Las Vegas Pulls The Lever On New Construction

Written By Marc Meltzer on April 4, 2022
New construction in Las Vegas

The constant changes in Las Vegas form part of its appeal.

Thanks to a steady stream of new projects and renovations to existing properties, there’s always something new to observe and participate in. Construction projects are always ongoing, with many more slated for the future.

Numerous additions contribute to making Las Vegas an excellent tourist destination. Sadly, not all proposed projects manage to see fruition.

Long Delays

Certain construction projects, such as Resorts World Las Vegas, commence and then halt, only to be completed years later by a different company. The construction of the latest casino on the Vegas Strip, for instance, technically began over a decade ago in 2007.

In early 2007, Boyd Gaming demolished the cherished Stardust with the intention of constructing a mega-casino resort similar to CityCenter, named Echelon Place. However, construction on Echelon Place stopped after only a year. Interestingly, the garage structure initiated in 2007 is currently in use at Resorts World.

In 2013, the land was purchased from Boyd Gaming by Genting, the owners of Resorts World. They commenced construction on Resorts World in 2015 and it was ultimately opened in the previous year.

A comparable scenario is unfolding across the street at Fontainebleau Las Vegas (Fontainebleau), where construction also began in 2007. The investors ran into financial difficulties in 2009, which led to the cessation of construction when Fontainebleau was approximately 75% complete.

It seems construction is back on track at Fontainebleau, after numerous owners and name changes. The latest Construction Bulletin from the Las Vegas Convention And Visitors Authority (LVCVA) suggests that Fontainebleau’s construction work is projected to conclude by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Despite delays on some projects, many have managed to finish on time or early, including the Circa in downtown Las Vegas and the Caesars Forum convention center on the Vegas Strip.

Recently Finished Las Vegas Construction

You might find it surprising, but many construction projects were completed last year.

Besides the opening of Resorts World, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the Mohegan Sun Casino also launched just off the Vegas Strip. This property is essentially a revamped and modernized version of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Harrah’s, Sahara, and Waldorf Astoria all completed renovations across their entire properties on the Vegas Strip. Furthermore, Waldorf Astoria underwent a name change from Mandarin Oriental.

Room renovations have been completed at both El Cortez in downtown Las Vegas and the Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace. However, a major construction project that began at Caesars Palace in 2021 has experienced delays.

2022 Construction Projects

Last year, Caesars Palace began renovations on its entrance on the Vegas Strip, which was not completed until earlier this year. Visitors will now be greeted with a glittering new entrance to one of the nation’s most renowned casinos.

Earlier this year, MGM Resorts unveiled its freshly renovated Sky Suites and SkyVillas at Aria. To maintain its reputation as a Forbes luxury property, MGM Resorts needs to continually upgrade this part of the property.

This year, Caesars is undergoing a renovation and rebranding of Bally’s Las Vegas to Horseshoe Las Vegas. The property will see significant changes throughout the year, making it a significant one for the establishment. Notably, the World Series of Poker will also be relocating to the newly named Horseshoe this summer.

The Palms is set to reopen sometime this upcoming spring. The new proprietors are currently sprucing up and enhancing many parts of the property, excluding the hotel rooms. The former owner, Station Casinos, had already renovated the hotel rooms before closing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you have visited the Vegas Strip’s Cosmopolitan, Planet Hollywood, or Aria this year, you are likely to have noticed construction on Harmon Ave. The construction of the Project63 shopping plaza, located across from Harmon Corner (a dining/shopping plaza), is expected to be finished by the end of this year.

2023 Construction Throughout Las Vegas

A handful of casino projects are slated to occur, but it seems only one might be finished by next year. Station Casinos has already commenced construction on Durango. The firm aims to inaugurate the off-strip casino hotel by the close of 2025.

As stated before, Fontainebleau aims to complete construction by late 2025. The renderings of the Fontainebleau casino-resort on the Vegas Strip are absolutely stunning.

Dreamscape is set to become the new owners of Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino, and they have plans for wide-ranging renovations across the property. Although the detailed plans have not been fully disclosed, it is known that the hotel rooms will be renovated and managed by Hyatt.

The MSG Sphere construction behind The Venetian is expected to be finished by the end of 2025. Additionally, Golden Entertainment is anticipated to complete the Atomic (golf) Range at The Strat within this year.

Looking Forward

The likelihood of construction projects being delayed increases the further out we plan. Indeed, many such projects have already experienced delays from their original schedules. Current construction projects in Las Vegas slated for 2025 include:

  • Net Resort & Arena (adjacent to Sahara)
  • Atari Hotel (without any plans for a casino)
  • Circus Circus (renovations)
  • The Dream Hotel in Las Vegas should ideally have a casino.
  • The Mirage (formerly Hard Rock Hotel & Casino)
  • Majestic Las Vegas, which has no planned casino, is located near the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Multiple non-gaming hotels located off-strip are scheduled to open in 2025 or later. In addition, new pedestrian bridges are being planned for the Vegas Strip to allow visitors to cross the street without worrying about traffic.

Photo by Ken Ritter / Associated Press
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Marc Meltzer

Marc spent his formative years in the rough neighborhood of South Bronx, a rarity in his dual support for the Yankees and Jets, which lends to his often unconventional perspective. As a freelance writer and social media consultant, Marc takes on the challenging task of writing about steak, alcohol, gambling, and Las Vegas.

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