City officials in Elk Grove, California have announced that Boyd Elk Grove LLC recently purchased the former site of the abandoned Outlet Collection at Elk Grove mall. The 64-acre so-called “Ghost Mall” was partially built on the property for 11 years before being demolished last year. It’s located next to the 36-acre tract owned in federal trust for the Wilton Rancheria’s casino-resort project.
Elk Grove LLC is an entity of the Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming Corp., which is partnering with Wilton Rancheria to develop their gaming project. Boyd Gaming President and CEO Keith Smith said, “This investment demonstrates our continuing commitment to the Wilton Rancheria tribe and the Elk Grove community. By acquiring this parcel, the tribe and Boyd Gaming believe we will have the most dynamic casino and hospitality development site in all of Northern California.”
Wilton Rancheria Tribal Chair Jesus Tarango commented, “The purchasing of this land is just huge to us and it shows Boyd Gaming’s commitment to us in developing our project. We appreciate our partners. I think a lot of people talk about things, but Boyd Gaming actually moves with their actions. We’re in the best position that the tribe could be in to ultimately break ground and get things moving here in our near future.”
Elk Grove City Manager Jason Behrmann said although the city was “disappointed” the mall owners “were unable to deliver on their mall project for our community, we are excited for the opportunity to work with Boyd Gaming to make the best use of this long-neglected property in our city. This sale offers a fresh start and a new opportunity to develop something with a group who shares the city’s vision for the site and its potential as a regional destination.”
