Photos: Palace Station’s 2-year modernization project is almost done. Here’s a look

Palace Station’s $192 million modernization is nearly complete, enhancing the flagship Station Casinos property with upgrades to amenities, gaming and dining.

The progress has been obvious to visitors over the past two years, as well as commuters driving by the property off Interstate 15 and Sahara Avenue.

“The property is 40 years old and it’s still going to be the classic Palace Station,” said Scott Nelson, the Palace Station general manager. “It’s a sense of pride being part of the property as we transform it into what it’s becoming today.”

The 220,000-square-foot addition includes a gaming area with 500 additional slot machines, which is set to debut next week. There will also be a renovated sports book, sports bar and an updated poker room, which will be ready to welcome players at the end of the summer.

“We listen to all of our guests to what exactly they’re looking for, as well as what potential new guests are looking for as we look to attract additional traffic from the Las Vegas Strip,” Nelson said. “It helps us speak to a broader audience and create a new level of excitement and fun with those food outlets as well.”

An old Station Casinos family favorite, the Feast Buffet, will get a new look and layout. Originally introduced at the property 30 years ago, the buffet now features a modern look and food stations laid out by the way the food is prepared, as opposed to the country of origin that the Feast Buffet has used at its various locations around the valley. The updated buffet will debut in late July.

Boathouse Asian Eatery, a Northern California favorite, will offer Japanese and east Asian fare, including fresh seafood, sushi, noodles and other traditional Chinese cuisine. The up to 180-seat space also features the first outdoor dining space at Palace Station, with its patio area. The restaurant will open in early August.

BBD’s (Beers, Burgers, Desserts) featuring gourmet burgers, craft beer and desserts. The space seats up to 193 guests and will open Labor Day weekend. The outlet will feature vegetarian and vegan options as well.

Later this year, the final new food offering at Palace Station, Mumfresh Asian Eats, will open, offering a casual environment with quick serve, teppanyaki-inspired menu. Items include banh mi sandwiches, noodle soups and boba teas.

A new 300-spot parking lot located on the east side of the property, closest to I-15, will be available to guests at the end of the month.

A new 80-foot-wide by 21-foot-tall LED display wall on the northeast corner of the building facing Sahara replaces the iconic 128-foot-tall, train-themed marquee that was dismantled over three weeks beginning in late April. Additionally, an 83-foot–wide by 34-foot-tall LED display wall was installed on the new south entry facing the pool area.

A Regal Entertainment boutique nine-screen luxury theater with recliner seating, and an attached Cinebarre restaurant serving food, beer and wine before and during movies, delivered to customer in the theater, is set to open later this year.

“Guests literally from their seat in the theater can order anything from popcorn, soft drinks and candy you’ll find at a traditional theater, to burgers, chicken fingers, salads and steaks, craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails delivered right to their seats,” Nelson said. “There’s also an upstairs dining experience with an indoor bar and restaurant that also complements that whole concept for the guests.”

Renovated guest rooms are under construction now and are expected to come online later this year.

These latest additions join the new low-rise exterior façade, an updated porte-cochere with valet area, resort-style pool, a new bingo room, additional tables games and other upgrades that are already open to the public.

The update now brings what was the oldest, and most outdated Station property, on par with its higher-end resorts, Red Rock Resort and Green Valley Ranch Resort. Despite that, Nelson said the goal is to offer the upgraded experience at a convenient price.

“We want to offer that great experience, with a new look and feel, but hold on to tradition,” he said. “This is the classic Palace Station. It’s those core guests and the value proposition that we’ve always provided to them and kept them loyal for the last 40 years, and we look to continue that tradition.”