LAS VEGAS | Boom Project Rundown! 2.0 [Archive] - Page 81

justdefended

Mar 18, 2010, 6:33 PM

Finally an update to the Cosmo. I like the new branding. It seems like they've done some thought on this instead of slapping together something quickly.

There also seems to be a lot of meeting space in multiple levels.

I read somewhere before a settlement was recently made to the East Tower condo buyers to receive 75% of their deposit back, the same as the West Tower. I'm sure those owners are glad to be out of there.

CosmoVegas

Mar 19, 2010, 4:10 PM

notice its a hotel & casino....no condos,....but with 'condo-style ammenities.

I noticed that too, they are probably not advertising them as condo-hotels because they cannot sell condo-hotels in this market and since the majority of buyers have settled out of court and many of those that did not settle will not get financed DB knows the final project will have maybe 150 owners and 2,650 or so units will end up as hotel rooms.

It is very likely some of the all cash buyers will still close on their units. My wife and I own a condo in Sacramento that had a somewhat similar situation. Originally the project was selling as condos but the owners could not sell more than a handful of units so they turned their unsold inventory into rentals and changed the name from “Condominiums at the Galleria” to “Apartments at the Galleria”. When you drive through the gate you have no idea that 400 of the 450 units are apartments and 50 are privately owned. There is management onsite, they advertise in all the rental magazines as apartments and they never speak a word about the private residences. They no longer sell units but the original owners are part of the homeowners association along with the private owners. I imagine this will be the same with the Cosmo where DB’s hotel management will simply be part of the homeowners association. The homeowners association will maintain the property outside of the doors while the hotel management will be responsible for renting the units and maintaining the interiors.

We bought a resale unit at “Apartments at the Galleria” for .40 cents on the dollar; if anyone wants a unit at the Cosmo it is likely that they will eventually be able to do the same. Doubt they will sell for .40 cents on the dollar but it would not be surprising to see resale units going for .60 cents on the dollar.

ieguy441

Mar 19, 2010, 5:27 PM

Encore Beach Club
http://tinypic.com/r/6dvfbq/5
http://tinypic.com/r/1z70p5v/5
http://tinypic.com/r/xan4g/5

mac78130

Mar 19, 2010, 5:45 PM

:previous: I removed those pics on the previous page because the guy (Mr. Schneider) shutdown his website.. Last thing we need are the Wynn Goons screaming and hollering at the Skyscraperpage folks......

justdefended

Mar 20, 2010, 12:17 AM

Encore Beach Club
http://tinypic.com/r/6dvfbq/5
http://tinypic.com/r/1z70p5v/5
http://tinypic.com/r/xan4g/5

I'm really diggin' the indoor snake action with stripper poles. :banana:

mac78130

Mar 20, 2010, 6:50 PM

Opening in September? Maybe... Maybe not :)

http://www.lvrj.com/business/dispute-settled--strip-resort-renamed-88718002.html

brandoncdg

Mar 22, 2010, 4:53 PM

Stayed at the Venetian this weekend. The strip was packed for March Madness. Finally got a chance to see the City Center up close. My main comment was how dizzy I was from all the weird designs in the floors. Especially walking down the wood stairs in Crystals with some kind of gold linework in them.

It will be interesting to see once the Crystals is more occupied with businesses.

It felt a bit strange hanging out at the Venetian pool and seeing a half built building just sitting there.

mdiederi

Mar 23, 2010, 2:59 AM

Palazzo and Trump LV are in the new banner. Not sure if that's Aria on the end.

ScottG

Mar 23, 2010, 3:56 PM

^^ cool! - no thats not aria ..some other building--
i wonder how the diagrams are selected? 2 buildings for las vegas - awsome

mac78130

Mar 26, 2010, 3:48 AM

NYC2ATX

Mar 26, 2010, 9:01 PM

^^ cool! - no thats not aria ..some other building--
i wonder how the diagrams are selected? 2 buildings for las vegas - awsome

That building on the end is the Mohegan Sun casino in eastern Connecticut. I'm just guessing but it looks to me like that diagram is of all American buildings built within the 2000s decade. I like it :tup:

leftopolis

Mar 27, 2010, 2:37 AM

The high speed rail is expected to break ground this year

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/mar/25/work-high-speed-rail-set-begin-year/ (http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/mar/25/work-high-speed-rail-set-begin-year/)

They really think they need a 15,000 space parking lot in Victorville? I just don't see that many Angelinos driving half-way and taking the train from V-ville. Wouldn't they just opt for the train for the whole trip?

Also, since HSR requires so much electricity and it IS the desert--why not put up a "roof" of solar cells above the train? It would provide shade and potentially all the power it needs.

Krases

Mar 27, 2010, 3:01 AM

I was watching face to face with Jon Ralston the other day and they had the DesertXpress owner on. Was an interesting interview. I guess they do plan to extend it to Palmdale and link into California high speed rail which does make a lot of sense. It all depends upon when they build it though. I am worried that it will go the way of the monorail and not actually make it long enough to be useful.

kenratboy

Mar 27, 2010, 5:30 AM

They really think they need a 15,000 space parking lot in Victorville? I just don't see that many Angelinos driving half-way and taking the train from V-ville. Wouldn't they just opt for the train for the whole trip?

Also, since HSR requires so much electricity and it IS the desert--why not put up a "roof" of solar cells above the train? It would provide shade and potentially all the power it needs.

I think you underestimate the huge amount of power a train like this will use. And shade from what?

leftopolis

Mar 27, 2010, 10:12 AM

I think you underestimate the huge amount of power a train like this will use. And shade from what?

185 miles worth of solar panels above the tracks wouldn't create enough power for it? At the very least it would create a big chunk of the power. It might even produce more than is needed to run the train. It sounds like you're the expert though, so why don't you let us know how much the power needs for the train are, and how much power is derived from 8 feet x 185 miles worth of solar panels...then we'll know.

Shade from what? Mentioning that it's a desert didn't clarify it for you? Well, the main purpose of the idea is for power generation, but the shade is an added benefit from the year round, daily sun and tempertures that can reach 120. Extreme temperatures can buckle/warp track. It may also reduce AC needs inside the train--further saving on energy requirements overall. Really, it seems like a no brainer: If you're already using the space for tracks, why not utilize the space above(the tracks and the train), for something that will benefit the train project by making it efficient energy-wise and safer?

justdefended

Mar 27, 2010, 5:35 PM

Looks like the Aria casino will be brighter after the darkness complaints:

http://www.weeklyseven.com/news/2010/march/25/shining-light-aria%E2%80%94finally

ScottG

Mar 29, 2010, 11:43 PM

i thought perini was a bit quiet.

Perini files $492 million lawsuit against MGM Mirage over CityCenter work

General contractor Perini Building Co., a unit of Tutor Perini Corp., filed a lawsuit Thursday against several entities controlled by property owners MGM Mirage and Infinity World Development Corp., a unit of Dubai World, seeking $492 million for unpaid construction work.

"We are doing whatever we have to do to protect ourselves and our subcontractors," said Tutor Perini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ronald Tutor. "They simply stopped making payments and started offering excuses."

The 13-page complaint says the CityCenter construction contract grew from $3.5 billion to $6.8 billion as a result of "numerous design changes and substantial project modifications."
http://www.lvrj.com/business/perini-files--492-million-lawsuit-against-mgm-mirage-over-citycenter-work-89319977.html

mac78130

Mar 30, 2010, 2:19 PM

A few Cosmo restaurants unveiled:

http://thestrippodcast.blogspot.com/2010/03/unveiled-cosmos-restaurant-line-up.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+VegasHappensHere+%28VEGAS+HAPPENS+HERE%29

Krases

Mar 31, 2010, 6:05 AM

Not really Vegas, but close: did anyone else realize that the Nevada Landing hotel is GONE? Like literally vanished save for the sign out front.

case_architect

Mar 31, 2010, 7:11 AM

Not really Vegas, but close: did anyone else realize that the Nevada Landing hotel is GONE? Like literally vanished save for the sign out front.

yeah mgm tore it down almost 2 years ago now. i think they were talking about building a master-planned community there.

Krases

Mar 31, 2010, 3:22 PM

yeah mgm tore it down almost 2 years ago now. i think they were talking about building a master-planned community there.

I only just drove by it yesterday. At first I didn't notice when I was driving out a week ago, but then I took a double take when I returned to Vegas today.

Master planned? Why would they build that way the hell out there? That plan has probably been shot down with the housing crisis.

jazfingr

Apr 1, 2010, 5:24 AM

I only just drove by it yesterday. At first I didn't notice when I was driving out a week ago, but then I took a double take when I returned to Vegas today.

Master planned? Why would they build that way the hell out there? That plan has probably been shot down with the housing crisis.

Ya, they planned to house the employees that work in Primm and Jean as well as the new Ivanpah airport employees and the employees of all the support businesses that Ivabpah spawns. I don't think we'll hear anything about this until that airport is under construction (if that ever happens).

glowrock

Apr 1, 2010, 6:35 AM

Not really Vegas, but close: did anyone else realize that the Nevada Landing hotel is GONE? Like literally vanished save for the sign out front.

That's been gone for several years, I believe. I noticed it 2 years ago, something like that!

Aaron (Glowrock)

mac78130

Apr 1, 2010, 5:34 PM

Check out the progress of the Encore Beach Club! More photos on VT&T website:

http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/wynn.htm (http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/wynn.htm)

http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/images_2/encore%20beach%20club1.jpg

mac78130

Apr 1, 2010, 5:41 PM

Hoover Dam Bypass

flickr photo by Andrew Kesper (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewkesper/4479411768/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4479411768_6502c25d05_b.jpg

brandoncdg

Apr 2, 2010, 9:51 AM

Wow those last 2 posts are great shots!!!

jamesinclair

Apr 2, 2010, 10:30 PM

Zach6668

Apr 3, 2010, 5:15 AM

Dessertxpress. I think it will fail.More than anything, because people will arrive in Las Vegas without a car and feel screwed over. I know I did. Even the supposedly environmentally wonderful citycenter does everything it can to screw over the pedestrian in favor of cars.

How is it any different from the millions of people who arrive at the airport without a car?

Cozybop

Apr 3, 2010, 9:58 AM

RTC has a new website design
http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/

ACE service has launched, any impressions?

RE: Dessertxpress. I think it will fail.More than anything, because people will arrive in Las Vegas without a car and feel screwed over. I know I did. Even the supposedly environmentally wonderful citycenter does everything it can to screw over the pedestrian in favor of cars.

ACE was so horrible for me. The first time I got on I had real mixed feelings for it. The drivers have their own cabin where they are separated from the passengers. And the air conditioners were turned off in the bus while the drivers had theirs on, I bet. The second time I went, the machine for the tickets didn't work in front of Paris so I got on it without a ticket. The ACE is free to ride from March 28th-April 3rd so I didn't have to worry about getting one. As I got on the bus the doors keeps opening and closing or not opening at all. All four doors are supposed to open to let passengers in and out. As one opened in front of me, an old man was slowly climbing out and the door closed on his arm, I am not kidding. So I got on and stopped in front of the Wynn. RTC security told us that those that those didn't get a pass at Paris to get one at Wynn instead so I got off the bus, even though the ride was supposed to be free, and the machine there didn't work either. So I had to wait for another one. I miss the deuce man. Also one last thing, the ACE never makes a stop at the DTC for those who work on the strip, like me. This service will fail, it can only work on less congested streets like North Las Vegas BLVD. The drivers are extremely rude, I have never seen them so rude for the 2 and half years I have been using buses here in town.

jamesinclair

Apr 4, 2010, 1:06 AM

How is it any different from the millions of people who arrive at the airport without a car?

Because dessertexpress is aimed only at people in southern california, where driving is an option. Essentially, skip the train, lose 2 hours, but have a much better vegas experience. Or, to put it in another way: pay more to have a bad time in Vegas.

The airport is more for those coming from further destinations. Sucks to be them. I was one of them.

Shame that the ACE is having problems. Hopefully its just a first week thing. The ticket machines werent working either when I visited in Feb. Had to pay on board the deuce.

Zach6668

Apr 4, 2010, 2:08 AM

Because dessertexpress is aimed only at people in southern california, where driving is an option. Essentially, skip the train, lose 2 hours, but have a much better vegas experience. Or, to put it in another way: pay more to have a bad time in Vegas.

The airport is more for those coming from further destinations. Sucks to be them. I was one of them.

Shame that the ACE is having problems. Hopefully its just a first week thing. The ticket machines werent working either when I visited in Feb. Had to pay on board the deuce.

Meh, don't really see how a car is necessary if you're doing nothing but the tourist stuff on the strip.

Only time I wish I had a car there is when I rent a place off the strip.

Cozybop

Apr 4, 2010, 6:49 AM

Because dessertexpress is aimed only at people in southern california, where driving is an option. Essentially, skip the train, lose 2 hours, but have a much better vegas experience. Or, to put it in another way: pay more to have a bad time in Vegas.

The airport is more for those coming from further destinations. Sucks to be them. I was one of them.

Shame that the ACE is having problems. Hopefully its just a first week thing. The ticket machines werent working either when I visited in Feb. Had to pay on board the deuce.

Third time on the ACE wasn't so bad today though. They also brought back the Deuce to go to Freemont and they put back the blue MAX BRT buses into service and changed their route to not stop at Freemont. The ACE was not so crowded this time either. I guess if people want to get to Freemont faster, they should take the ACE instead of Deuce because Deuce takes a loooooong time sometimes because of all the stops on the strip.

pdxtraveler

Apr 5, 2010, 2:06 PM

Meh, don't really see how a car is necessary if you're doing nothing but the tourist stuff on the strip.

Only time I wish I had a car there is when I rent a place off the strip.

I agree, I actually don't want a car in Las Vegas, too much traffic for my taste around the strip. I would rather not deal with it. I need the walking anyway!

hotdog

Apr 6, 2010, 2:31 AM

http://www.lvrj.com/news/battle-of-las-vegas-arena-projects-proceeds-89897707.html

More talk on arenas.

jamesinclair

Apr 6, 2010, 5:37 AM

Meh, don't really see how a car is necessary if you're doing nothing but the tourist stuff on the strip.

Only time I wish I had a car there is when I rent a place off the strip.

When it's less of a walk and takes less time to go to the garage and get your car to cross the street, something is wrong. Unfortunately for the las vegas strip, many times it's faster to do so. There are endless opportunities to make left turns. Want to cross on foot? The nearest pedestrian bridge is 1/4 of a mile the wrong way and most crosswalks have been eliminated.

A car is not necessary, but it makes life easier.

That shouldn't be the case, but nobody has stood up and said "theres something wrong about this".

Zach6668

Apr 6, 2010, 11:55 AM

When it's less of a walk and takes less time to go to the garage and get your car to cross the street, something is wrong. Unfortunately for the las vegas strip, many times it's faster to do so. There are endless opportunities to make left turns. Want to cross on foot? The nearest pedestrian bridge is 1/4 of a mile the wrong way and most crosswalks have been eliminated.

A car is not necessary, but it makes life easier.

That shouldn't be the case, but nobody has stood up and said "theres something wrong about this".

Yeah, I suppose it's different in LA where the car is more ingrained in the culture than in a lot of the bigger cities in the East, so I can understand those from LA just driving instead.

And I definitely agree that I wish Vegas was easier on the pedestrian.

I get around very easily in taxis and on the bus (although they altered the service that the Deuce provided?) when I'm in town.

mac78130

Apr 7, 2010, 6:28 PM

Came across this rendering last night.. Pretty Cool :tup:

http://neuronimages.com/elevator.aspx (http://neuronimages.com/elevator.aspx) (link is a larger, better quality pic)
http://neuronimages.com/images/ElevatorLobby.jpg

Not sure if these are part of Cosmopolitan, they are not labeled...

http://neuronimages.com/portfolio.aspx (http://neuronimages.com/portfolio.aspx)
http://neuronimages.com/images/poker%20room4.png

http://neuronimages.com/images/HighLimit.png

ieguy441

Apr 7, 2010, 6:33 PM

I'm really digging the Cosmo renders... That elevator lobby is pretty snappy. A little on the industrial side, but with some very classic looking touches. Not sure about that last one though.. looks like a Carnival cruise ship from the 1990's.

mac78130

Apr 7, 2010, 7:05 PM

"Cosmo will debut in mid-December, with roughly one-third of its rooms delayed to next July, its CEO said"

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j6VHHwRDxURSuMAJo3UaKlUGDmkAD9EUD5380

Zach6668

Apr 9, 2010, 6:55 AM

Why is there a roulette felt on a poker table with no roulette wheel? LOL

RLS_rls

Apr 9, 2010, 9:28 AM

^It's the future of gaming?

lfc4life

Apr 9, 2010, 11:54 AM

good news at last for vegas, a huge jump in gaming revenue in feb means we are almost back to 2007 levels, too early to break out the champagne yet as it may only be a blip but the strip was also packed to levels i haven't seen since 2007 in march this year, other parts of vegas/clark county are not faring as well as strip however

http://media.lvrj.com/images/4382993-4-4.jpg
source:lvrj.com

2007 feb figures for comparison
Strip $574.7m
Downtown $50.7m
Boulder strip $72.5m

mac78130

Apr 10, 2010, 5:49 PM

http://www.lvrj.com/business/cosmopolitan-of-las-vegas-sees-up-high-views-as-draw-90463999.html

http://media.lvrj.com/images/4384547-0-4.jpg

voice of reason

Apr 10, 2010, 11:47 PM

"Cosmo will debut in mid-December, with roughly one-third of its rooms delayed to next July, its CEO said"

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j6VHHwRDxURSuMAJo3UaKlUGDmkAD9EUD5380

Today's story says between 800-1600 rooms will be open. That is certainly alot less than 2/3 of the resort open.

I notice they call them hotel rooms and not privately owned 'condos'. The reporter toured Cosmo with the GM, so I am assuming he got everything he wrote first hand.

Now lets see how they settle with the 'hold-outs' and the other smaller suit.
http://www.lvrj.com/business/cosmopolitan-of-las-vegas-sees-up-high-views-as-draw-90463999.html

mac78130

Apr 11, 2010, 10:57 PM

I came across this video today.. Wow..

http://www.duckduckpoodle.com/projects/cosmopolitan-sales-video/

Krases

Apr 11, 2010, 11:16 PM

I came across this video today.. Wow..

http://www.duckduckpoodle.com/projects/cosmopolitan-sales-video/

Hmmm...needs more sex appeal.

/sarcasm

mac78130

Apr 12, 2010, 1:58 AM

flickr photo by Medrakil (http://www.flickr.com/photos/medrakil/4500909932/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4500909932_a9af095a95_b.jpg

Snotick

Apr 12, 2010, 4:12 AM

I came across this video today.. Wow..

http://www.duckduckpoodle.com/projects/cosmopolitan-sales-video/

Could they at least have gotten the names of their neighbors correct. They listed the property across the street as the Aladdin. :rolleyes:

mac78130

Apr 12, 2010, 4:36 PM

Could they at least have gotten the names of their neighbors correct. They listed the property across the street as the Aladdin. :rolleyes:

You mean "Alladin" :haha:

mac78130

Apr 12, 2010, 7:27 PM

Booo... The Cosmopolitan video I posted above got removed.. Oh.. and remember that Viva Project..

http://www.duckduckpoodle.com/commercials/animations/viva-25-acre/

leftopolis

Apr 12, 2010, 7:51 PM

lvbusinesspress.com...University foundation breaks ground for tech complex (http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2010/04/07/news/iq_35115717.txt)

Campus to include up to 3.5 million square feet of space

BY TONY ILLIA

A long-awaited southwest valley research-technology complex recently took a step closer to becoming a reality. On March 6, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Foundation broke ground on the 122-acre Harry Reid Research and Technology Park at Sunset Road and Durango Drive.

The mixed-use campus eventually calls for 3.5 million square feet of research and office, manufacturing and light-industrial space. There could be up to 25 buildings upon completion, with 25,000 full- and part-time jobs. The development is expected to generate as much as $2.6 billion in direct and indirect economic impact on Las Vegas. Tate Snyder Kimsey, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and Design Workshop are the master-plan architects.

"We're focused on attracting renewable energy companies, laboratories and research companies while continuing to build relationships," ...

http://images.townnews.com/lvbusinesspress.com/content/articles/2010/04/07/news/iq_35115717_thumb.jpg
More, along with bigger pic...@ link above.

On edit--much more here, including large renderings:
http://www.unlvresearchpark.com/renderings.html

Krases

Apr 12, 2010, 11:48 PM

This is the exact kind of economic diversification we really need. Investing in UNLV will pay off and technological jobs tend to stay pretty stable compared to many otehr jobs in the valley.

leftopolis

Apr 13, 2010, 1:31 AM

This is the exact kind of economic diversification we really need. Investing in UNLV will pay off and technological jobs tend to stay pretty stable compared to many other jobs in the valley.

Couldn't agree more. I'm actually impressed with the design and density in some of the renderings(link in my previous post). It's predominantly 5-8 story buildings, with 3 stories being the short end, along with at least one 4 story parking garage. When I hear "technology park", I shudder to think of 1-2 story concrete tilt-up buildings, surrounded by acres of parking lot. Not the case, here. It's more what I would describe as "mature suburban". In fact, judging from some of the images, it looks like it's dense enough to be considered a TOD--I hope public transportation is part of the planning, even if it means buses.

justdefended

Apr 13, 2010, 3:00 AM

Looks like the Perini mechanics lien lawsuit is keeping Harmon as is.

http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2010/04/12/news/iq_35241001.txt

The oval-shaped glass tower, designed by Pritzker Prize winner Sir Norman Foster, was scheduled to open by year's end; it will be the London-based architect's first Las Vegas project. But Harmon's completion is now uncertain. The contractor has since been removed from the job site, and no successor has been named.

Said Feldman: "Harmon Hotel has been postponed until such time as CityCenter determines to proceed with its completion."

CosmoVegas

Apr 14, 2010, 4:01 PM

voice of reason

Apr 15, 2010, 2:25 AM

I knew there would be some privately owned units at the Cosmo, there are people who can afford to pay cash and close on their units. Unfortunately most contract holders would never get financing in this environment and they where forced to accept a settlement offer from DB to recoup some of their deposits. Oh well, that’s life!

"It is anticipated that each tower will also house a collection of privately owned condominium units although the size, nature and timing of this program is dependent upon the outcome of ongoing litigation."

http://www.hotelworldnetwork.com/brands/las-vegas-cosmopolitan-sets-opening-date-management-team-7886

"Gallagher (DB spokesman), citing other pending litigation, declined to comment on whether the Cosmopolitan will feature any condominium units, but observers say it is unlikely given the weak Las Vegas real estate market."

"We believe the property will be 100 percent hotel, rather than a mix of hotel and condo-hotel as originally planned," Union Gaming principal Bill Lerner said in a research note.

Dont put to much faith in one article from an unnamed source. This one at least is from authoritative sources. Bill Lerner was DB head analyst in Gaming and Hospitality for 13 years and the DB spokesman Gallagher,doesnt confirm that there is going to be a condo component. You cant tell me that the remaining lawsuit will determine the fate of Cosmo in regards to condos or not including them. They already settled two lawsuits, so whats one more?

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0915342720100409

CosmoVegas

Apr 15, 2010, 5:26 PM

You cant tell me that the remaining lawsuit will determine the fate of Cosmo in regards to condos or not including them. They already settled two lawsuits, so whats one more?

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0915342720100409

True, guess we all just wait (longer, better grab a snickers bar) and see how it all turns out. My personal feelings are that there are some all cash buyers who want to hold DB’s feet to the fire and close sale on their units, so even if DB wants an all hotel Cosmo they will have to accept the fact that some units are going to be privately owned and move on.

Personally, even if I where paying all cash I would have took the settlement and waited for a resale unit to come on the market at a much lower price, but the other buyers may have an emotional attachment to the unit or units they signed the contracts for and now wish to take possession of them. Or, they may feel if there are fewer privately owned units they will end up with a more valuable piece of real estate due to the limited supply.

Who really knows how it is all going to end, like I said above, we wait, and wait, and wait…this thing could easily draw out another year, hope not.

voice of reason

Apr 15, 2010, 7:55 PM

True, guess we all just wait (longer, better grab a snickers bar) and see how it all turns out. My personal feelings are that there are some all cash buyers who want to hold DB’s feet to the fire and close sale on their units, so even if DB wants an all hotel Cosmo they will have to accept the fact that some units are going to be privately owned and move on.

Personally, even if I where paying all cash I would have took the settlement and waited for a resale unit to come on the market at a much lower price, but the other buyers may have an emotional attachment to the unit or units they signed the contracts for and now wish to take possession of them. Or, they may feel if there are fewer privately owned units they will end up with a more valuable piece of real estate due to the limited supply.

Who really knows how it is all going to end, like I said above, we wait, and wait, and wait…this thing could easily draw out another year, hope not.

There is a clause in the contract that says that Cosmo has the option of cancelling ALL condo sales if they dont have 50% of the units under contract, all they have to do is refund the deposit. The latest refunds which DB encouraged and settled without a day in court or even depositions or discovery put them well under that number, so nobody can hold them to anything now.

The latest letter that DB sent out to the West Tower hold-outs (and is soon to come to the East Tower hold-outs) says in so many words, 'the market has changed and we know nobody wants to or can buy, so why didnt you take the settlement. Let us know what you want to do,wah, wah, wah.

MGM has sold six at Vdara so far, I dont think DB is going to be to encouraged into keeping the thing condo.

I put my faith in Bill Lerner, he is a guy who is in a position to know and I dont think he would say that if he didnt know it.

justdefended

Apr 16, 2010, 4:53 PM

voice of reason

Apr 16, 2010, 5:57 PM

According to the Sun, 25 out of 227 Mandarin Oriental units have closed and 31 units at Vdara have closed.

MGM has absorbed about 800 Vdara units for the hotel so that's about 31 closed out of 600+.

Investors are saying any units closed are a plus since they expect little or any profit from condo sales to benefit the company.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/apr/15/mandarin-oriental-citycenter-unveils-model-condomi/

The unsold condos, which number in the multi-thousands will eat MGM's profit alive, as they sit unsold.

I will put my stellar record on the line today and predict that MGM will sell for under 10 bucks a share before the year is out.

mac78130

Apr 16, 2010, 6:40 PM

It's moving along quickly. See more pics on VT&T:

http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/wynn.htm#beach%20cons (http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/wynn.htm#beach%20cons)

http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/images_2/DSC06841a.jpg

mac78130

Apr 19, 2010, 6:03 AM

Shaky flyover http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdickey/4529519628/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdickey/4529519628/)

flickr photo by themccubbins (http://www.flickr.com/photos/themccubbins/4529440572/)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4529440572_e1aac278b7_b.jpg

lfc4life

Apr 19, 2010, 9:46 PM

I will put my stellar record on the line today and predict that MGM will sell for under 10 bucks a share before the year is out.

thats not exactly a huge gamble considering MGM shares stood at under 2 bucks this time last year

mac78130

Apr 19, 2010, 11:09 PM

Huge Thanks to the folks at Ratevegas (http://ratevegas.com/) for the great update :)

http://photo.ratevegas.com/Other/Encore-Beach-Club-Construction/11896799_Ms6PH (http://photo.ratevegas.com/Other/Encore-Beach-Club-Construction/11896799_Ms6PH)

Krases

Apr 20, 2010, 4:57 AM

If/when the recession in Vegas ends, I really want to see what Wynn does with his big block-o-property. The Beach club already looks awesome.

mdiederi

Apr 21, 2010, 5:05 PM

New 829 foot free fall thrill ride on the Strat called "Skyjump". $99.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/apr/20/stratosphere-debuts-world-record-setting-thrill-ri/

texas_ag

Apr 23, 2010, 8:07 PM

Encore Macau opening
http://www.macautripping.com/tripping/post.php?p=384

Veerish

Apr 27, 2010, 1:00 PM

Here's a short video of the rooftop of the East Veer building - note that without the 'shortening' of the Harmon, you wouldn't see the Eiffel Tower...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivaHSmz0dUU

mac78130

Apr 27, 2010, 1:22 PM

Here's a short video of the rooftop of the East Veer building - note that without the 'shortening' of the Harmon, you wouldn't see the Eiffel Tower...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivaHSmz0dUU

The pool area looks smaller than what I thought it would be....

leftopolis

Apr 28, 2010, 5:12 PM

From the official site: http://www.hooverdambypass.org/whats_new.htm, where one can access the webcam--it shows a more or less completed road surface of the bridge!

The following pics are thus a bit dated--from March--but just got put up in the last few days:

The Hoover Dam Bypass is moving forward as planned. The project remains:
on track, on budget at $240 million, and on schedule to be completed, with traffic moving on it, by November 2010.

http://www.hooverdambypass.org/ConstructionPhotos/ColoradoRiverBridge(03_2010)/C-FHWA-004-368_lowrez.jpg

http://www.hooverdambypass.org/ConstructionPhotos/ColoradoRiverBridge(03_2010)/C-FHWA-004-366_lowrez.jpg

http://www.hooverdambypass.org/ConstructionPhotos/ColoradoRiverBridge(03_2010)/C-FHWA-004-362_lowrez.jpg

http://www.hooverdambypass.org/ConstructionPhotos/ColoradoRiverBridge(03_2010)/C-FHWA-004-348_lowrez.jpg

jayguy

Apr 29, 2010, 10:01 PM

There is still a bit of surfacing to go.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r90/jayguy4/lv%20skyscrapers/bridge_042910.jpg

All the support spars (or whatever they're called) are there, now they're topping them off and adding the surface.

kenratboy

Apr 30, 2010, 3:02 AM

Wow, I did not realize just how massive the bridge was until I saw those pics.

I'm sure it said somewhere in the thread, but how high above the river is the bridge deck?

sw5710

Apr 30, 2010, 3:51 AM

850 feet

CHAPINM1

Apr 30, 2010, 6:13 PM

Haven't been on this thread for a while, but great to see the recent semi-revival of the city in several ways including in the economy and in tourist activity. City Center is looking better than ever! Great to hear about the recent expansion plans for the UNLV! Also, seems things are full steam ahead with the McCarren expansion as well.

However, a huge itch that I can't scratch soon enough will be when they resume construction on Fontainebleau. They should at least finish up and open the upper floors so they could open the night club that will be on the 68th floor.

mac78130

May 3, 2010, 4:48 AM

Impressive!! :)

flickr photo by cerdsp (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434282@N00/4572862847/)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4572862847_d8d219a2c1_b.jpg

Cozybop

May 14, 2010, 4:50 AM

Zach6668

May 14, 2010, 6:05 AM

WSOP coming up... which means I'll be in Vegas soon. :D

Looking forward to checking out City Center, very much.

justdefended

May 15, 2010, 9:56 PM

I just noticed that they are redoing the front of the future Prada store at the Crystals Mall. It used to be windows but they are completely covering it up. They will probably put some LED screen over there. This coincides to what happened with the Louis Vuitton store which at the front was supposed to be a window but changed it to the white LED feature they have there now. Also I am noticing lights inside the Cosmopolitan base and those funny shapes for the club/bar they are putting at the front near Las Vegas BLVD.

Interesting. I hear the Prada at Crystals was supposed to be significantly smaller, but will now be a two to three story flagship. I like the LV LED design and if they did something that could compliment that it would look great.

mac78130

May 17, 2010, 3:31 AM

flickr photostream Las Vegas Lover (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alex-martinez/)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1197/4594055921_cbfb300bb4_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/4594670830_ee6b9dcb4c_b.jpg

ScottG

May 17, 2010, 4:54 PM

the front of paris (the faux opera house facade side) is now demolished - as well as the fountain. interesting to see more activity on that corner.

also a new arena contender has made his mark and apparently is pretty serious - wants to break ground in September

http://www.vegastripping.com/news/news.php?news_id=3271

Milam is proposing to build the Silver State Arena, a 20,000 seat sports and concert venue that will cost about $750 million bucks to build.

The project will submitted to the Clark County planning commission for approval this week.

http://www.vegastripping.com/images/news/silver-state-arena.jpg

justdefended

May 17, 2010, 9:10 PM

brandoncdg

May 19, 2010, 9:05 AM

Was there over the weekend. What's the deal with all the cars parked on the Echelon site? Is that for the construction going on at the Encore Beach Club?

The strip seemed pretty dead this past weekend.

jpj777

May 19, 2010, 12:06 PM

Yes that is the parking for the Encore construction, I saw several workers crossing from the Encore site to the Echelon site, nothing going on yet with the poor Echelon ); however I hear Boyd (owner of E) is doing well with its Coast Casinos and Sams Town and there still trying to buy some of the Station properties but stations will have nothing to do with them!

DMaldon762

May 19, 2010, 1:44 PM

They should have never torn down the Stardust!!!

Empire Builder

May 19, 2010, 3:15 PM

CHAPINM1

May 19, 2010, 9:03 PM

They should have never torn down the Stardust!!!

Echelon will be bigger and better than the Stardust. Part of what comes with the territory in Las Vegas is that it is always getting bigger and better. Now, when Echelon DOES resume construction, it will be very exciting to watch and the final product will be amazing as well! In the meantime we all just need to be patient even though that's easier said than done. ;)

Krases

May 19, 2010, 11:00 PM

It feels like we really need a true mega-stadium to really exploit our tourism system. Something that could accommodate NFL games, Soccer (we need to reach out to European, Central and South American audiences more) and other events.

Probably not in the budget though. Plus they would need to extend the monorail to it because traffic would be a parking lot for a good two hours after each game.

jpj777

May 20, 2010, 9:11 AM

Krases

May 20, 2010, 8:22 PM

I was wondering when they do restart Echelon can they just start where they left off? do they need to refurbish some sections or tear down and rebuilt some sections? and speaking of started projects not finished what the hell is going on with Fontainebleau!? I have not heard any recent news on it other then our Fire Dept uses it as a practice area for high rise fires!

Fontainblue may soon be owned by Carl Icahn. Eschelon is still owned by Boyd, but they don't have the money to continue with the project. They will have to erect new cranes if and when they do pick the project back up, which may be a couple of years away at least.

Bruce911

May 20, 2010, 11:05 PM

Fontainblue may soon be owned by Carl Icahn. Eschelon is still owned by Boyd, but they don't have the money to continue with the project. They will have to erect new cranes if and when they do pick the project back up, which may be a couple of years away at least.

Icahn already owns Fontainebleau, and has for three months now. That's why we're not hearing anything -- it's a done deal and Icahn is just daydreaming about what to do with it next. See article following:

"FEBRUARY 18, 2010
Icahn Closes Fontainebleau Deal
By ALEXANDRA BERZON

Carl Icahn has taken control of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas LLC, a hotel-and-casino construction project on the Las Vegas Strip, his company announced.

The financier, through a subsidiary of his Icahn Enterprises LP, emerged as the only qualified bidder during proceedings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court last month after regional casino company Penn National Gaming dropped out of the process.

Mr. Icahn pledged $106 million for the 4,000-room project, on top of around
$45 million in financing fees during bankruptcy proceedings. The deal closed Thursday."

mac78130

May 24, 2010, 9:02 PM

flickr photostream Las Vegas Lover (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alex-martinez/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4634614588_270feb9337_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3352/4634619524_2a62bbb832_b.jpg

hail2skins

May 24, 2010, 9:16 PM

Mac, those are some sweet pics. I'm curious about that area south of the Club where it looks like they were laying down some green turf.....wonder how everything is going to look when complete.

The Vegas Chatter folks got inside and took a few photos:

http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/2010/5/24/154516/176/vegas-travel/Wet_Go_Go_Dancers_Outside_Nakedness_and_Snakiness_Inside_Encore_Beach_Club_Looks_Fun

Krases

May 25, 2010, 12:16 AM

Icahn already owns Fontainebleau, and has for three months now. That's why we're not hearing anything -- it's a done deal and Icahn is just daydreaming about what to do with it next. See article following:

"FEBRUARY 18, 2010
Icahn Closes Fontainebleau Deal
By ALEXANDRA BERZON

Carl Icahn has taken control of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas LLC, a hotel-and-casino construction project on the Las Vegas Strip, his company announced.

The financier, through a subsidiary of his Icahn Enterprises LP, emerged as the only qualified bidder during proceedings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court last month after regional casino company Penn National Gaming dropped out of the process.

Mr. Icahn pledged $106 million for the 4,000-room project, on top of around
$45 million in financing fees during bankruptcy proceedings. The deal closed Thursday."

Ah I didn't realize he owned it already. I thought bidding was still going on. Hopefully he starts it up again by the end of this year. Might over-saturate the room market though.

mac78130

May 26, 2010, 8:29 AM

Check out the photos on Vegastripping :)

http://www.vegastripping.com/news/news.php?news_id=3287 (http://www.vegastripping.com/news/news.php?news_id=3287)

Cozybop

May 26, 2010, 12:02 PM

Cosmopolitan is stated to get some fancy new things when it opens. Including technology in the rooms similar to what Aria has. Here is the article on the subject.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/may/26/gaming-companies-turn-technology-better-cater-cust/

mac78130

May 28, 2010, 11:51 PM

ECB is now open! :notacrook: Looks Great!

via Vegastripping (http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=196&page=1)
http://www.vegastripping.com/images/encore-beach-club-surr-g.jpg

via Vegas Chatter (http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/2010/5/28/134150/259/vegas-travel/Encore_Beach_Club_Opened_Today_Vibe_is_Interesting_)
http://www.vegaschatter.com/pages/upload/gallery/gallery-50-image-472.jpg

Krases

May 31, 2010, 5:42 AM

Is it just me, or was the google earth map for Vegas just updated?

This city is sprawling out way too much. We really need to surround it with more national/state parks to provide a hard barrier to sprawl.

mac78130

Jun 3, 2010, 5:34 PM

Another Walgreens:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jun/03/walgreens-will-anchor-25-million-parcel-across-cit/

ScottG

Jun 3, 2010, 6:27 PM

^^^^ NO! the strip is going to be like ABC stores in honolulu on every block selling cheap crap.

-at elast SOMETHING is going there - (apparently the walgreens on the strip is the busiest walgreens ever)

on a lighter note - the power lines that crossed the strip at flamingo and plagued caesars palace from the intersection all the way to the freeway...is now GONE! the city removed the line from the freeway to paradise road

now caesars is able to build onto the (very valuable) land that faces the flamingo intersection.

also the entire south facade of Paris - from the Ah-sin restaurant to the corner fountain - has been walled off and is currently being demoed.