[lfc4life]

the tallest tower at city center isn't scheduled to top out until the late summer, august was the month being mentioned last week

Pano 3 should be close to topping now

[neworleans]

pano 3 topped out over 3 weeks ago...

[JDRCRASH]

:jester:

[mdiederi]

So I've got to say, when I noticed the poster mdiederi said he was changing jobs that would keep him away from the strip as often, I didn't envision when the face of this board would change so much. There's been some great photos posted from time to time here, and I appreciate all of them in keeping track of development, but oh man is that Mark guy's presence noticeable in absence.

Somebody get him a job on the strip, please.

I'm planning on moving to downtown in July, but for now I'm still stuck in Summerlin.

Summerlin Center, across the street from me, is still mostly just a bunch of big underground parking holes and grading, but the start of a steel frame popped up the other day. Only other things happening out here are the five-floor Red Rock employee parking garage, and LaPour's 123-room Starwood Element hotel on the corner of Towncenter and 215. Further south, Manhattan West is taking shape pretty fast.

[CHAPINM1]

Updates? I'm GUESSING the Planet Hollywood towers are topped out by now at 50 floors each, Echelon is up to the 7th floor, and Fountainebleau is up to the 44th floor. By the way on the transpertation thread, would it be worth it to start up a thread about the Las Vegas Monorail expansions. I'd really like to keep updated about that and this is not the thread to do it since it's for highrise construction and not real-estate, traffic, city grids, or anything else unrealated. Thanks in advance... :cool:

[anyiliang]

I think I will sum it up:

Asians are superstitious about the number 4, not the quantity 4.

For example, many Asians in Los Angeles live in 4-bedroom houses, and that doesn't raise any superstition. However, Asians don't like to have an address with the number 4.

I can have 4 cell phones and that's not a problem, but I don't want to have a phone number that has too many 4's.

4 cars? GREAT! a license plate that reads FRC4444, Not for me !

So to answer your question: No, Asian don't care if you have 4 rooms or 4004 rooms.


You are correct. Asians are more superstitious about the number. In Taiwan Hospitals dont have a 4th floor or any floor that has 4 in it. In Hong Kong, a lot of the older buildings dont have a 4th, 13th, 14th, 24th and so on floors. I remember this one building I was at using the elevator and it was only around 30 story but in the elevator it had buttons up in the 50's.

[CHAPINM1]

Soooooooooooo anyways.......... Are Echelon and Fountainebleau excluding any floors with the number 4 now that were back on the subject?

[lfc4life]

Updates? I'm GUESSING the Planet Hollywood towers are topped out by now at 50 floors each, Echelon is up to the 7th floor, and Fountainebleau is up to the 44th floor. By the way on the transpertation thread, would it be worth it to start up a thread about the Las Vegas Monorail expansions. I'd really like to keep updated about that and this is not the thread to do it since it's for highrise construction and not real-estate, traffic, city grids, or anything else unrealated. Thanks in advance... :cool:

only one planet hollywood tower has been built and if rumours are to be believed that may be it, apparently they are waiting to see how sales in tower 1 go before building tower 2, in this climate expect tower 2 in about 50 years so :sly: tower 1 is up to floor 48 btw

nice full shot of city center/cosmo from flickr taken 2 days ago
http://i28.tinypic.com/flk3sp.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26203807@N00/2527345534/in/set-72157605279319035/

[Complex01]

:previous:

That is really nice...

[JDRCRASH]

No kidding. BTW, does anybody have a rendering of what the skyline will look like in the future?

[lfc4life]

this is what city center and cosmo will look like, pity they cut out the beach tower on the extreme right

http://www.daniel-libeskind.com/typo3temp/pics/b8a61f0961.jpg
http://www.daniel-libeskind.com/typo3temp/pics/b8a61f0961.jpg

[JDRCRASH]

Thats cool, but I was wondering about the Las Vegas skyline in general?

[Biff]

Why is the Jockey Club still there? It looks oddly out of place, like it was refusing to move and is getting built over and consumed by the City Center project.

[WonderlandPark]

Jockey Club IS still there. Probably has to do with it being a timeshare and the complexity of legal ownership that has kept it there. I think Bellagio tried to buy it, too.

[lfc4life]

Why is the Jockey Club still there? It looks oddly out of place, like it was refusing to move and is getting built over and consumed by the City Center project.

the jockey club is still there because it is owned by thousands of people (almost 15,000) and it would have been a nightmare and taken years to buy them all out so cosmo decided to build around it

[Tlwarnke]

ifc4life,
according to Westgate Resorts (they are the ones putting up PH Towers) they are still planning on doing 2 towers. They wanted to complete building tower 1 b4 starting tower 2. Tower 1 should be completed in a few weeks. We'll have to wait and see if they were telling me the truth.

Terry

[Scruffy]

WOW!! that construction pic above is awesome!!

[lfc4life]

Caesars Octavius Tower with 11 floors to go

http://i28.tinypic.com/2l9s4k4.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26203807@N00/2527347716/in/set-72157605279319035/

palazzo condo tower

http://i25.tinypic.com/k4b98y.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26203807@N00/2526518921/

marriott Springhill Suites

http://i27.tinypic.com/169q3yt.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/calmlikeabomb/2521437076/

[CHAPINM1]

Thank you very much everybody for all the updates! :cool:

[kenratboy]

LOL - look at the 'view' the Jokey Club members will have. Grey wall of the new complex 25' away. They will be glad to sell :p

[CHAPINM1]

LOL - look at the 'view' the Jokey Club members will have. Grey wall of the new complex 25' away. They will be glad to sell :p

One of these days the memebers will find it in their best interest to sell, especially due to the skyrocketing land value and how everything is growing up around them. I would think that within the next 5 years at most that heap of shit will be razed.

[DowntownGymRat]

With Vegas growing so much, are there any plans for big financial highrises? Seems that the only financial area is the Howard Hughes center off of Sands, and the tallest tower there is the Wells Fargo Bank at like 20 - 25 stories. I would think Vegas could have some supertall bank skyscrapers in planning stages considering how much money banks pour into the city.

[RandalR]

With Vegas growing so much, are there any plans for big financial highrises? Seems that the only financial area is the Howard Hughes center off of Sands, and the tallest tower there is the Wells Fargo Bank at like 20 - 25 stories. I would think Vegas could have some supertall bank skyscrapers in planning stages considering how much money banks pour into the city.

Aside from retail bank branches and mortgage broker offices, financial firms won't touch Las Vegas. There's a stigma attached to having the city's name on your business card - clients think you are taking 10% of their money to the blackjack tables every night to try to increase returns. Legal gambling will prevent Las Vegas from ever becoming a center for finance - or even a headquarters for most corporations, despite Nevada's favorable legal environment.

[Snotick]

One of these days the memebers will find it in their best interest to sell, especially due to the skyrocketing land value and how everything is growing up around them. I would think that within the next 5 years at most that heap of shit will be razed.

That wont happen, as was already stated before, their are too many owners involved in the Jockey Club (including me) that would have to agree to the buyout. I agree the view sucks for 2/3 of the owners. But I have a unit on the north side overlooking the Bellagio fountains. In less than two years, I will have guaranteed room, booked for the end of October, with a full kitchen, living room, and minutes from the Cosmo Casino floor. As the landscape of Vegas changes and the cost of hotel rooms skyrockets, I dont think it will ever be in my best interest to sell.

Even if they did sell out in 5 years, what good would that do then. The Cosmo will have already been built. Tearing down the JC would just expose the concrete walls of the parking garage. It would not be cost effective for Cosmo to buy it out then, the cost to benefit ratio wouldnt be worth it. The time to do it was before construction started. I would just get used to the Jockey Club being there a long time.

[Silas]

I agree J-Club is not going anywhere, ever. Way too many owners involved. No possible way it will ever go away in our lifetimes. I used to hate it but now I kind of like it being there.

As for business skyskrapers. Yes - I think this could be 'the next big thing' for the strip area. We know that hotel rooms will be saturated soon, as are condo ideas.

I have envisioned the land behind Paris/PH which is owned by Harrah's to be used for commercial office buildings. I'm not sure that the old school thinking about businesses avoiding Vegas would hold at all. I envision corporate HQ or offices for the hospitality/entertainment/media, etc. companies. There are many companies that would love to be associated with Vegas and the high-profile location would be a major plus, IMO. There could be a monorail connection to airport and convention center.

What better use for that land for Harrah's? They lease the buildings and they have more patrons for their proposed stadium and Paris/Bally's casinos.

[cosmo2k8]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/gaming/2008/may/28/robin-leach-reporting-sale-cosmopolitan/

By Liz Benston · May 28, 2008 · 7:28 PM

Since last year, New York development giant Related Cos. has been angling to take over the under-construction Cosmopolitan resort and casino, whose primary lender, Deutsche Bank, has begun foreclosure proceedings on the property.

Robin Leach, who purchased a unit at the Cosmopolitan, is reporting in a blog to be posted Thursday morning on the Las Vegas Weekly Web site, that Related boss Steve Ross has agreed to purchase the Cosmopolitan.

The Sun could not confirm that report. What is clear, however, is that Related — which developed the World Market Center in Las Vegas and the Time Warner Center in New York, among other high end commercial complexes nationwide — appears to be the forerunner among potential buyers.

The resort became a victim of the mortgage meltdown when Deutsche Bank sought more equity from developer Ian Bruce Eichner, who has since exited the $3.8 billion project.

Construction has continued under Deutsche Bank’s ownership and Related officials remain in discussions about a purchase.

Related has linked up with the Starwood hotel giant on a Cosmopolitan bid and wants to brand it a W hotel. It hasn’t been the only potential buyer to tour the site.

At one point, the likely buyer appeared to be hedge fund Marathon Asset Management, in partnership with Global Hyatt.

Besides taking on a project of this magnitude and a debt load of at least $1 billion, the winning bidder has another major hurdle to jump. Banks want assurance that buyers will be able to round up experienced operators who will be able to get licensed by Nevada gaming authorities.

It’s unclear who Related and Starwood would have in mind for this role. Also unclear is whether Related simply wants to manage the hotel as a developer or whether it wants to fork over the cash necessary to buy it outright.

[fishordie]

Yo Cosmo,

I saw that too. Not sure why Robin Leach would know things before anyone else but if so that is the news we were hoping for. The W branding of this facility is much more powerful with world wide recognition than Eichner and Cosmopolitan would have been. This may be the one condo/hotel project built or being built since 2005 that may actually make money for the unit owners. WE will see. I suppose if it is true we will see confirmation soon.

FOD

[CHAPINM1]

I counted, it looks more like Fountainebleau is at 44 floors. There seems that the floor about five levels below the current floor being worked on will be a skylobby/transfer level, correct me if I'm wrong. It's just a little different in height than the other floors.

[CHAPINM1]

I agree J-Club is not going anywhere, ever. Way too many owners involved. No possible way it will ever go away in our lifetimes. I used to hate it but now I kind of like it being there.

As for business skyskrapers. Yes - I think this could be 'the next big thing' for the strip area. We know that hotel rooms will be saturated soon, as are condo ideas.

I have envisioned the land behind Paris/PH which is owned by Harrah's to be used for commercial office buildings. I'm not sure that the old school thinking about businesses avoiding Vegas would hold at all. I envision corporate HQ or offices for the hospitality/entertainment/media, etc. companies. There are many companies that would love to be associated with Vegas and the high-profile location would be a major plus, IMO. There could be a monorail connection to airport and convention center.

What better use for that land for Harrah's? They lease the buildings and they have more patrons for their proposed stadium and Paris/Bally's casinos.

I see downtown as the area that will be incorporated with most of the business skyscrapers.

Also, whenever they'll keep expanding the monorail will be a wonder to me. The wait so far has been too Goddamn long....... :hell: Getting a little more than tired of having to take a fricken cab or shuttle to get to the strip from the airport. I've tried to look up everything I can about the expansions on the internet and the best thing I get is a bunch of non-current articles. Wikipedia doesn't have anything even remotely current on it...

[ThreeHundred]

this is what city center and cosmo will look like, pity they cut out the beach tower on the extreme right

http://www.daniel-libeskind.com/typo3temp/pics/b8a61f0961.jpg
http://www.daniel-libeskind.com/typo3temp/pics/b8a61f0961.jpg

Looking at this pic, I wish Cosmo would just become a part of City Center.

[CHAPINM1]

Just asking, I never understood why Cosmo is being built into two seperate towers with one being a lot bigger than the other. Is one for condo's and the other for hotel usage?

[cosmo2k8]

http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/luxe-life/2008/may/29/--rocks-cosmopolitan-focus-sale-chatter/

The Cosmopolitan, shown under construction in 2006, is said to become the W Hotel.

In a strong vote of confidence about the future of condo-hotels on the Strip, it is believed the troubled Cosmopolitan project adjacent to MGM's City Center is to be sold to New York-headquartered Related Companies. I've been told by highly reliable sources that a chic W Hotel will replace the plans there for a Grand Hyatt Hotel-managed facility.

Miami and New York real estate developer Bruce Eichner apparently relinquished control of the building, which is now under construction, to Wall Street's Deutscher Bank when he was unable to secure an additional $400 million equity-loan investment.

Now Luxe Life has been informed exclusively that tycoon Steve Ross, who owns Time Warner Center and Related Companies, has apparently agreed to purchase the Cosmopolitan project -- and partner with the Los Angeles-based partnership that originally planned the initial W Hotel project for Harmon Avenue that also fell victim to the current poor economic climate.

I'm told that Grimaldi's Pizza will be the only retailer kept from the original Cosmopolitan stores and restaurant lineup, and that old deals with all the other potential stores will be renogotiated or ended.

Construction on the hotel towers has continued since Deutscher took over by paying the builder directly -- and plans now call for the W Hotel to open there by fall of 2010.

The Related Company owned by Ross also owns an independent Related subsidiary, which partnered with Centra Properties of Las Vegas and investors George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Brad Pitt for the Las Ramblas resort casino complex on Harmon that also was canceled.

No financial details concerning the Related & Cosmopolitan transaction have been revealed yet.

In another surprising real estate development, I have also learned that Pure Management Group, the subject of an ongoing IRS investigation at its Pure (Caesars Palace) and LAX (Luxor) nightclubs, has purchased its first off-Strip property -- at the expensive, luxurious Queensridge development in Summerlin. Reliable sources have told me that PMG plans to put a 3,000-square-foot outdoor deck to good use as part of a new martini lounge bar and casual restaurant, similar to the new Blue Martini at Town Square.

Luxe Life will continue to monitor this developing stories.

[DMaldon762]

View from Strat.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o237/DMaldon762/eXXXquisite%20Vegas%202008/DSCF1134.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o237/DMaldon762/eXXXquisite%20Vegas%202008/DSCF1137.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o237/DMaldon762/eXXXquisite%20Vegas%202008/DSCF1137.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o237/DMaldon762/eXXXquisite%20Vegas%202008/DSCF1139.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o237/DMaldon762/eXXXquisite%20Vegas%202008/DSCF1140.jpg

View from Palazzo pool

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o237/DMaldon762/eXXXquisite%20Vegas%202008/DSCF1220.jpg

Echelon from Palazzo

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o237/DMaldon762/eXXXquisite%20Vegas%202008/DSCF1222.jpg

[RandalR]

I counted, it looks more like Fountainebleau is at 44 floors. There seems that the floor about five levels below the current floor being worked on will be a skylobby/transfer level, correct me if I'm wrong. It's just a little different in height than the other floors.

I took this one over the weekend - it shows the higher level you mentioned:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f245/RandalR/Las%20Vegas/Fontainebleau20080525.jpg?t=1212068681

[CHAPINM1]

Thanks a million everyone! Those Stratosphere shots were spot on! Fountainebleau is definetly beginning to make an impact already, also it's appearant that Echelon is going vertical and should be visable in the skyline before too long. After seeing those shots from the Palazzo pool area, I was amazed from every angle. The head on view of Wynn and Encore is fantastic!

BTW RandalR, thanks for pointing out the shot and pointing out the higher level I mentioned. I dind't know exactly if I was just seeing things or it was actually higher than the rest. I'm guessing it is a skylobby/transfer floor.

[RandalR]

I'm guessing it is a skylobby/transfer floor.

Yes, maybe the starting point for the condominiums - meaning the hotel room levels are done.

[Hans Gruber]

The Vegas real estate market is going down the drain. At least there will be some wonderful properties when all is said and done in the next 3 years.

The shot from the Palazzo pool is excellent!

[CHAPINM1]

The Vegas real estate market is going down the drain. At least there will be some wonderful properties when all is said and done in the next 3 years.

The shot from the Palazzo pool is excellent!

Well, at least when I move to Vegas a year or two from now HOPEFULLY it will make it that much easier to find and buy decient property.

[CHAPINM1]

Yes, maybe the starting point for the condominiums - meaning the hotel room levels are done.

That would definetly explain it... :tup:

[DMaldon762]

By the way...

The Palazzo is a great resort. I stayed there for 2 nights after staying at Signature and there is no comparison. The smoke free corridors in the center of the casino were great and the rooms were top notch.

[DMaldon762]

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o237/DMaldon762/eXXXquisite%20Vegas%202008/DSCF1246.jpg

[Silas]

Seems like it is up in the air. MGM ?

http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2008/05/28/opinion/columnists/stutz/iq_21672642.txt

[Patrick]

What happened to Vegas Grows Up? It says his account was closed?

[DMaldon762]

Wouldn't it be cool if Caesars or Sands bought Cosmo and shoehorned themselves between CC and Bellagio?

[mdiederi]

The latest rumors are that Caesars (Harrah's) is thinking of buying Wynn (:haha: that'll never happen), and Related will buy or manage the Cosmo and rebrand it as W (that would be good).

http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/blogs/dmckee/index.cfm/2008/5/30/You-want-fries-with-that
http://blogs.lasvegasmagazine.com/VegasLuxeLife/cosmoploitan-sold/

[hotdog]

Another death at CityCenter. Is all this construction worth it?

[CHAPINM1]

Another death at CityCenter. Is all this construction worth it?

What kind of stupid question is that? Construction related deaths are not guaranteed and no matter what project a firm is working on the odds of somebody getting killed are always going to be there. It's a horrible thing that there are people who die on the job and especially some of the ways they end up dying, no matter what construction job it is, saftey is never a 100% guarantee. I find it a great thing that projects like these are continuing to create jobs, however the risks associated with a number of jobs can be tragic. Buildings need to get built somehow, and they just don't go up with magic dust last time I checked... Construction workers, fireman, policeman, and countless other people out there risk their saftey for the well being and progress of everybody and I can't ever thank them enough for their sacrafice. I guess we should just take all the police off the streets because there is some risk associated there as well... I can't believe that you have the nerve to sit there and degrade what so many people including those contruction workers have accomplished and are trying to accomplish... Shame on you! :hell:

[Patrick]

^oh my

[CHAPINM1]

How long has it been since the Cosmopolitian broke ground? That development seems cursed having been bought and sold with struggling developers as many times as it has ever since it broke ground. If it is branded as a W Hotel I would find that more than okay... :cool:

BTW, The Echelon webcam is down, anybody else not able to view it?

[Hans Gruber]

Anybody know what the best sites are for uploading full size images or large images? I see a lot of large pics on the Vegas forum. I used to use allyoucanupload but they are no longer taking new pics.

[CHAPINM1]

Anybody know what the best sites are for uploading full size images or large images? I see a lot of large pics on the Vegas forum. I used to use allyoucanupload but they are no longer taking new pics.

Have you tried photobucket, that's what I use and I've had pretty good luck with it.

http://photobucket.com/

[lfc4life]

How long has it been since the Cosmopolitian broke ground? That development seems cursed having been bought and sold with struggling developers as many times as it has ever since it broke ground. If it is branded as a W Hotel I would find that more than okay... :cool:

BTW, The Echelon webcam is down, anybody else not able to view it?

cosmo broke ground in late October 2005 but it took over a year to dig the foundation for the parking garage so the first signs of life (steel and concrete) were February 2007

Anybody know what the best sites are for uploading full size images or large images? I see a lot of large pics on the Vegas forum. I used to use allyoucanupload but they are no longer taking new pics.

i use http://www.tinypic.com

[mdiederi]

That development seems cursed having been bought and sold with struggling developers as many times as it has ever since it broke ground.

It only changed hands once so far, from the original developer to the bank.

[CHAPINM1]

It only changed hands once so far, from the original developer to the bank.

It's always seemed like it's has been through the ringer from the get-go. The construction for this one has been super slow and it seems like financing has been a major problem. Developments like Project Citycenter, Echelon, and Fountainebleu had groundbreakings at least 6 months to 2 years after Cosmo broke ground and are at lease at the same level of progress. I don't have a doubt in my mind that Project City Center will be up and going before Cosmo will be... I do have to say "better late than never," at least it is getting built and will be finished eventually as opposed to getting cancelled all together.

[Aaron Auxier]

Hello all! I saw Patrick was wondering where I have been, well, I've been reading, just not posting too much.

As you can see, I have a new screenname as well.

LasVegasStripDaily.com is a new website I have launched where I upload daily photos and tidbits about the Las Vegas Strip - primarily construction photos.

The posts are short and sweet, not so much about selling real estate but more about the development and lifestyle of the Strip. I try to upload a photo a day.

I hope you all enjoy!

[hotdog]

CHAPINM1, if I were to ask "Is the Iraq war worth it given that 3000+ Americans have died in it?", I hope you would not consider me to be degrading the accomplishments and sacrifices of our soldiers. Because I do question the policy of going into Iraq, and I do question whether the quest for the bottom line makes resort and construction companies but dollars over lives, but I do NOT question the jobs and sacrifices that our soldiers or our construction workers do.

As far as your contention that buildings need to get built: no, we don't need to build these buildings. If, hypothetically, the death toll at CityCenter were at 1000, with another person dying every day, I think you'd agree that maybe they should cease construction. You wouldn't just blindly cast shame on someone who questions if the death toll is too high, and who questions the need to finish the project. Well, thankfully the death toll is not 1000, but I question if 6 is too many.

[fishordie]

It's always seemed like it's has been through the ringer from the get-go. The construction for this one has been super slow and it seems like financing has been a major problem. Developments like Project Citycenter, Echelon, and Fountainebleu had groundbreakings at least 6 months to 2 years after Cosmo broke ground and are at lease at the same level of progress. I don't have a doubt in my mind that Project City Center will be up and going before Cosmo will be... I do have to say "better late than never," at least it is getting built and will be finished eventually as opposed to getting cancelled all together.

For this owner of multiple units at Cosmo I am glad the completion date continues to be extended. The original date was for 2008 and now potentially 1st quarter of 2010 though I would expect it to be a bit later than that. For those folks who are closing on units now in other projects I hate to say between financing woes and the down turn of the economy the next several years may not be so good for the majority of folks who went in as investors and not residents.

For me, should the rumors of Related purchasing the property and using the W branding for either the management or naming of the project turn out to be factual, then this may be the one Strip Hotel/condo project that will keep many of our investments intact rather than being upside down at closing. This is going to be one heck of a project. As an International draw the W will bring in the young and glitzy from all around the world who are looking at the U.S. as cheap and affordable. This will not only be a big plus for the project but for L.V. as well. We need as much foreign monies as we can get in order to prop up the lost revenue from Americans.

I do not care how the path unwound for the Cosmo project but if it results in the W branding then this is one happy camper assuming they decide, which I assume they will, to keep the contracts intact for the Condo's.

[fishordie]

Hello all! I saw Patrick was wondering where I have been, well, I've been reading, just not posting too much.

As you can see, I have a new screenname as well.

LasVegasStripDaily.com is a new website I have launched where I upload daily photos and tidbits about the Las Vegas Strip - primarily construction photos.

The posts are short and sweet, not so much about selling real estate but more about the development and lifestyle of the Strip. I try to upload a photo a day.

I hope you all enjoy!

Aaron,

Very nice Blog site. This may be a crazy or maybe not so crazy thought but there is a huge demand for a website for owners or potential owners of projects slated to be completed in late 09 and 2010. For folks who need questions answered in regards to such things as Rental agreements, updates on the projects, questions in regards to the projects, and a place where those folks can discuss these things, etc. Might be a great resource for others and a great means of gathering clientele for you. Just a thought.

FOD

[Aaron Auxier]

FOD,

I agree but as a real estate agent (especially one who follows the law) I can't participate in discussions or provide information on items such as rental programs, etc.

Also, I can't be responsible for providing info that the developer could change at any given time. A good example would be HOA rules etc.

www.LasVegasStripDaily.com was built to better fit in with what people are looking for in this forum, fresh construction pictures and interesting facts about the development of the Strip!

[CHAPINM1]

FOD,

I agree but as a real estate agent (especially one who follows the law) I can't participate in discussions or provide information on items such as rental programs, etc.

Also, I can't be responsible for providing info that the developer could change at any given time. A good example would be HOA rules etc.

www.LasVegasStripDaily.com (http://www.LasVegasStripDaily.com) was built to better fit in with what people are looking for in this forum, fresh construction pictures and interesting facts about the development of the Strip!

Nice, thanks for the link!

[fishordie]

FOD,

I agree but as a real estate agent (especially one who follows the law) I can't participate in discussions or provide information on items such as rental programs, etc.

Also, I can't be responsible for providing info that the developer could change at any given time. A good example would be HOA rules etc.

www.LasVegasStripDaily.com was built to better fit in with what people are looking for in this forum, fresh construction pictures and interesting facts about the development of the Strip!

I was afraid of that so I will probably set one up myself. There is a huge demand for it.

Again, great job on keeping us informed with your sites.

FOD

[Jake2006]

I have read this forum for a while but never posted. We visit Vegas about five times a year and have been watching City Center go up from the start. We were in Vegas this past week and for the first time, we were able to see just how big the City Center and Cosmo projects will be. Looking at the project from across the street this is one of the most impressive projects I've ever watched being built. This project will truly draw people from all over the world. It is exciting to watch its progress.

If anyone knows though, I would like to know how Harmon will go through City Center. It looks like it will go right through the shopping area. It was hard to tell but maybe someone knows how the road will be directed through the complex.

[Aaron Auxier]

Jake, Harmon will run right through just to the north of the retail and The Harmon Hotel (to the south of Cosmo and Vdara). It will actually go under (or over) the west porte cochere for ARIA Resort & Casino.

And to Chap and FOD - You're welcome. I called at LasVegasStripDaily because I'm going to try and provide at least one interesting tidbit or photo every single day. Although, I'll miss some days here and there more than likely.

[cosmo2k8]

Dear Aaron,

Your daily website is fantastic.

Vegas pics and tidbits are now a part of my browsing diet.

Keep up the great work!

Cheers,
:cheers:

[CHAPINM1]

For this owner of multiple units at Cosmo I am glad the completion date continues to be extended. The original date was for 2008 and now potentially 1st quarter of 2010 though I would expect it to be a bit later than that. For those folks who are closing on units now in other projects I hate to say between financing woes and the down turn of the economy the next several years may not be so good for the majority of folks who went in as investors and not residents.

For me, should the rumors of Related purchasing the property and using the W branding for either the management or naming of the project turn out to be factual, then this may be the one Strip Hotel/condo project that will keep many of our investments intact rather than being upside down at closing. This is going to be one heck of a project. As an International draw the W will bring in the young and glitzy from all around the world who are looking at the U.S. as cheap and affordable. This will not only be a big plus for the project but for L.V. as well. We need as much foreign monies as we can get in order to prop up the lost revenue from Americans.

I do not care how the path unwound for the Cosmo project but if it results in the W branding then this is one happy camper assuming they decide, which I assume they will, to keep the contracts intact for the Condo's.

The Cosmo really is a great project, and I couldn't agree more on the international draw investing since the dollar is weak right now. The same thing is going on in Chicago with the Chicago Spire, most of the individuals buying condos there are overseas investor getting more bang for their buck while they have the chance. If your a forign investor, there couldn't possibly be a better time to buy than now here in the United States...

Another question though about Cosmo itself, why are there two towers? Is one for hotel and the other residential condos?

[fishordie]

The Cosmo really is a great project, and I couldn't agree more on the international draw investing since the dollar is weak right now. The same thing is going on in Chicago with the Chicago Spire, most of the individuals buying condos there are overseas investor getting more bang for their buck while they have the chance. If your a forign investor, there couldn't possibly be a better time to buy than now here in the United States...

Another question though about Cosmo itself, why are there two towers? Is one for hotel and the other residential condos?

Under Eichner, the main tower was for those looking for one button ease of use to access the casino or other assorted amenities. Like most of the gaming hotels you will enter and leave the street level through the hub bub of the casino though Parking would be below ground if you were taking the elevator to your car. It has its own pools and services.

The Beach club tower was more of Condo environment with the casino and retail just a few steps away. It too has its own pool area overlooking the strip. It appeared as if the Beach Club tower was designed to be just a bit more prestigious and was priced higher than the main tower. It had some larger units including some impressive corners units.

I have been hearing rumors about the planned use of the Beach tower but at this time they are just rumors. Ultimately we all just get to wait and see.
Could the beach tower turn into a 6 star hotel?? or stay as a wonderfully located Condo/Hotel. Time will tell.

Interestingly enough, the last time I looked at the models there were also plans for Bungalows (Fancy pool side units) located next to the main tower pool. Not sure if these will come to fruition or not nor if they will be owned by the hotel or made available for sale. Undoubtedly they will be the most expensive units on the property. The model also showed an increase in size from the original design of both the retail and gaming spaces. This project is packing a ton of good stuff into a much smaller footprint.

FOD

[Jake2006]

Aaron;

Thanks for the update on how Harmon will run. We will be sure to bring our camera when we come out later this month as I want to get some pictures. We also heard that City Center will open a sales office in Dubai this month. Does anyone know if that is correct?

[Aaron Auxier]

Jake,

You're welcome. As far as the Dubai sales office, MGM MIRAGE has not released a final date. From what I hear, it will probably not open in June. Latest word is that it will open sometime this summer.

[Aaron Auxier]

A huge piece of The Crystals that got installed last week.

http://item.slide.com/r/1/49/i/onqgWV2Z2T8kEbkWLikBbJvrJp0FUf8B/

Nice shot of Mandarin Oriental on a cloudy day

http://item.slide.com/r/1/42/i/mLN0iZC06j-8AAbyUXU_X-seigXHXnam/

[mdiederi]

Good idea for a daily website, Aaron.
.....

Saw that they have started installing the curvy facade on Frank Gehry's Ruvo building in Union Park.
.....

http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=8413870
Union construction workers are threatening to walk off the job tomorrow at CityCenter if safety isn't improved.

Steve Ross, the Secretary Treasurer with the Southern Nevada Building and Construction Trades Council, said they are asking for three things.

One is to submit to an immediate work site assessment administered by the Center for Research Training. Two, institute OSHA training by the Center for Research Training, paid for by the Perrini Construction, or MGM-Mirage. Third, grant full job site access to union directors and safety directors.

If this does not happen by midnight, Ross said workers might not show up tomorrow, "We are not quite sure what direction we are going, but that is certainly a prospect of all the workers coming off the project until we are satisfied our safety concerns are met."
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/news/2008/jun/02/unions-threaten-citycenter-walkout-over-safety/

[mdiederi]

! ! STRIKE ! !

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/2737464.jpg
Photo by Jeremy Lyverse/Review-Journal.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/scaled0503_met_citycenter_262992_t6.jpg
Photo by Leila Navidi/Las Vegas Sun

Sun blog
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jun/03/workers-walk-citycenter-site-protest/

TV 8 story
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/global/story.asp?s=8415340
Aaron Drawhorn, Reporter
Workers Strike at Project CityCenter

Updated: June 3, 2008 07:19 AM

The majority of union workers on MGM Mirage Inc.'s multibillion dollar CityCenter project struck late Monday after talks broke down between the Nevada Building and Construction Trades Council, casino giant MGM Mirage and project general contractor Perini Building Co.

Since construction on CityCenter began, six men have died. The latest, 39-year-old Dustin Tarter, a crane worker, was killed Saturday. He is the latest victim who perished on the grounds.

"This is the sixth death since the start of the construction of the CityCenter project and this is unacceptable," said Steve Ross with the Southern Nevada Building & Construction Trades Council.

The council is throwing down the gauntlet. It has made suggestions to Perini Building Company and MGM-Mirage on ways to improve safety concerns at the job site.

Now they're demanding an immediate work site safety assessment, an on-site OSHA training course, both administered by the Center for Construction Research and Training, and full job site access to be granted to union officials and safety directors.

"Immediately is the time we're allowing Perini and MGM-Mirage to work with us in regards to these requests, meaning today," said Ross.

Now the 6,000 workers at CityCenter will walk once the clock strikes midnight.

"We have the most dangerous work on the site -- no ifs, ands or buts. Something needs to be done," said an ironworker who didn't want his name given.

He's prepared to strike to save lives, "We're all behind this. Whatever has to be done to stop the men dying continuously. One man per month is what we have going right now. That's not okay."

Steve Redlinger, a spokesperson for the Southern Nevada Building and Construction Trades Council and its affiliated unions, said a compromise on those three demands is not expected to be met by the deadline. Negotiations with Perini Building Company and MGM-Mirage are expecting to resume Tuesday morning.

[Silas]

HotDog you're right! You were the first to bring up the issue, now CC workers on strike.

I look forward to CityCenter as much as anyone. I love the way it is looking. But how much is too much in the name of $$$$$$. Oh, did I mention $$$$$$$$$ ?

What are the bonus incentives of corporate executives to meet or exceed deadlines? Reasonable questions are valid when people are being killed. All for the executives new jet? That's harsh.

[CHAPINM1]

I will say that there have been a very high number of deaths with this project so far that have made me question the saftey standards with this project in relations to other projects going up in Las Vegas... I looked at the dedication page on Vegas Today and Tomorrow for the newest casualty and most of the casualties were from Project City Center construction. Construction related accidents in most cases are pretty much inevitable, but with this project they seem way more abundant...

[Tlwarnke]

It appears that they have started putting the red on the "wing" of tower one.
Anyone know if they are on floor 50 yet? Or are they getting ready to top-off? The webcam does not show very much. Any new photos of the whole tower and the pit area would be appreciated.

Thanx,
Terry

[hotdog]

Yeah, Silas, I agree, when you've had more deaths in the last 18 months than the rest of the strip combined, surely somebody is cutting corners on safety, but I'm sure the corporate jet is well inspected before flying. I'd rather have CityCenter remain an unfinished heap of iron than lose six more lives in the next 18 months, and if the work continues with few changes made and another 6 or so die before opening date, I'll make sure not to buy from the stores there or eat at the restaurants there (I live in Henderson so I don't stay in the hotels). I know that pledge means nothing in the grand scheme of things, but it's all I can do to not reward the blind quest to maximize profits.

[Silas]

Well said HD.

I have never worked in construction but I have a lot of respect for these guys. These are some of the last honest jobs we have in the country. So much of our culture is filled with jobs/careers that allow people to skate by and/or gain the rewards of others' work.

I think your idea of an implied threat of a public-boycott of the property is excellent and in fact it is too bad that there is not a precedent for this already. I think Perini/MGM should be up for REASONABLE scrutiny -- and that they should feel the heat from the community. If they new that their future profit stream would be affected by what MAY be unethical practices, I think that component would keep them flying straight.

Our society has moved into the mindset that if it is legal, then it's ethical. These are often two different things.

[tumbleweed]

But there were 112 deaths associated with building the Hoover Dam.. is that proportionate with the numbers at city center or have we made a vast improvement in construction safety over the last 75 years? Does anyone boycott those large projects throughout history that have cost hundreds of lives? Do people not eat crab because men die fishing them every year? These guys choose to do this type of work.. Don't get me wrong, not saying any deaths are acceptable...
some guys just work stupid, show up hungover or under the influence and have to be a little more responsible for themselves and the good workers around them.. and i guess it is hard to babysit everyone all the time?

[Jake2006]

From the Review Journal...

Workers to return to CityCenter and Cosmopolitan

Construction workers who walked off the job late Monday because of safety concerns at two Strip job sites will return to work later tonight.

Steve Ross, secretary-treasurer of the Southern Nevada Building and Construction Trades Council, said Perini Building Co. agreed to all of the Southern Nevada Building and Construction Trades Council's demands about safety issues following meetings earlier today.

Workers on the Cosmopolitan project return to work at 9 p.m. While CityCenter workers will resume work at midnight.

Eight workers have died at the two sites during the past 16 months leading to the strike.

[sky-of-webs]

When I heard this at work (I'm a carpenter) in early January, while on the Pallazzo I was going to post it here but figured it was off topic and of course not funny. But here it is---
"City Center" is referred to as "Cemetery Center"

[CHAPINM1]

double post

[CHAPINM1]

But there were 112 deaths associated with building the Hoover Dam.. is that proportionate with the numbers at city center or have we made a vast improvement in construction safety over the last 75 years? Does anyone boycott those large projects throughout history that have cost hundreds of lives? Do people not eat crab because men die fishing them every year? These guys choose to do this type of work.. Don't get me wrong, not saying any deaths are acceptable...
some guys just work stupid, show up hungover or under the influence and have to be a little more responsible for themselves and the good workers around them.. and i guess it is hard to babysit everyone all the time?

I agree, and don't we buy clothing that was made in third world countries by slave labor? Like I said earlier, in some cases hazards on the job are inevitable, however with Project City Center it seems a little awkward that the number has been higher than usual. Let's not forget the countless other projects and structures we all use everyday that people have died creating people... In a perfect world nobody would die on the job, but since it's not, the odds are always going to be there sadly whether we like it or not...

[silverbow]

Crown Las Vegas project officially declared dead

http://www.lvrj.com/business/19521419.html (http://www.lvrj.com/business/19521419.html)

The $5 billion Crown Las Vegas project slated for the old Wet 'n Wild site is officially dead, according to the Australian-based partner in the project.

Melbourne, Australia-based Crown limited announced late Tuesday that LVTI, the joint-venture company developing the project, has decided not to proceed with an option to buy the 27-acre site and no further payments will be made.

Texas-based developer Christopher Milam and private equity firm York Capital Management were partners in the project.

The site, which had been approved for a 1,064-foot hotel tower, is now owned by Archon Corp.

In addition to LVTI and the Fontainebleau projects, Crown's U.S. investments include a 4.9 percent stake in Station Casinos and a 2.5 percent holding in Harrah's Entertainment.

[Patrick]

^Yay.

[lfc4life]

anything there was better than having to look at an empty lot now for the next 10 years :( empty apart from broken bottles, porn flyers and other assorted rubbish

lets face it vegas is never going to rival venice or barcelona in the architectural stakes so it was even more hilarious when i saw people complaining about the design of crown when we have a pyramid, disneyesque castle and a circus tent on the same street

a 1000ft hotel would have brought tourists and extra money to las vegas no matter what it looked like; tourist won't come to see an empty lot

[heyyoucharlie]

That lot will still eventually be fill by a 1000ft tower... The fact that the city and the FAA both approved the 1064ft is a huge step... Probably won't be the Crown people, but someday there will be a 1000 footer there...:banana:

[lfc4life]

i for one won't be holding my breath waiting for that to happen after all the el rancho lot across the street has lay empty for nearly 50 years and will stay that way for a long while yet given the current market

If anybody has been to Crowns establishments in Australia you would realise this is a huge loss to not only the north strip but las vegas in general

[mdiederi]

In addition to LVTI and the Fontainebleau projects, Crown's U.S. investments include a 4.9 percent stake in Station Casinos and a 2.5 percent holding in Harrah's Entertainment.
They also bought 100% of Cannery for $1.8 billion, which includes three casinos in Vegas and one in Pittsburgh. Crown isn't going away and still wants to have sole ownership of a major resort ON the Strip, but they just need to wait until the credit market is healthier. I wonder if they might eventually buyout the other owners of Fontainebleau? Nah, I don't think the others will sell.

[Aaron Auxier]

In case anyone missed it, recently, a local paper reported that there were over 12,000 high-rise condos under construction in Vegas. This is once again a false stat. I pointed out the HUGE error and they say they will issue a correction.

I have put together the REAL numbers for everyone to enjoy, as well as updated the journalist and the paper.

Also, I recently wrote an article about Another Day in Doom and Gloom Paradise (http://localism.com/article/536881/Another-Day-in-Doom-and-Gloom).

The truth about high-rise units currently under construction. The journalist reported over 12,000 (the number that a local statistical reporting service provided).

*All numbers are estimates, information provided from developers*

- Residential High-Rise Condominium Projects under construction -

227 - Mandarin Oriental at MGM MIRAGE CityCenter
674 - Veer Towers at MGM MIRAGE CityCenter
207 - The Harmon Residences at MGM MIRAGE CityCenter
372 - Panorama Towers T3
418 - Palazzo Luxury Condominiums
341 - Juhl (BTW, Juhl is considered a mid-rise)

- Total Residential approx. 2,239 units under construction (minus 341 if you don't count Juhl) -

- Condotel High-Rise Condominium Projects under construction -

2,000 - Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino
1,543 - Vdara Condo Hotel at MGM MIRAGE CityCenter
Approx. 1000 - Fontainebleau Resort (this is not 100 percent verified)

- Total Condotel approx. approx 4,543 units under construction -

THE GRAND TOTAL FOR HIGH-RISE Under construction in Las Vegas?

Approx. 6,782 units. Of which only approx 2,200 are residential. Only 1/3rd the inventory.

[Jake2006]

Aaron;

Thanks for that update. Where in the heck does the paper come up with those figures? Do the reporters do their homework at all?

[mdiederi]

Sullivan Square is officially stalled at least a year, probably more. The developer is suing the financier.
http://www.globest.com/news/1169_1169/lasvegas/171219-1.html

[Aaron Auxier]

Jake,

It's been a huge problem for two years and has severly harmed our market. The local statistical reporting firms need to do a better job of explaining things when they provide numbers to the media. ESPECIALLY when saying 50k units are cancelled. So if I print a brochure and say I'm building 10k units on a $20-billion development, reality sets in, then I get cancelled, does that mean Vegas now has 60k cancelled units?

Everyone also needs to do a better job of letting people know only 1/3rd of the current high-rise construction is true residential, the rest is condotel or timeshare.

Perhaps a class to teach the supposed experts what concrete and steel high-rise is may help as well, wood-framed stats should not be mixed in with "high-rise".

[mdiederi]

Shot last week.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/citycenter/cc-2.jpg

[CHAPINM1]

:previous: FANTASTIC!!!:previous: It's tragic what has happened to workers on this project, but that last thing that should ever happen would be for this project to stop. Even though deaths are something that should not happen on this job, if the project stopped, it would have been as if the workers who died on the job died for nothing and their accomplishments wouldn't have meant anything. Project City Center will only continue to rise tall, symbolic, and proud! :tup:

[Jake2006]

Aaron;

I totally agree. Since Vegas' economy relies so much on the image it presents to the world, you would think the local reporters would want to present the best image and the most correct figures possible. They must have taken some lessons from the political campaigns this year on spinning figures.

[rhassoii]

Rumor that Apple will be putting a huge store in the Crystals at CC.
http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/06/apple-megastore-in-las-vegas-citycenter-in-2009/

Eighteen 70" HD LCD's along the strip.
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/04/eighteen-70-inch-1080p-lcds-to-advertise-along-las-vegas-strip/

[mdiederi]

TV 8 just had a story about how only 181 of the buyers who put down money on Trump units have been able to obtain financing and close their deals.

[vegasrain84]

I was in Vegas last week, and took some good pictures of the Harmon Corridor on May 28th. If anyone wants to use these pictures feel free to do so, I just ask that you credit them to Eli Corp.

Planet Hollywood Towers

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/boyohio02/Las%20Vegas%20May%2028th%202008/Vegas08105edit.jpg


The Harmon Corridor
It's starting to take Shape. Panorama Tower 3 in the distance, Aria, the edge of the Harmon Hotel, Vdara and Cosmo taking shape.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/boyohio02/Las%20Vegas%20May%2028th%202008/Vegas08108edit.jpg


Mandarin Oriental

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/boyohio02/Las%20Vegas%20May%2028th%202008/Vegas08103.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/boyohio02/Las%20Vegas%20May%2028th%202008/Vegas08123.jpg


The Harmon

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/boyohio02/Las%20Vegas%20May%2028th%202008/Vegas08119edit.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/boyohio02/Las%20Vegas%20May%2028th%202008/Vegas08152.jpg


Veer Towers

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/boyohio02/Las%20Vegas%20May%2028th%202008/Vegas08155edit.jpg


Cosmopolitan Resort

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/boyohio02/Las%20Vegas%20May%2028th%202008/Vegas08124.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/boyohio02/Las%20Vegas%20May%2028th%202008/Vegas08147.jpg

[True Blue]

TV 8 just had a story about how only 181 of the buyers who put down money on Trump units have been able to obtain financing and close their deals.

I'm a owner of a unit at the Trump Tower that's trying to close. The main problem is the credit crunch and the poor housing market. I put a 20% down payment 3 years ago, but today the lenders are demanding 40% or more. Most people investing in the Trump Tower are not super rich and cannot afford an additional 20%. The few lenders that are left want the mortgage rate to be around 10%. Most people will be forced to walk and lose their life saving. Those that do close will have to contend with having a negative cash flow for a few years at least. Add that along with a bad housing market, recession and high gas prices and you can see why so few units have closed. The timing for the grand opening of the Trump Tower could not be any worse.

The building itself is beautiful. I did my walk-thru and was impressed with my unit and the staff. One day things will get back to normal, but who knows when that will be. If I can close and hold for 5 years, I think I'll be okay.

[Snotick]

I know nothing about real estate finance, but why wouldnt Donald Trump step in and help with the financing of these units. I think he has the money. He could set up short or long term loans, earn 8% interest and everyone wins. Just my two cents.

[Claeren]

So what would a small unit at Trump go for now?