Las Vegas Metro Development News

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Las Vegas Sun

Asian-themed megaresort planned for old Stardust site
By Richard N. Velotta (contact)
4 March 2013

An Asian gaming powerhouse is planning a $2 billion Asian-themed mega-resort on the Las Vegas Strip where the old Stardust was imploded and the stalled Echelon was planned.

Genting Group plans to build the 3,500-room Chinese-themed resort with a 175,000-square-foot casino. The company calls it the “first phase” of a property to be named Resorts World Las Vegas.

The company plans to build a replica of the Great Wall of China and develop an enclosure for pandas for public display.

Executives for the Genting Group, a Malaysian multinational company considered a gaming industry powerhouse in Asia, were introduced at a news conference this morning attended by Gov. Brian Sandoval, Clark County Commissioners Steve Sisolak and Chris Giunchigliani and local business leaders.

Boyd Gaming, the Las Vegas company that started and stopped construction of a resort it called Echelon, is selling the 87-acre site for $350 million to Genting, which says it will spend between $2 billion and $7 billion by the time the project is complete. The land sale is scheduled to close today.

The groundbreaking is planned for 2014, with the first phase opening in 2016. Technically, the project already is under way because Genting plans to use some of the Echelon superstructure already in place.

Phase 1 of the project will be 8 million square feet, with at least 3,500 rooms, 210,000 square feet of dining, 250,000 square feet of retail space, more than 500,000 square feet of convention space, a 4,000-seat theater, and 300,000 square feet of pool and water park features.

Genting, based in Kuala Lumpur, has casino properties in Malaysia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas. It may be best known as Las Vegas Sands’ rival in Singapore, where it operates Resorts World Sentosa, one of two casinos authorized by Singapore’s government.

Sentosa is an island off Singapore’s shore, and the resort complex includes a Universal Studios theme park. Resorts Worlds Sentosa reported gaming revenue of nearly $3 billion in 2012.

Genting also operates the casino with the largest slot machine floor in the world at the Aqueduct Race Track in New York City and proposed building a major convention center there, a project that was rejected last summer.

Genting is a 45 percent owner of the Norwegian Cruise Line and Star Cruises brands.

http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2013/ma...-strip-casino/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genting_Group

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Las Vegas Sun

Las Vegas Strip to get New York-style public park
April 18, 2013
By Hanah Dreier, Associated Press

MGM Resorts International announced Thursday that it will sink $100 million into building a park and public promenade outside of its New York-New York and Monte Carlo casinos.

To that end, MGM is transforming the congested sidewalks in front of its New York City and European-themed casinos into an outdoor plaza featuring trees, benches, food trucks and shops. Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks and last through 2014.

Murren said he was inspired by New York City's small and cosmopolitan Madison Square Park, as opposed to the more sprawling Central Park.
"We're not going to play Frisbee on the Great Lawn, but I would describe it as a city park with a dramatic boulevard," he said.

Tourists will be able to stroll over a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge, relax in a beer garden, and enjoy a cone of frozen custard from Shake Shack, an upscale burger stand that has become a New York favorite.

Artist's renderings depict Gen Xers fiddling with smartphones under shade trees.

The plaza on the stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard near Tropicana Avenue is intended to lead into a 20,000-seat arena MGM plans to build behind the two casinos.

The park and arena will stretch across 10 acres; that's 20 percent more land than the lake in front of the Bellagio hotel-casino.

MGM already controls the Strip's largest venue, the 17,000-seat MGM Grand Garden, located across the street at the MGM Grand.

Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013...door-overhaul/

[dragonsky]

Hakkasan - MGM Grand Hotel | Las Vegas, NV

The Hakkasan MGM Grand is the largest nightclub in the United States. The 80,000 square foot project used 1200 tons of steel and 3500 cubic yards of concrete. The five-level project includes a first floor restaurant, private dining on the second floor, and a third floor lounge. Over 35,000 square feet of night club and VIP areas complete the fourth and fifth floors.

http://www.themorsegroup.com/project...-progress.html

• Video Link

Hakkasan, the new ‘king of clubs’ at nearly $200 million, opens at MGM Grand today

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013...pens-mgm-gran/

[cygnusloop99]

Some more images of the planned street scape improvements at NY-NY and Montie Carlo
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/las-ve...152752736.html

[N830MH]

Hi All,

We have a bad news for everyone. I heard Cowabunga Bay Water Park is not going to open for this summer. The new open date for next Spring 2014. Because they hasn't delivered a new water slide. They still awaiting for clearance by EU customs.

http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2013/ap...hendersons/#/0

Families looking forward to splashing around Henderson's Cowabunga Bay Water Park this summer will have to wait.

The water park won't open until Spring 2014.

“We’ve been pushing and pushing hard to get ready for summer,” said Shane Huish, the park’s general manager. “It became apparent we weren’t going to finish it in time.”

The park originally was set to open Memorial Day – the same day as Summerlin’s Wet ‘n’ Wild water park – but Huish said a series of setbacks threw off construction.

Please accepted apologize for any inconvenience.

[dragonsky]

Ready For A Third Ferris Wheel And London-Themed Thrill Park?
March 25, 2013 at 7:49 PM | by Richard Lane

Read More: http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/20...Thrill+Park%3F

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Las Vegas Sun

South Point to build $30 million bowling center
By Richard N. Velotta

Representatives of the South Point announced Tuesday they will build a $30 million bowling arena in a 12-year agreement to house United States Bowling Congress events that will begin in 2016.

http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2013/ap...owling-center/

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Las Vegas Sun

Chairman and CEO Jim Murren reflected on the financial turnaround and looked ahead to MGM's next big task: developing an outdoor dining, retail and recreation plaza between New York-New York and the Monte Carlo.

When will the public begin seeing construction on the new park and arena planned near New York-New York?

I’m particularly excited about this. The preparation of the site is already underway on both the facades of the New York-New York and the Monte Carlo. The public won’t be able to see some of that right away, but it will progress throughout this year.

The major tenants will open up in the first quarter. We’ll have Hershey’s over at New York-New York. Over at Monte Carlo, the SBE Double Barrel Roadhouse will also be open. Then, you move into the park itself. I’m particularly engaged in that. It’s important to me and to the Strip, so we want to get this right from the standpoint of a public space.

We’ll have a big anchor there, Shake Shack. You can’t get into a Shake Shack anywhere in the country. It’ll be a big hit.

Other elements will be on the north façade of New York-New York, including a brewpub that opens up New York-New York to this park. That will progress into 2014, and we’ll move into the arena (a 20,000-seat arena) in 2016.

http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2013/ma...and-rollin/#/0

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by KTNV

Construction at Wet 'n' Wild Las Vegas nears completion
By Molly Waldron
CREATED APR. 22, 2013

Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Final touches are being put on Wet 'n' Wild water park as the attraction gets set to open Memorial Day Weekend.

Construction crews are working to finish the more than 25 slides at the park. The "Zip Zap Zoom" and "Hoover Halfpipe" attractions are also coming together on schedule.

http://www.ktnv.com/news/local/204156711.html

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Las Vegas Sun

It’s 250 feet tall, 65 feet wide and packed with 11 million pixels spread over 10,000 square feet of LED screen.

It’s Aria’s new marquee, and it’s the tallest on the Strip, according to MGM Resorts International officials.

http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2013/ap...250-foot-sign/

[dragonsky]

Rio plans zip line ride between two towers

http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2013/ma...en-two-towers/

[dragonsky]

Wet 'n' Wild Las Vegas officially opens
• Video Link

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Las Vegas Sun

Majestic seeking support for off-campus stadium for UNLV football
By Paul Takahashi (contact)
Thursday, May 30, 2013 | 2 a.m.

Majestic Realty has a new plan for an off-campus UNLV football stadium, but it won't go far without support from the very university that dropped its private developer partner two months ago to pursue new designs for an on-campus stadium.

That's according to Majestic point man Craig Cavileer, who this week confirmed plans for a "Southern Nevada Mega-events Center" that is cheaper and simpler than the UNLV Now proposal it and the university had pushed for in March.

"It's the same project in a slightly different location," Cavileer said. "But it has all the upsides (of UNLV Now) and eliminates all the downsides."

Majestic's alternative calls for a 60,000-seat stadium on 40 acres of privately owned land at the corner of Koval Lane and Tropicana Avenue — within walking distance from UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center and the Las Vegas Strip.

This off-campus project has several advantages to the on-campus stadium project being considered by UNLV, Cavileer said:

• It's cheaper: Majestic's proposal is expected to cost $770 million, which is lower than the $800 million to $900 million price tag for the UNLV Now stadium, just before it was scrapped. That's because Majestic's proposal will not force UNLV to construct new parking garages and relocate athletic fields.

In addition, Majestic will allow UNLV to host seven to eight football games each year at its off-campus stadium at no cost to the university. Majestic will honor its previous agreement with UNLV to pay $2.5 million per year to offset any loss in revenue to the university's Sam Boyd Stadium located in the eastern valley.

• It's fair: Majestic is hoping to partner with the state of Nevada on a 50-50 public-private partnership, with each partner kicking in $385 million. Profits from the new stadium would be split evenly between the state and Majestic.

Majestic — backed by Los Angeles billionaire Ed Roski — has increased its investment level, from $360 million for the UNLV Now project to $385 million for an off-campus stadium.

On the other hand, the public investment has been lowered, from $540 million for the UNLV Now project to $385 million for an off-campus stadium.

• It's less complicated: Majestic's off-campus stadium has fewer partners involved — just Majestic and the state of Nevada. UNLV Now on the other hand has several partners, including UNLV, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and several major Strip casinos.

Majestic's plan won't require a special tax district to fund part of the stadium cost, nor an investment by the LVCVA and the larger resort industry.

In addition, Majestic's stadium project is not underneath a flight path to McCarran International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration had taken issue with the height of the UNLV Now stadium, located underneath a flight path to McCarran.

Furthermore, Majestic's proposal would alleviate the parking problems many foresaw in an on-campus stadium design, because Majestic would build 9,000 parking spaces on surrounding property owned by Clark County and private owners.

Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013...#ixzz2UmrWRXLK

[case_architect]

noticed some heavy equipment and new construction trailers on-site at summerlin centre. didn't get a chance for any pics.

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Las vegas Sun

The Monte Carlo gets a facelift to make room for MGM’s park project
By Ed Komenda (contact)
6 June 2013

The work is part of the first phase of MGM Resorts International’s $100 million plan to tidy up the crowded walkway between the Monte Carlo and New York-New York. By early 2014, MGM officials say the pathway will be a tree-dotted plaza with benches, food trucks and shops.

Planners have designed a new pathway to connect the Monte Carlo and New York-New York and lead visitors to a planned 20,000-seat arena slated for a plot of land behind the two resorts. Construction crews currently are in the demolition phase, Miller said.

Once demolition is finished, several new attractions, including a beer garden and Shake Shack burger restaurant, will be built. Replacing the European facade will be a Double Barrel restaurant, owned by SBE Entertainment, and a Sambalatte Coffee House.

http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2013/ju...gms-park-proj/

[dragonsky]

• Video Link
Cirque du Soleil launches “Light” nightclub at Mandalay Bay

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Las Vegas Sun

A giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and Hershey's bar are slated for the sweet spot between the Strip's Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.

The gargantuan treats are fixtures of a new Hershey's Chocolate World scheduled to open this winter at New York-New York.

Announced as part of a $100 million plan by MGM Resorts International to turn the cluttered sidewalk between New York-New York and the Monte Carlo into a tree-dotted plaza flush with food and entertainment, the Hershey's shop features two floors of interactive experiences.

http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2013/ju...ss-sweeten-de/

[N830MH]

The president of developer U.S. Thrill Rides, Michael Kitchen, acknowledged the 650-foot tall "Polercoaster" amusement ride set to be built in the area near the Tropicana hotel-casino towards the south end of the Strip.

A spokesperson from the Federal Aviation Administration also confirmed plans were under review for the project to assess whether the project poses a hazard to air traffic.

According to the spokesperson, reviews are done for any structure more than 200 feet tall. If a structure poses a problem to air craft or navigation aids, the developers will be questioned whether the hazard can be corrected.

Its gonna to have a fun. This is first tallest rollercoaster in Las Vegas.

http://www.kpho.com/story/22623449/p...at-vegas-strip

You never hear of it before. It's unbelievable! You can choose a rides.

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Las Vegas Sun

New Las Vegas Strip arena to cost $350 million
By Ed Komenda (contact)
18 June 2013

AEG and MGM Resorts International have ironed out the details of a deal to build a $350 million arena behind the Monte Carlo and New York-New York resorts.

Planned as the centerpiece of MGM’s ongoing $100 million project to revitalize the cluttered pathway between the two resorts and bring more visitors outside, the 20,000-seat arena will stretch from Las Vegas Boulevard to Frank Sinatra Drive.

Officials expect to break ground on the arena in summer 2014 and open in spring 2016. Finances will be siphoned from equity contributions made by each of the partners and funds from a third-party source.

http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2013/ju...50-million/#/1

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Las Vegas Sun

Dynasty hotel-casino could open in Las Vegas by 2015
By Ed Komenda (contact)
Wednesday, June 19, 2013 | 12:36 p.m.

Clark County commissioners have green-lighted plans for a new 26-story hotel-casino on Flamingo Road.

Currently home of the Fortune Hotel & Suites just west of Paradise Road, the plot of land between the Tuscany and the recently fire-damaged Key Largo could be transformed into The Dynasty Hotel & Casino as soon as 2015.

While the property has never offered gaming in the past, the county’s approval entered Las Vegas Lucky Investments LLC into to the state-approved Gaming Enterprise District, allowing it to apply for a gaming license and open a 100,000-square-foot casino.

Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013...#ixzz2WidmaUZp