospect of once more strolling through the halls that once welcomed a constellation of stars.