View Full Version : LAS VEGAS | Boom Project Rundown! 2.0
CosmoVegas
Mar 31, 2009, 9:56 PM
The crane on the south side of the east (Beach) tower on th Cosmopolitan/Denizen is coming down now.
CHAPINM1
Mar 31, 2009, 10:05 PM
The crane on the south side of the east (Beach) tower on th Cosmopolitan/Denizen is coming down now.
WOW! Great to hear!!! Even though it still has a little ways before completion, I remember when it was nothing but a hole in the ground for a very long period of time. At least we know this project will be completed and not get caught up in limbo like it's neighbor the Harmon.
mac78130
Apr 1, 2009, 6:50 AM
Veer looking good :)
flickr photo by SimonDoggett (http://www.flickr.com/photos/simondee/3403109199/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3403109199_762497849f_b.jpg
mac78130
Apr 1, 2009, 9:00 AM
flickr photo by karlo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlo/3403670598/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3403670598_6473c9a6ac_b.jpg
mdiederi
Apr 1, 2009, 3:21 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/citycenter/Mandarin2-2.jpg
patrick84
Apr 1, 2009, 4:32 PM
^^^ Amazing vantage point. Mandarin looks ridiculously imposing in that picture. Very cool!
justdefended
Apr 1, 2009, 5:54 PM
flickr photo by karlo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlo/3403670598/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3403670598_6473c9a6ac_b.jpg
Great pic! Looks like the final floor is being completed on Veer East. Also, the glass on each tower is now pretty close to the 34 - 35th floor.
The roof of each tower will probably take some time to build out the infinity edge pool and gym amenities.
mdiederi
Apr 1, 2009, 9:08 PM
The crane on the south side of the east (Beach) tower on th Cosmopolitan/Denizen is coming down now.
Both tower cranes on the Beach are still at their full height and were lifting things when I shot this photo this morning.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/citycenter/Strip-1.jpg
justdefended
Apr 1, 2009, 9:44 PM
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123862021004479761.html
Colony Capital LLC, a Los Angeles-based real estate investment firm, is considering a possible investment in the troubled City Center project in Las Vegas, according to sources close to the company.
An investment from Colony could keep the $8.6 billion City Center project from bankruptcy and save thousands of construction and hotel jobs vital to the local economy.
A source close to Colony said the company is talking to both MGM Mirage and Dubai World, City Center's owners, about a possible investment. This person characterized the talks as "sporadic, but fairly recent wide-ranging discussions." This person said Colony is considering investing in the project, "as well as just brokering a strained relationship" between Dubai World and MGM Mirage.
CosmoVegas
Apr 1, 2009, 11:11 PM
Both tower cranes on the Beach are still at their full height and were lifting things when I shot this photo this morning.
I guess it was wishful thinking as it looked like it was on its way down from a flickr photo, oh well, ferreted out a nice picture for us! Thank you.
mac78130
Apr 2, 2009, 4:52 AM
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123862021004479761.html
Colony Capital LLC, a Los Angeles-based real estate investment firm, is considering a possible investment in the troubled City Center project in Las Vegas, according to sources close to the company.
An investment from Colony could keep the $8.6 billion City Center project from bankruptcy and save thousands of construction and hotel jobs vital to the local economy.
A source close to Colony said the company is talking to both MGM Mirage and Dubai World, City Center's owners, about a possible investment. This person characterized the talks as "sporadic, but fairly recent wide-ranging discussions." This person said Colony is considering investing in the project, "as well as just brokering a strained relationship" between Dubai World and MGM Mirage.
Is colony really in the right position to make any investments?
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/01/citycenter-contingency-plan-emerges-investor-shows/
justdefended
Apr 2, 2009, 11:07 PM
Is colony really in the right position to make any investments?
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/01/citycenter-contingency-plan-emerges-investor-shows/
Not sure, but Wall Street seemed to like the idea. MGM stock up 51 cents, or 19 percent, today.
mac78130
Apr 3, 2009, 11:36 AM
Personally I wouldn't mind seeing Dubai leave the CityCenter project.
"We believe Colony is pursuing a stake in CityCenter that partially or fully removes Dubai World from the joint venture but leaves MGM Mirage's 50 percent stake intact," Lerner said.
http://www.lvrj.com/business/42378292.html
mac78130
Apr 3, 2009, 11:52 AM
flickr photo by yukiryu (http://www.flickr.com/photos/27502986@N04/3409145634/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3612/3409145634_3abfa579ab_b.jpg
flickr photo by yukiryu (http://www.flickr.com/photos/27502986@N04/3403985072/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3403985072_a1d554b92c_b.jpg
Hi,
Forgive my ignorance, but I just wanted to ask how the LV construction was going? Are there a lot of project cancellations? I know there was a lot going on in the city, but whats going with that? Are a lot of condos and apartments not selling? Falling prices? Projects stalled? Are vacancies shooting up?
I know in Alberta, in Calgary, there are a lot of condominiums that are stopped when they are building the pit, leaving an empty hole. The sky is falling down in Calgary I think. Part of their new 'iconic' tower which would be the tallest west of Toronto is being shelved, it isn't the main tower ,but the adjacent complex. Other condos which would bring more people to the downtown core are just being shelved. The massive arriVa condominium project has rumours that 2 of the four towers won't be able to be built.
Just wondering if it is as bad as Calgary?
Again sorry for my ignorance.
mdiederi
Apr 3, 2009, 9:25 PM
Echelon is the biggest one to stall here.
CHAPINM1
Apr 3, 2009, 9:35 PM
I don't care how this comes across, but for as frusterated as I am with the Harmon they could either finish the GD thing or knock it down!!! I really don't care at all at this point...
mac78130
Apr 3, 2009, 10:06 PM
Aria's water feature taking shape. Also the "people mover" is scheduled to start testing this month :)
http://i544.photobucket.com/albums/hh359/mac78130/ariawaterfeature.jpg
http://www.citycenter.com/vision/vision_construction.aspx
hotdog
Apr 3, 2009, 11:36 PM
Packer is another potential investor for CityCenter:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123879624447987999.html
Krases
Apr 4, 2009, 12:17 AM
Aria's water feature taking shape. Also the "people mover" is scheduled to start testing this month :)
Water feature? What water feature?
Hi,
Forgive my ignorance, but I just wanted to ask how the LV construction was going? Are there a lot of project cancellations? I know there was a lot going on in the city, but whats going with that? Are a lot of condos and apartments not selling? Falling prices? Projects stalled? Are vacancies shooting up?
I know in Alberta, in Calgary, there are a lot of condominiums that are stopped when they are building the pit, leaving an empty hole. The sky is falling down in Calgary I think. Part of their new 'iconic' tower which would be the tallest west of Toronto is being shelved, it isn't the main tower ,but the adjacent complex. Other condos which would bring more people to the downtown core are just being shelved. The massive arriVa condominium project has rumours that 2 of the four towers won't be able to be built.
Just wondering if it is as bad as Calgary?
Again sorry for my ignorance.
Well the largest project to really take a hit was Echelon. Echelon is currently on hold through 2009 and it is a 5 billion dollar development. The Caesar's palace expansion is also on hold but they managed to finish up the exterior. The biggest project that is currently teetering on the brink is City Center. There partner, Dubaiworld is trying to pull out of the deal by suing MGM. If Dubaiworld does pull out then the project may not open and will just sit there 95% complete. Hopefully the suit fails and MGM can also find a third investor for additional cash.
"The end of Vegas" has been announced a dozen times over the past 60 years, but each time we come roaring back. I personally think we will see the cities largest building boom ever in the next five years depending upon the recovery of the national economy. At least the home foreclosure crisis seems to have hit its worst point and hopefully things will start to recover.
mac78130
Apr 4, 2009, 2:00 AM
Water feature? What water feature?
The water feature that will sit at Aria's porte-cochere... In the picture is looks like a black hole
http://i544.photobucket.com/albums/hh359/mac78130/ariawateredit.jpg
Krases
Apr 4, 2009, 2:13 AM
The water feature that will sit at Aria's porte-cochere... In the picture is looks like a black hole
http://i544.photobucket.com/albums/hh359/mac78130/ariawateredit.jpg
Ah I see now. I thought for a moment that there was going to be a giant Bellagio style water show on the roof of the building.
Awwww....
mdiederi
Apr 4, 2009, 2:36 AM
WALL
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/Wall.jpg
Zach6668
Apr 4, 2009, 5:04 AM
Great shot, Mark.
RandalR
Apr 4, 2009, 2:34 PM
Packer is another potential investor for CityCenter:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123879624447987999.html
Sure, he's the natural candidate. For enough money, he could probably get Vdara renamed "Crown Las Vegas". ;)
Water feature? What water feature?
Well the largest project to really take a hit was Echelon. Echelon is currently on hold through 2009 and it is a 5 billion dollar development. The Caesar's palace expansion is also on hold but they managed to finish up the exterior. The biggest project that is currently teetering on the brink is City Center. There partner, Dubaiworld is trying to pull out of the deal by suing MGM. If Dubaiworld does pull out then the project may not open and will just sit there 95% complete. Hopefully the suit fails and MGM can also find a third investor for additional cash.
"The end of Vegas" has been announced a dozen times over the past 60 years, but each time we come roaring back. I personally think we will see the cities largest building boom ever in the next five years depending upon the recovery of the national economy. At least the home foreclosure crisis seems to have hit its worst point and hopefully things will start to recover.
Wow okay thanks. It's good to hear a perspective of someone in the know.
WonderlandPark
Apr 4, 2009, 4:13 PM
Great shot of all the glass, wow.
I forgot to mention this earlier, but in Wikipedia's entry for tallest buildings of Las Vegas, the buildings are way out of date, someone who has the heights of Vegas buildings should go in an update the Wikipedia site.
justdefended
Apr 4, 2009, 9:38 PM
The water feature that will sit at Aria's porte-cochere... In the picture is looks like a black hole
http://i544.photobucket.com/albums/hh359/mac78130/ariawateredit.jpg
Was told before that this is a $25 million water feature designed by WET, which is responsible for Lake Bellagio and the revamped Mirage Volcano. Should be pretty interesting to see.
justdefended
Apr 4, 2009, 9:45 PM
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123883052441189601.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
MGM is shopping MGM Grand Detroit and Beau Rivage for a potential $2 billion. That should be be able to let them pay their bond debt and keep the company afloat.
RandalR
Apr 4, 2009, 10:32 PM
I'm hearing rumors FB is behind schedule and the opening date is going to slip to at least April, 2010.
mac78130
Apr 4, 2009, 11:17 PM
I'm hearing rumors FB is behind schedule and the opening date is going to slip to at least April, 2010.
I believe it, seeing the latest construction pictures on flickr I don't see how it can be ready for an October opening.
mac78130
Apr 5, 2009, 1:57 AM
A few photos from flickr photostream by Steve & Nazim (http://www.flickr.com/photos/43845999@N00/sets/72157616269932661/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3413403154_ddb57e5859_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3412598149_ca4803bc41_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3413404228_889233e437_b.jpg
Vdara window washers out on a limb
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3413402900_6fe388f8aa_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3413403026_4547feac66_b.jpg
I believe it, seeing the latest construction pictures on flickr I don't see how it can be ready for an October opening.
I would not be surprised if delays are intentional. The logic being, let's slow construction a bit and give ourselves another quarter or two, then hope and pray that the economy and credit markets improve by then.
Bruce911
Apr 5, 2009, 2:03 AM
Was told before that this is a $25 million water feature designed by WET, which is responsible for Lake Bellagio and the revamped Mirage Volcano. Should be pretty interesting to see.
The lake at the Bellagio was called Lake Como, the last I knew. Has there been a name change? This is not the first time I have seen it called Lake Bellagio, so maybe I am behind the times. Can anybody verify which name is correct? Thanks.
Bruce911
Apr 5, 2009, 2:18 AM
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123883052441189601.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
MGM is shopping MGM Grand Detroit and Beau Rivage for a potential $2 billion. That should be be able to let them pay their bond debt and keep the company afloat.
In this market, is the total potential price to be realized for these two properties really likely to be anywhere close to two billion? I saw nothing mentioned in the article, but I only got three paragraphs. Neither hotel has anything close to the number of rooms the Treasure Island has, and it recently sold for "only" 775 million. And neither one is in Las Vegas.
justdefended
Apr 5, 2009, 3:18 AM
The lake at the Bellagio was called Lake Como, the last I knew. Has there been a name change? This is not the first time I have seen it called Lake Bellagio, so maybe I am behind the times. Can anybody verify which name is correct? Thanks.
It's called the Fountains of Bellagio and the resort is said to be inspired by the Lake Como resort of Bellagio in Italy. I call it Lake Bellagio ;)
The $2B figure for MGM Detroit and Beau Rivage was from an AP article published today.
lfc4life
Apr 5, 2009, 12:44 PM
I would not be surprised if delays are intentional. The logic being, let's slow construction a bit and give ourselves another quarter or two, then hope and pray that the economy and credit markets improve by then.
by all accounts, FBlue has had all financing in place for a long time so slowing down now would make no financial sense, this ain't mgm or boyds partners who didn't have the required financing in place. if there is a delay i don't it has to do with the credit market, venetian and mandalay bay were delayed for other reasons
I believe it, seeing the latest construction pictures on flickr I don't see how it can be ready for an October opening.
its always hard to tell how much work is to be done by looking at photos or even standing next to the building, this is the state of palazzo 7 months before opening for example
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/Palazzo/P1-1.jpg
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=2835548&postcount=65
looking at photos there doesn't look to be a year's more work at FBlue but you never know of course
mac78130
Apr 5, 2009, 1:23 PM
by all accounts, FBlue has had all financing in place for a long time so slowing down now would make no financial sense, this ain't mgm or boyds partners who didn't have the required financing in place. if there is a delay i don't it has to do with the credit market, venetian and mandalay bay were delayed for other reasons
its always hard to tell how much work is to be done by looking at photos or even standing next to the building, this is the state of palazzo 7 months before opening for example
looking at photos there doesn't look to be a year's more work at FBlue but you never know of course
Palazzo's "soft" opening was a hot mess... Blue tape anyone? I'm hoping FB doesn't take that route. Maybe they will cancel the condo-hotel concept and go all hotel, only time will tell.
CHAPINM1
Apr 5, 2009, 9:27 PM
Regardless of when Fontainebleau opens, how's the progress? How is the upper remaining portion taking shape?
RandalR
Apr 5, 2009, 10:12 PM
Regardless of when Fontainebleau opens, how's the progress? How is the upper remaining portion taking shape?
The tower is looking great - pretty close to done. The podium level still needs a lot of work, as does the north end of the garage/convention center.
LA101
Apr 5, 2009, 10:26 PM
Did anyone in the L.A. area pick up the Sunday L.A. Times to get the Las Vegas issue of "LA" magazine?
I went to my local grocery store to check it out, but I didn't see the magazine insert in the paper. From what I saw on TV, there are some great photos of Las Vegas in it.
LA101
Apr 5, 2009, 10:28 PM
WALL
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/Wall.jpg
:eek: Awesome photo!
Is that the view from Industrial?
sw5710
Apr 6, 2009, 12:43 AM
I like the shot of the Palazzo 7 months before it's opening. FB possable in October now?
lfc4life
Apr 6, 2009, 2:47 PM
Regardless of when Fontainebleau opens, how's the progress? How is the upper remaining portion taking shape?
rex has some great shots from a few days ago http://www.casinoguide.com/blogs/lifeinvegas/blog/the-strip/fontainebleau-rising/
CHAPINM1
Apr 6, 2009, 11:48 PM
rex has some great shots from a few days ago http://www.casinoguide.com/blogs/lifeinvegas/blog/the-strip/fontainebleau-rising/
Oh my Gawd you weren't lying! Those are incredable!!!
mac78130
Apr 7, 2009, 6:04 AM
flickr photo by aknott01 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/12163466@N05/3419550335/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3419550335_acc49f62de_b.jpg
mac78130
Apr 7, 2009, 6:13 AM
rex has some great shots from a few days ago http://www.casinoguide.com/blogs/lifeinvegas/blog/the-strip/fontainebleau-rising/
This is probably my favorite shot.
http://www.casinoguide.com/blogs/lifeinvegas/files/2009/04/1592.jpg
Krases
Apr 7, 2009, 7:05 AM
I wouldn't say that it's going to take all that long for FB to finish. October? Why not? If they are already furnishing the rooms then its very possible. The crown is close to done and the main floor seems to be moving forward quickly. It all depends upon the backside though. That area seems to have a lot of windows to go.
The hoover dam bridge also seems to be coming along nicely. Hopefully that leads to more traffic into the city from Arizona.
mdiederi
Apr 7, 2009, 4:48 PM
Is that the view from Industrial?
Two blocks west on Trop, from the far side of the Viva lot.
mac78130
Apr 8, 2009, 6:17 AM
That's a huge tower.
flickr photo by Absynthe- (http://www.flickr.com/photos/absynthe/3423403840/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3423403840_da6f493486_b.jpg
mac78130
Apr 9, 2009, 7:15 AM
Lou Ruvo
flickr photo by Dan from Toronto1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/danmarston/3425639994/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3425639994_ed267ef56c_b.jpg
flickr photo by Dan from Toronto1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/danmarston/3425654422/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3425654422_d897654c08_b.jpg
CHAPINM1
Apr 10, 2009, 1:05 AM
When I come back out to Vegas and make yet another proud contribution to their economy in July, it will be really exciting to see how much Vegas has grown yet again! Regarding Fontainebleau, it would still be really cool if it were converted all to hotel. Obviously all the larger and expensive rooms would still be on the upper floors, but still anyone who wouldn't mind paying to stay there could...
Patrick
Apr 10, 2009, 1:13 AM
Lou Ruvo
flickr photo by Dan from Toronto1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/danmarston/3425639994/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3425639994_ed267ef56c_b.jpg
This thing is awfully tiny.
mac78130
Apr 10, 2009, 4:49 AM
flickr photo by v1viper (http://www.flickr.com/photos/v1viper/3427910160/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3427910160_5d977edc83_b.jpg
worldpool
Apr 10, 2009, 5:46 AM
bad news http://www.lvrj.com/blogs/business/Talks_break_off_between_MGM_Mirage_Colony_Capital.html that cloney wont help mgm out
mac78130
Apr 10, 2009, 7:33 AM
bad news http://www.lvrj.com/blogs/business/Talks_break_off_between_MGM_Mirage_Colony_Capital.html that cloney wont help mgm out
Disappointing.... :(
mdiederi
Apr 10, 2009, 2:46 PM
This thing is awfully tiny.
And awfully slow. It hasn't changed much since last summer.
mac78130
Apr 10, 2009, 4:04 PM
photos by michal postranecky: http://www.postranecky.com/
http://www.postranecky.com/image/ph-towers-44.jpg
http://www.postranecky.com/image/ph-towers-54.jpg
http://www.postranecky.com/image/ph-towers-58.jpg
http://www.postranecky.com/image/ph-towers-48.jpg
http://www.postranecky.com/image/ph-towers-Pano6.jpg
justdefended
Apr 10, 2009, 4:39 PM
http://www.postranecky.com/image/ph-towers-Pano6.jpg
I thought The Harmon disappeared but it was just blocked by Polo Towers! How sad.
justdefended
Apr 10, 2009, 9:44 PM
New plan calls for MGM Mirage, Dubai World and lenders to fully fund the remaining $3B needed to complete CityCenter.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123939646828409297.html
I'm not sure exactly how this helps MGM Mirage stay afloat if they need to put even more cash into the project, but at least Dubai is willing to put money in again.
lfc4life
Apr 10, 2009, 11:30 PM
New plan calls for MGM Mirage, Dubai World and lenders to fully fund the remaining $3B needed to complete CityCenter.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123939646828409297.html
I'm not sure exactly how this helps MGM Mirage stay afloat if they need to put even more cash into the project, but at least Dubai is willing to put money in again.
$3b??
when did it rise, the number quoted for over a year now has been $1.2b
mdiederi
Apr 11, 2009, 12:02 AM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/UnionPark1.jpg
From the Molasky building.
CHAPINM1
Apr 11, 2009, 12:22 AM
:previous: That is one awesome shot Mark! :previous: That earlier shot from mac78130 shows that one of the cranes (the east crane) is already taken down! Both the Stratosphere and Fontainebleau stand proud in this photo with the rest of the great skyline following their leads. ;)
justdefended
Apr 11, 2009, 1:48 AM
$3b??
when did it rise, the number quoted for over a year now has been $1.2b
Let's see, MGM Mirage just paid $200M, they pay another $70M on Mon., Apr. 13. From that they need another $530M to access a $1.8B credit facility to finish CC.
So, a total of $800M + $1.8B = $2.6B. Maybe the extra $400M is deferred for finishing The Harmon in 2010.
CHAPINM1
Apr 11, 2009, 2:46 AM
If I'm not mistaken, is the construction of Union Park in the foreground of that last picture? Also, what used to be in it's place? A bunch of shitty old buildings I'm guessing.
Plokoon11
Apr 11, 2009, 3:13 AM
Las Vegas could also be called City of colors.
Krases
Apr 11, 2009, 5:36 AM
From the Molasky building.
Wow! What a great shot!
It looks like they are building the road through the area. Has anyone else noticed a flurry of road building activity as of late? Especially when it comes to highway on ramps/off ramps/overpasses.
I wish there was news on the rest of the World Market center. They only built half of it so far. I will assume they will continue with construction after the economy recovers.
mac78130
Apr 11, 2009, 5:52 AM
Octavius Tower almost enclosed
flickr photo by monicafreisem (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fryzemphotography/3430933832/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3430933832_3211796748_b.jpg
Not a great pic, but you can see more blue strips of light on Cosmo
flickr photo by monicafreisem (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fryzemphotography/3430114705/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3430114705_9ef73ca70c_b.jpg
mdiederi
Apr 11, 2009, 6:10 AM
If I'm not mistaken, is the construction of Union Park in the foreground of that last picture? Also, what used to be in it's place? A bunch of shitty old buildings I'm guessing.
It's Union Park and it's always been empty. Steve Wynn proposed building the Mirage on the land, but the city made it difficult, so he built it on the Strip instead, and the rest is history.
It looks like they are building the road through the area. Has anyone else noticed a flurry of road building activity as of late?
There was a lot of activity a few months back grading the roads and putting in utilities, but the site is dead now.
DMaldon762
Apr 11, 2009, 2:18 PM
I anybody else having trouble with using Firefox to view the board? I had to use IE to check it out.
mac78130
Apr 11, 2009, 2:54 PM
I anybody else having trouble with using Firefox to view the board? I had to use IE to check it out.
No problem here
Krases
Apr 12, 2009, 6:42 AM
I guess the Culinary Union is still trying to block the new city hall from being built.
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_12118026
They want to have a vote put on the next ballot that will let the voters decide.
How would you guys vote? If I remember correctly they had to expand into other nearby buildings due to the sudden growth of the city (I believe the current city hall was built in the 70's) and the need for more office space. They also built a big addition recently for parking and offices.
The current city hall is ugly. From an architecture standpoint we need a new building.
The question is whether this is the right time to build it?
CHAPINM1
Apr 12, 2009, 8:30 AM
I guess the Culinary Union is still trying to block the new city hall from being built.
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_12118026
They want to have a vote put on the next ballot that will let the voters decide.
How would you guys vote? If I remember correctly they had to expand into other nearby buildings due to the sudden growth of the city (I believe the current city hall was built in the 70's) and the need for more office space. They also built a big addition recently for parking and offices.
The current city hall is ugly. From an architecture standpoint we need a new building.
The question is whether this is the right time to build it?
Hell yeah, build it now! Build it while construction costs are not so high. :tup:
justdefended
Apr 12, 2009, 7:06 PM
Awesome new CityCenter videos from the Science Channel
Build it Bigger: Building the Veer
http://videos.howstuffworks.com/science-channel/36225-build-it-bigger-building-the-veer-video.htm
Build it Bigger: Building the Aria
http://videos.howstuffworks.com/science-channel/36224-build-it-bigger-aria-hotel-casino-video.htm
Veer East actually leans 4.63 degrees north and 4.63 degrees northwest. Amazing.
Krases
Apr 12, 2009, 7:29 PM
:previous: Wow I did not know Veer leaned more than the tower of Pisa!
Its really amazing.
Awesome new CityCenter videos from the Science Channel
Build it Bigger: Building the Veer
http://videos.howstuffworks.com/science-channel/36225-build-it-bigger-building-the-veer-video.htm
Build it Bigger: Building the Aria
http://videos.howstuffworks.com/science-channel/36224-build-it-bigger-aria-hotel-casino-video.htm
Veer East actually leans 4.63 degrees north and 4.63 degrees northwest. Amazing.
Very cool videos. I'd love to see the whole episode.
hotdog
Apr 14, 2009, 2:02 AM
MGM gets funding for CityCenter:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/mgm-mirage-gets-bank-funding/story.aspx?guid={3D074936-4943-4308-8EB4-7838A4319D93}&dist=msr_3
MGM gets funding for CityCenter:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/mgm-mirage-gets-bank-funding/story.aspx?guid={3D074936-4943-4308-8EB4-7838A4319D93}&dist=msr_3
Wow! That is fantastic news!
.....and you made no fanfare about it! You need to change your avatar to "Slydog" instead of "Hotdog".
Krases
Apr 14, 2009, 4:44 AM
MGM gets funding for CityCenter:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/mgm-mirage-gets-bank-funding/story.aspx?guid={3D074936-4943-4308-8EB4-7838A4319D93}&dist=msr_3
Good news, but they need to get 70 million together before April 17th. I have no idea if they can do that or not. I would imagine 70 million would be easy for them to put together.
hotdog
Apr 14, 2009, 6:50 AM
Well, it's pretty minor news, it's just the next payment due that they are getting, not the entire amount needed. But the fact that the banks are lending this payment might mean they'll continue doing so.
Xtreme215
Apr 14, 2009, 7:39 AM
The second crane on the east side of FB was coming down as I was driving to work today. Getting closer to completion!
mac78130
Apr 14, 2009, 8:10 AM
MGM gets funding for CityCenter:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/mgm-mirage-gets-bank-funding/story.aspx?guid={3D074936-4943-4308-8EB4-7838A4319D93}&dist=msr_3
I think some are reading this article and are thinking that CityCenter is saved. This is a waiver for only $70 million, the current construction cost. There is still about $800 million to be paid according to LVS, but I'm not sure how accurate that number is.
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/13/mgm-mirage-gets-waiver-for-70m-citycenter-payment/
justdefended
Apr 14, 2009, 5:10 PM
I think some are reading this article and are thinking that CityCenter is saved. This is a waiver for only $70 million, the current construction cost. There is still about $800 million to be paid according to LVS, but I'm not sure how accurate that number is.
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/13/mgm-mirage-gets-waiver-for-70m-citycenter-payment/
Yeah I thought the same thing before clicking on the article.
It's pretty much like their last payment where MGM Mirage has received a waiver from lenders to pay the next due CityCenter amount whether or not Dubai World pays their half.
They still have to work out a plan to fund the remaining $530M to reach a $1.8 billion credit facility, or use Dubai World's plan of acquiring the full amount to complete construction.
voice of reason
Apr 14, 2009, 5:36 PM
It's Union Park and it's always been empty. Steve Wynn proposed building the Mirage on the land, but the city made it difficult, so he built it on the Strip instead, and the rest is history.
There was a lot of activity a few months back grading the roads and putting in utilities, but the site is dead now.
This was the site of the Union Pacific rail yards. Years ago it was full of trains and railroad repair and maintainancefacilities. It had a train station that I remember well, in those days most people traveled by trains. It was traded to the city several years ago for re-developement.
I must be really old to remember that or all of you are still children. Most people dont know alot of the history of Vegas.
CHAPINM1
Apr 14, 2009, 8:47 PM
The second crane on the east side of FB was coming down as I was driving to work today. Getting closer to completion!
Thanks a lot for the update and welcome to the forum! :tup:
mac78130
Apr 14, 2009, 9:03 PM
flickr photo by Las Vegas Lover (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alex-martinez/3442755310/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3442755310_930e81b153_b.jpg
Las Vegas Lover (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alex-martinez/3441901071/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3441901071_813ae457c4_b.jpg
CHAPINM1
Apr 14, 2009, 9:05 PM
mac78130, THAT made my day! The upper portion of the building is turning out way better than even I thought it was going to.
Krases
Apr 14, 2009, 11:08 PM
This was the site of the Union Pacific rail yards. Years ago it was full of trains and railroad repair and maintainancefacilities. It had a train station that I remember well, in those days most people traveled by trains. It was traded to the city several years ago for re-developement.
I must be really old to remember that or all of you are still children. Most people dont know alot of the history of Vegas.
I was born here, but only being 19 meant I really was a child when I last saw the train yards. Man was it ugly. Like a giant brown spot next to downtown.
One thing I have sort of envisioned in my mind is what a maglev station from LA to Vegas would look like. Were would they put the station itself is what I really wonder. It seems like tieing a few new stretches of monorail to the maglev station would be cool.
mac78130
Apr 15, 2009, 5:05 AM
The company that was supposed to build an Elvis themed casino across from CityCenter may be filing bankruptcy.
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/14/company-planned-strip-properties-may-seek-bankrupt/
Krases
Apr 15, 2009, 5:46 AM
The company that was supposed to build an Elvis themed casino across from CityCenter may be filing bankruptcy.
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/14/company-planned-strip-properties-may-seek-bankrupt/
Well darn. That was kinda the last chance to bring a gaudy, bright and old fashioned neon filled hotel to the strip amongst all the new modern construction.
They were only going to spend 500 million on it? Kinda small now by strip standards lol.
mttbox
Apr 15, 2009, 6:38 AM
what is it?
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/mttbox/Untitled.jpg
Xtreme215
Apr 15, 2009, 7:13 AM
^That's the Plaza Hotel that is supposed to built on the former Frontier site. I believe the project is on hold until further notice.
RandalR
Apr 15, 2009, 4:24 PM
^That's the Plaza Hotel that is supposed to built on the former Frontier site. I believe the project is on hold until further notice.
I'm pretty sure that one's permanently dead - El Ad doesn't have that kind of money any more and the design is utterly hideous. Maybe Phil Ruffin will buy the land back for a tenth of the price he sold it to them for. ;)
Krases
Apr 15, 2009, 5:25 PM
I'm pretty sure that one's permanently dead - El Ad doesn't have that kind of money any more and the design is utterly hideous. Maybe Phil Ruffin will buy the land back for a tenth of the price he sold it to them for. ;)
I like the design! But you are probably right about it being dead. Oh well.
heyyoucharlie
Apr 15, 2009, 7:10 PM
Pretty interesting, they want to expand the gaming corridor...
Link: http://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/15/giants-way/
http://lasvegassun.com/photos/2009/apr/15/29229/
Krases
Apr 15, 2009, 10:05 PM
Pretty interesting, they want to expand the gaming corridor...
Link: http://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/15/giants-way/
http://lasvegassun.com/photos/2009/apr/15/29229/
As I understand it Wynn's gold coarse technically sits outside the unregulated gaming area, so he therefore has to build any future expansions onto his golf coarse land 1500 feet away from the nearby church.
That is an Encore sized chunk of land right next to Desert Inn that he basically can't build on due to the nearby church.
I think this new bill is great.
Because the bill enables competition near the Strip, it may not be welcomed by established companies there but will benefit Las Vegas in the long term, according to UNLV economics professor Bill Robinson.
Having two companies, MGM Mirage and Harrah’s Entertainment, owning the majority of Strip casinos is bad for tourism, he said.
“What we have now is an oligopoly ... which lowers innovation and creates copycats instead of innovators. You have to have strong competition in your industry and the possibility of new people coming in and new ways of doing things.”
I think he hits it right on the head. MGM dominates way too much and we are not seeing enough innovation directly on the strip like we see coming out of the new M resort. We need newcomers.
IN OTHER NEWS: http://vegasblog.latimes.com/vegas/2009/04/porn-vegas.html
Its an article about the sudden growth of the porn industry in Las Vegas and how a lot of new businesses may start up out of this sudden growth. LOL PUN.
So how's about it folks? Are we going to have a porno themed casino someday? That would be VERY awkward.
ScottG
Apr 15, 2009, 10:19 PM
Massive Solar Plant to be Built in Nevada
Updated: April 15, 2009 10:12 AM
Solar manufacturer First Solar Inc. said Wednesday it will build the largest photovoltaic power plant in the U.S. near an existing facility in Nevada.
Tempe, Ariz.-based First Solar said the 48-megawatt plant will produce power for roughly 30,000 homes. It will be added to the existing 10-megawatt El Dorado plant run by Sempra Generation in Boulder City, Nev., about 40 miles southeast of Las Vegas.
John Carrington, First Solar's executive vice president for marketing and business development, said construction on the Copper Mountain Solar plant will begin this year and will be completed by 2010. Other companies have larger solar power plants under development, but Carrington said they use a different solar technology.
The Sempra plant won't use heated water or other liquids to generate power. Instead, the Copper Mountain Solar plant will use nearly a million photovoltaic panels.
The plant is expected to create about 200 jobs. Sempra Generation, a subsidiary of San Diego-based Sempra Energy, hasn't signed a power-purchase agreement yet, Carrington said.
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=10188489
Krases
Apr 16, 2009, 3:09 AM
:previous:
Cool! That will be a big plant built in a completely EMPTY location. I have always wanted to see more solar power built in that dry little valley near Boulder city.
48 megawatts on top of the existing 10 is a drop in the bucket compared to what hoover dam creates, but there is a lot of room to expand down in that valley.
mac78130
Apr 16, 2009, 8:42 AM
Just a little FYI: General Properties owner of the Grand Canal Shoppes, Fashion show mall and so on, files for bankruptcy.
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/15/general-growth-files-bankruptcy/
theWatusi
Apr 16, 2009, 3:33 PM
Just a few pics from my recent trip:
City Center
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTwkJMQpYI/AAAAAAAACps/B5vKeLQM2Gk/s800/IMG_2013.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTwlIy9rAI/AAAAAAAACp8/sxwaQtlmr2U/s800/IMG_2015.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTwnWw1MUI/AAAAAAAACqU/9Z5nlmAOh1w/s800/IMG_2018.Jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTwo6k9EqI/AAAAAAAACqs/O-1HVP1iMSU/s800/IMG_2021.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTwuskJcXI/AAAAAAAACsc/UUt2OJ6oy7I/s800/IMG_2034.JPG
Caesars
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTw5NE1EaI/AAAAAAAACv0/TIfVhPC7SZs/s800/IMG_2060.JPG
New Tower at the Golden Nugget
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTxCa81SZI/AAAAAAAACyw/xcxN4EHnbNU/s800/IMG_2083.JPG
I stayed at the Palazzo, so I had pretty good access to the St Regis from the pool.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTxHF7NprI/AAAAAAAAC0c/F_XIy7JytqY/s800/IMG_2098.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTxHjsG1tI/AAAAAAAAC0k/GfUTZ55rmp8/s800/IMG_2099.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTxIDJvrbI/AAAAAAAAC0s/dzB6k5edDvY/s800/IMG_2100.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTxK_--R-I/AAAAAAAAC1k/ykUkUtFkcZw/s800/IMG_2107.JPG
Echelon Place
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTxNzvmxAI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/N2ed692YfZE/s800/IMG_2113.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mF8OApz9VpQ/SeTwM5gEQaI/AAAAAAAAChY/XlTH2r3m4do/s800/IMG_1948.JPG
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