"My question is, are my dates wrong, or did the BC do a kinda Echelon Place thing..... Start up construction, and stop before finishing, or did they just hire a very slow contractor, putting this pic back pre '75? It doesnt seem like it would have taken very long to build the 7 story Barbary Coast."

The Flamingo did not start construction of their facade and tower until the spring/summer of 1976. So I am guessing that this is from 1978. Looking at the shadows this picture was taken in late winter or early spring. The Flamingo tried to stop the construction with a lawsuit claiming that the Barbary Coast was blocking their new facade. Also.. The Imperial actually did not change the name until late 1978.

Another interesting thing... See the power lines crossing the strip in the foreground, more have been added since the pictures. However they have all been moved underground, the project is just wrapping up. Harrah's paid a big chunk of money to have them moved.

Mike