Momentum is gaining for a resurrection of the historic Moulin Rouge casino (off Bonanza).

Listed in the United States National Register of Historic Places, Moulin Rouge was the first racially integrated, desgregated hotel casino across employees, entertainers, and patrons.

Banned performers in other casinos were welcome at the Moulin Rouge, the reputation of which lived much longer than the six short months in 1955 when it was open.

Ahead of its time, it wasn't until five years later in 1960 when all casinos in Las Vegas desegregated.

Every few years there are sparks to bring back Moulin Rouge. The owners of Foxwoods Casino (in Connecticut) were interested at one point, along with Bob Stupak, former owner of Stratosphere.

Still without solid financial backing, Republic Urban Properties and backers are hoping to have enough funding locked in to launch at the end of 2010. They've also enlisted Epic Gaming to consult and run the casino if/when it reopens.

If Moulin Rouge returns, it could be the start of Las Vegas West.