Redevelopment agency awards $75,000 façade grant to Poker Palace owner for Club Fortune North renovation

The North Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency on March 4 approved a $75,000 reimbursable commercial façade grant to Poker Palace Investments LLC, which staff says qualifies for the maximum award under the city's commercial façade improvement program.

Pete McHugh, representing Truckee Gaming and Poker Palace Investments, told the agency his company acquired the property on Oct. 1, 2025, and intends to reopen in April under the name Club Fortune North. McHugh said the project will involve extensive exterior renovations and begin an employment process "shortly".

Scott Carter presented staff's analysis, saying the applicant listed approximately 75 jobs on its application while McHugh described "105 employees"; Carter told the council staff evaluated a conservative payroll impact using roughly 77 jobs and estimated the annual payroll-related economic impact of those jobs at $18,800,000. Carter also described a total economic output multiplier that, using the $2.8 million investment figure, yields about $11,000,000 of total output as the work ripples through the local economy.

Carter said the commercial program is a reimbursable grant covering 50% of eligible exterior renovation costs up to $75,000 (or up to $90,000 for corner/frontage properties). He noted that the program can be used toward code compliance if the funds are not used solely for code issues, and that multi-tenant properties may also apply. Councilmembers asked about timing and extensions; Carter said approved projects should start within 45 days and complete work within 180 days, with a 60-day extension allowed in the program.

Councilman Churchill moved to approve the grant award and the motion passed by voice vote.

Staff and the applicant said downtown communications and recruitment will follow, and staff will bring approved applications for funding obligation and oversight as part of the agency's standard process.