[Krases]

SIN EXPRESS? MAYBE?
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/22/vegas-midwest-seek-the-8-billion-for-fast-trains/

"Sin Express". I like it!

One interesting thing to think about is were the station will be for the MAGLEV if it does get the go ahead. It would be nice if the monorail would link into it. A monorail expansion from the airport to the MAGLEV station to downtown would really liven up things. Our monorail would be a true monorail instead of the monofail it is now.

I would also imagine that a transit hub for buses, cabs/limos, the monorail and the MAGLEV would have gigantic property value and the area immediately around it would become instantly more valuable. This could be downtowns chance to shine.

[True Blue]

Anaheim will be building a new transportation hub called ARTIC. This is where the sin express from Vegas to California will end.


http://www.ocregister.com/articles/anaheim-rail-speed-2309861-high-billion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IYAw-BAbQo

http://www.octa.net/artic.aspx

[mac78130]

I'm not sure if you guys have seen these renderings of The Crystals before. Just thought I post them, to get everyone's opinion. I like all the angles, but that sure is alot of white walls.
Renderings from Adamson-Associates (http://www.adamson-associates.com/)
http://www.adamson-associates.com/container/projectdetail/MGM_Retail_1.jpg

http://www.adamson-associates.com/container/projectdetail/MGM_Retail_2.jpg

http://www.adamson-associates.com/container/projectdetail/MGM_Retail_3.jpg

http://www.adamson-associates.com/container/projectdetail/MGM_Retail_4.jpg

http://www.adamson-associates.com/container/projectdetail/MGM_Retail_5.jpg

[mac78130]

Drum roll please
Aria Las Vegas website now up and running

http://www.arialasvegas.com/default2.aspx

[DMaldon762]

Crystals looks like the fortress of solitude. Mapping a fire escape route from there should be fun.

[Snotick]

With all the white walls and glass, you will have to wear your sunglasses inside. Its going to be bright as soon as the sun clears the buildings on the other side of the strip.

[RandalR]

Crystals looks like the fortress of solitude. Mapping a fire escape route from there should be fun.

Shouldn't be a problem, since I expect they will have no more than a handful of retail tenants for a long time to come.

[mac78130]

I forgot to mention Vdara accepting reservations as well.

http://vdara.com/

[Seva]

I'm not sure if you guys have seen these renderings of The Crystals before. Just thought I post them, to get everyone's opinion. I like all the angles, but that sure is alot of white walls.


Meh, talk about bland. And white is one of my favorite colors. Not that I know how it could be improved but it doesn't seem anything different than an angular Fashion Show clone. For such an expensive project I would have expected something more eye catching and memorable.

Difficult to explain but maybe something of interest in it besides the obvious shops. Corny as it is, take Grand Canals Shops, gotta love the gondolas going around there, even if you don't like shopping. it provides a center of focus. For CC that obviously wouldn't work but I dunno, what theme are they going for? Modern Art or something right? Well than have it be more artistic. Strategically placed sculptures for example. yeah I see that weird sculpture in the first image but there is still something lacking.

Also I thought the ceilings would be even higher, guess not. It didn't have to be all high throughout, maybe a certain dome area or something like Palazzo's waterfall area would make it much more impressive but not be intimidating. If sunlight was a problem, an indoor area just north of the VEER towers with a huge skylight allowing views of those and Aria overhead would be impressive and VEER would block the hot noon sun as well. But whatever.

[DMaldon762]

Meh, talk about bland. And white is one of my favorite colors. Not that I know how it could be improved but it doesn't seem anything different than an angular Fashion Show clone. For such an expensive project I would have expected something more eye catching and memorable.

Difficult to explain but maybe something of interest in it besides the obvious shops. Corny as it is, take Grand Canals Shops, gotta love the gondolas going around there, even if you don't like shopping. it provides a center of focus. For CC that obviously wouldn't work but I dunno, what theme are they going for? Modern Art or something right? Well than have it be more artistic. Strategically placed sculptures for example. yeah I see that weird sculpture in the first image but there is still something lacking.

Also I thought the ceilings would be even higher, guess not. It didn't have to be all high throughout, maybe a certain dome area or something like Palazzo's waterfall area would make it much more impressive but not be intimidating. If sunlight was a problem, an indoor area just north of the VEER towers with a huge skylight allowing views of those and Aria overhead would be impressive and VEER would block the hot noon sun as well. But whatever.

I agree.

Now...if they had the Casino in there instead of retail. That would be something!!!

[justdefended]

I think the renderings are missing some key pieces at Crystals, noteably the giant tree trunk staircase leading up to the second level, the row of flowers strung across the property. Also, at its peak Crystals will have 100 ft ceilings, probably hard to imagine unless you're in the building.

http://www.e-architect.co.uk/america/jpgs/the_crystals_las_vegas_kdc250708_2.jpg

Aria room prices start at $179 while Vdara starts at $159.

http://i43.tinypic.com/2qtv5fk.jpg

MGM is still keeping some things under wraps at Aria - not all restaurants listed and the name of the new nightclub and Elvis show.

Vdara is an open book at this point, I'm pretty impressed with the level of amenities and the modern, sophisticated vibe.

Sky Pool and Lounge at Vdara:

http://www.vdara.com/images/amenities/sky_pool_lounge.jpg

Silk Road Restaurant at Vdara:

http://www.vdara.com/images/amenities/silk_road_restaurant.jpg

[ieguy441]

I am not sure what I think about the rooms at Aria... they look nice and all, and some of the floorplans are cool, but with the equivelent over at Encore cheaper on some nights than Aria, how will this hotel hold up?

I'd be curious to stay at Aria, but I am just not so sure about it now. What will the rooms at Aria look like in 4 to 5 years vs those at Encore? Will these rooms hold up well?

I do like that pool and lounge area over at Vdara... I think that will look awesome. I love the modern vibe.

[justdefended]

MGM, Dubai World Said in Talks With Deutsche Bank on CityCenter:

MGM Mirage and Dubai World may secure the remaining $1.2B needed to complete CityCenter from Deutsche Bank. In turn, Deutsche may merge the Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino with CityCenter and ask for a debt and equity stake in the venture:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aLh3NSS95LGs&refer=home

Wow, this way the Cosmo could book-end CityCenter to make up for the shorter Harmon, and MGM could own the whole Strip from Bellagio to Mandalay Bay!

This could also allow MGM to manage the hotel / casino operations of the Cosmo, which would make sense for Deutsche to have an experienced partner to run the project.

[RandalR]

MGM Mirage and Dubai World may secure the remaining $1.2B needed to complete CityCenter from Deutsche Bank. In turn, Deutsche may merge the Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino with CityCenter and ask for a debt and equity stake in the venture:



This merger would make a lot of sense - I think the only reason they didn't pursue it a year ago was that MGM was too proud of its LEED-certified "Green" CityCenter buildings, and Cosmopolitan doesn't conform. Depressions have a way of overriding pretentiousness with practicality, though. ;)

[justdefended]

LVRJ is writing that MGM would either operate or take over Cosmo:

http://www.lvrj.com/news/breaking_news/40126262.html

[RandalR]

Boyd now wants to buy part or all of Station Casinos - I guess Echelon is headed all the way to the back burner:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/23/boyd-gaming-offers-buy-station/

[justdefended]

Boyd now wants to buy part or all of Station Casinos - I guess Echelon is headed all the way to the back burner:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/23/boyd-gaming-offers-buy-station/

Boyd is a good fit to purchase Station. They know the local market well and I'm sure the clientele already heads to both Station and Coast properties. They better not touch the all-you-can-eat crab legs at Green Valley Ranch. That must stay forever!

[Krases]

LVRJ is writing that MGM would either operate or take over Cosmo:

http://www.lvrj.com/news/breaking_news/40126262.html

Wow. I wonder if they can link it all together with the people mover. I never expected MGM grand to jump in and buy up the Cosmo with all the problems they have been having financially.

Boyd now wants to buy part or all of Station Casinos - I guess Echelon is headed all the way to the back burner:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/23/boyd-gaming-offers-buy-station/

Wow again! This could be a massive consolidation for Boyd. It might not be good for the Valley though, seeing as they will then control almost all local oriented casino's. Sometimes its better to have competition between a few rivals.

[CosmoVegas]

How does this make sense, Deutsche exchanges the Cosmopolitan for a $1.2B loan made to MGM so they can finish CityCenter? What about the $3B needed to finish the Cosmo? Is Deutsche going to provide MGM with an additional $3B in financing to complete the Cosmo also? If Deutsche is strictly giving MGM a loan in return for MGM managing the Cosmo this makes a little sense, but Deutsche still has to spend the $3B to finish the Cosmo plus an additional $1.2B to finance CityCenter. Deutsche would be the only bank on the planet upping their equity stake in not just one but two potentially defunct projects. WTF is going on here? I have a feeling there is more to the story…

[VegasMatt]

A bit of good news, Just in case you missed it.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/22/marriott-moves-forward-timeshares-resort/

[VegasMatt]

This merger would make a lot of sense - I think the only reason they didn't pursue it a year ago was that MGM was too proud of its LEED-certified "Green" CityCenter buildings, and Cosmopolitan doesn't conform. Depressions have a way of overriding pretentiousness with practicality, though. ;)

I believe there was some strong tax incentives to being "Green". How would acquiring COSMO the effect this?

[mdiederi]

How does this make sense, Deutsche exchanges the Cosmopolitan for a $1.2B loan made to MGM so they can finish CityCenter? What about the $3B needed to finish the Cosmo? Is Deutsche going to provide MGM with an additional $3B in financing to complete the Cosmo also? If Deutsche is strictly giving MGM a loan in return for MGM managing the Cosmo this makes a little sense, but Deutsche still has to spend the $3B to finish the Cosmo plus an additional $1.2B to finance CityCenter. Deutsche would be the only bank on the planet upping their equity stake in not just one but two potentially defunct projects. WTF is going on here? I have a feeling there is more to the story…
Where did you hear that they need $3 billion more to finish Cosmo? When the original developer defaulted and Deutsche took over I remember they said there was something like $1.7 billion left to go. The rest was already loaned and lost in the bankruptcy. I also think that MGM might only run the casino and leave the other parts for other companies to run.

[justdefended]

Where did you hear that they need $3 billion more to finish Cosmo? When the original developer defaulted and Deutsche took over I remember they said there was something like $1.7 billion left to go. The rest was already loaned and lost in the bankruptcy. I also think that MGM might only run the casino and leave the other parts for other companies to run.

Yes, with the exterior structure nearly finished the Cosmo it will certainly take far less than $3 billion to finish. The $3.9 billion figure was the cost for the entire project.

My guess is that whether or not MGM operates or takes over the Cosmo, Deutsche will have to finish it on their own and have it fully ready for a potential buyer. There isn't any company that will be willing to absorb the remaining cost to finish the building, and it's only worth something to a buyer if its finished.

[Krases]

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/02/24/ap6091317.html

Interesting article on why Boyd's purchase of most of the local market actually makes sense. Apparently the local oriented market is soon going to pass its low point and making the purchase now will ensure that Boyd has time to get ready for the upswing.

IN OTHER NEWS:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/21/strapped-museum-plans/

I think that museum is within a five minute drive from me. If I remember correctly, its attached to the library I now occasionally visit.

This article has a picture of the building: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2009/feb/24/do-something/

[mdiederi]

- I guess Echelon is headed all the way to the back burner:


Yep, they want to divert the credit line approved for Echelon construction.

[CosmoVegas]

Where did you hear that they need $3 billion more to finish Cosmo? When the original developer defaulted and Deutsche took over I remember they said there was something like $1.7 billion left to go. The rest was already loaned and lost in the bankruptcy. I also think that MGM might only run the casino and leave the other parts for other companies to run.My bad, I was thinking they sold it to themselves for $1billion, since they did not write down any expenses that I know of, $2.9B of costs were unaccounted for (I rounded to $3B). The truth is, the exact amount, be it $3B or $1B really did not matter to me so much as the fact that they will have to finish spending whatever the cost might be to complete the cosmopolitan and lend out an additional $1.2B to MGM. Why would they lend an additional $1.2B? To get an operator with a gaming license? Something just seems wrong with this.

[RandalR]

Yep, they want to divert the credit line approved for Echelon construction.

OK, now I'm sure they intend to to sell the Echelon property rather than going ahead with the project.

I wonder if Steve Wynn will continue construction, or tear down what's there and start over. :D

[ScottG]

that is such great news - cosmo becoming part of the mgm empire - that will really get them out of the hole they dug themselves in -

boyd buying most of stations is great also! - what a great way to help a major player - id take boyd over stations any day - since boyd caters to tourists and larger projects more -

i would be suprised if stations gives up the wild wild west - the land is almost twice as much as city center - and with that viva project they dreamed up (i.e. city center 2 on steroids) it would be shocking to see stations give up such a potential....


it nice to see boyd and mgm trying to get out of their holes.

[Seva]

Looking at the FB pdf again on the website, I have a theory on why the glass on the upper portion is taking so slow and why it's a different color. It's the LED lighting which goes along with what someone said a while ago that it had LED lights.

http://www.fontainebleau.com/StaticPages/FB_Fact_Sht_Las_Vegas.pdf
On page 5 on the left side, also page 7.

Granted they are still going with the original idea of lighting the top 1/3 in the blue color as seen in the brochure, it looks impossible to get that color and lighting so exact on just that single part if they use only ground based lighting shining upwards. The height of the tower and the angle you would need would have ground lights placed on the south part of the podium shining over the pool, which would not work well. With ground lights placed close it's going to light up the entire tower.

LED lighting is also more energy efficient and can even change colors, which would instantly make it stand out. The led part could very well coincide with the part where the floors stick out a bit on the west edge of the tower. If placed right the lights will also shine outwards, away from the rooms and not into them. Also the hotel already uses a bunch of leds on the podium.

If they have the color changing led thing I'll take back saying the tower is too dark.

Of course I could be completely wrong.


Saw some of their tv ads, the The M Resort is going to open this weekend. Possibly the most I've ever been excited about in local casino openings. It just seems to be different.

[CHAPINM1]

Great to see regarding the LED lighting on the Font. It will definetly blend in and fit well with the rest of Vegas!

[Krases]

that is such great news - cosmo becoming part of the mgm empire - that will really get them out of the hole they dug themselves in -

boyd buying most of stations is great also! - what a great way to help a major player - id take boyd over stations any day - since boyd caters to tourists and larger projects more -

i would be suprised if stations gives up the wild wild west - the land is almost twice as much as city center - and with that viva project they dreamed up (i.e. city center 2 on steroids) it would be shocking to see stations give up such a potential....


it nice to see boyd and mgm trying to get out of their holes.

It will be neat to see what Boyd does. I haven't heard anything about grabbing Station Casino's land, but if they do end up doing that then they will have a ton of room to expand. It seems like they sort of missed the train when it came to buying strip front property and by the time they got into the game, they were a bit late.

If they get the land for Viva and a few of those assemblages that station was working on, then they could make a gigantic comeback if and when the economy comes back to strength.



OK, now I'm sure they intend to to sell the Echelon property rather than going ahead with the project.

I wonder if Steve Wynn will continue construction, or tear down what's there and start over. :D

He could also radically alter the design.

I would hope though that he tear it down and start over. Buying up the former frontier land and maybe snatching that land were Trump's second gaudy tower was going to be built would be a nice bit of room to expand. While it is believed that the local market is recovering, the big strip casino's have a bit of a way's to go until they start getting back on track. When that happens I would expect Wynn to jump in and try to grab what he can before the land becomes truly valuable again.

If he becomes a spoil sport and doesn't bother buying anything, then at least he can pave over that golf course with new hotel's/casino's.

[mac78130]

CityCenter website updated. Few more photos through link
http://www.citycenter.com/vision/vision_construction.aspx

http://www.citycenter.com/images/shared/construction/construction_1.jpg

http://www.citycenter.com/images/shared/construction/construction_3.jpg

http://www.citycenter.com/images/shared/construction/construction_9.jpg

http://www.citycenter.com/images/shared/construction/construction_10.jpg

[Krases]

Awesome pictures! Especially that top-down view.

City Center is going to be opening in tough economic times...sort of like the Empire state building.

Unlike the empire state building, I think City Center will blossom when the economy picks up. No turning lights on in empty rooms here!

[justdefended]

http://www.citycenter.com/images/shared/construction/construction_2.jpg

http://www.citycenter.com/images/shared/construction/construction_4.jpg

So many parts of CityCenter are amazing to look at. I'm really liking the curvy silhouette of the Cirque theater. Even the tram looks pretty awesome.

[CHAPINM1]

Awesome pictures! Especially that top-down view.

City Center is going to be opening in tough economic times...sort of like the Empire state building.

Unlike the empire state building, I think City Center will blossom when the economy picks up. No turning lights on in empty rooms here!

That's the spirit! Other jems including Encore, Fontainebleau, and Planet Hollywood will also be bustling places in just a matter of time!

[Lecom]

The tram is great. Does it connect to any other tram systems or is it exclusively for CityCenter?

I always thought that instead of running that underused, backside Vegas monorail (whatever that thing is called), they should've focused on consolidating local casino trams into one line that runs the entire length of the Strip. Something similar to what they have between Mandayaly Bay and NYNY, except extended all the way to Downtown.

[Krases]

The tram is great. Does it connect to any other tram systems or is it exclusively for CityCenter?

I always thought that instead of running that underused, backside Vegas monorail (whatever that thing is called), they should've focused on consolidating local casino trams into one line that runs the entire length of the Strip. Something similar to what they have between Mandayaly Bay and NYNY, except extended all the way to Downtown.

Exclusively for City center.

Ideally they should have built the monorail going straight down the length of the strip from the airport to Mandalay bay all the way to downtown hitting all the major casino's. It could either run straight down the strip hitting stops along the way or it could run behind the east side like it does now and come back around on the left side. Preferably the first one so its nice and visible and to save money with one length of track but the eventual plan is to do the latter with two track segments running behind hotels.

Sadly, the monorail hasn't seen any new funding. They could have at least attached it to the airport but the taxi company's would have none of that and blocked it.

In a few years though with big new projects like A replacement for Frontier, the Echelon site, City center, maybe Viva, Wynn's golf course redevelopment and all sorts of upgrades to existing casino's in the future, we are going to need an alternative to bus and taxi.

[CHAPINM1]

Exclusively for City center.

Ideally they should have built the monorail going straight down the length of the strip from the airport to Mandalay bay all the way to downtown hitting all the major casino's. It could either run straight down the strip hitting stops along the way or it could run behind the east side like it does now and come back around on the left side. Preferably the first one so its nice and visible and to save money with one length of track but the eventual plan is to do the latter with two track segments running behind hotels.

Sadly, the monorail hasn't seen any new funding. They could have at least attached it to the airport but the taxi company's would have none of that and blocked it.

In a few years though with big new projects like A replacement for Frontier, the Echelon site, City center, maybe Viva, Wynn's golf course redevelopment and all sorts of upgrades to existing casino's in the future, we are going to need an alternative to bus and taxi.

With Sky, the massive Fontainebleau, the Stratosphere, and new developments coming Downtown including Union Park, there will have to be...

[Krases]

With Sky, the massive Fontainebleau, the Stratosphere, and new developments coming Downtown including Union Park, there will have to be...

The downtown connection is critical. A major connection to union park and Fremont street could be what revitalizes the area.

At the moment, downtown offers a unique experience but can be scary for tourists.

[mdiederi]

Downtown is going with the ACE rapid transit system, which will have a dedicated lane for extra long buses, running north on Casino Center and circling around in Union Park. Construction is well underway.

http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/transit/ace.cfm
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/DCAlignment2-09.gif
© 2009 Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/ACECleanBckgrnd.jpg
© 2009 Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada

[Krases]

Huh. I think Ive heard of that but never looked into it.

Well thats pretty cool then. Is there any date for when it will be finished?

[mdiederi]

Is there any date for when it will be finished?
Fall, 2009

[JDRCRASH]

Aren't there already articulated buses that go down the strip?

[justdefended]

Here's a movie render of the cable car to be used at CityCenter.

Warning: the music is dramatic 80's electronic action.

http://www.strimoo.com/video/14237428/MGM-CityCenter-Las-Vegas-Vimeo.html

[ieguy441]

CityCenter website updated. Few more photos through link
http://www.citycenter.com/vision/vision_construction.aspx

http://www.citycenter.com/images/shared/construction/construction_1.jpg

http://www.citycenter.com/images/shared/construction/construction_3.jpg

http://www.citycenter.com/images/shared/construction/construction_9.jpg

http://www.citycenter.com/images/shared/construction/construction_10.jpg
Great photos!

[mac78130]

Newsletter from DCC: http://www.dcc.at/doppelmayr/company/en/tmp_1_1751750312/MGM_Trams_on_Track_newsdetail.aspx

"Outstanding Progress Towards CityCenter Completion

In a sprint towards the finish line, DCC wraps up vehicle installation in January 2009 and immediately advances to commissioning and testing.

Beginning commissioning and testing marks the final stage of DCC’s spectacular APM created for MGM’s CityCenter, and signals victory as the project management team wraps up installation in an astonishing 24 months. The 24 month installation was only manageable due to advanced, modular solutions, so each component could be installed quickly, such as the rough positioning of the bogies in a single day.

With its futuristic vehicles in place, DCC’s dual tram system will make its planned debut in November 2009."

http://www.dcc.at/client/dcc/media/600x/MediaML_1527059916.jpg

http://www.dcc.at/client/dcc/media/600x/MediaML_1956821263.jpg

http://www.dcc.at/client/dcc/media/600x/MediaML_650050579.jpg

http://www.dcc.at/client/dcc/media/600x/MediaML_1896982149.jpg

[mdiederi]

Aren't there already articulated buses that go down the strip?
Yes, and the two systems will connect, but they don't have the dedicated bus lanes down the middle of the Strip like the dedicated lanes they are building up the middle of Casino Center and around Grand Central. Without cars in the lanes the buses can get around faster.

[mac78130]

Did any of the vegas locals feel the earthquake today?

[tumbleweed]

I think it is the other way around. Without busses in the lanes, cars can get around faster. :haha:

Yes, and the two systems will connect, but they don't have the dedicated bus lanes down the middle of the Strip like the dedicated lanes they are building up the middle of Casino Center and around Grand Central. Without cars in the lanes the buses can get around faster.

[Krases]

Did any of the vegas locals feel the earthquake today?

What earthquake?

Most buildings are built on a form of granite here, so vibration's don't carry very strong.

[mac78130]

What earthquake?

Most buildings are built on a form of granite here, so vibration's don't carry very strong.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/27/reports-las-vegas-hit-27-magnitude-earthquake/

(I know someone is going to point out that I'm off topic:) but I just found it interesting)

[heyyoucharlie]

http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=9917459

Small Earthquake Hits North Las Vegas

Updated: Feb 27, 2009 11:53 AM PST

A small earthquake was reported just after 7 a.m. near the Aliante area of North Las Vegas.

According to the United States Geological Survery, the earthquake had a 3.0 magnitude. Some Aliante residents reported feeling the quake.

[Krases]

Oh well I live near the Suncoast so I was on the western side of town.

[RandalR]

Did any of the vegas locals feel the earthquake today?

I felt it at Turnberry Place - the building vibrated and I knew it was a quake. Nothing like the ones I used to put up with in California, though. ;)

[jayguy]

I was still asleep at 7am, but I probably wouldn't have felt it anyway, I'm about as far away from Aliante as Krases. Near Desert Breeze Park.

[Krases]

http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=9920689&nav=menu102_2

M resort is opening very soon.

Doors open to the public Sunday at 10 p.m. and fireworks start 10 minutes prior.

Cool stuff.

[Krases]

Sorry for the double post but....



http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4049/millionview1.png (http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=millionview1.png)

[mac78130]

Fb sent out a newsletter showing pics of guest flats, lapis spa and construction. "Construction on the $2.9 billion resort is moving at lightning speed. Escalators are installed, pools are constructed and carpet is being installed in the lower level hotel rooms." Yawn... I wasn't really impressed with this newsletter, hopefully they get better as the opening gets closer.

Guest Flats
http://www.thinkpie.com/eblast/fb/january_newsletter/pdf/fb_room_images.pdf

Lapis Spa
http://www.thinkpie.com/eblast/fb/march_newsletter/pdf/fb_lapis_spa_images.pdf

Contruction pics
http://www.thinkpie.com/eblast/fb/january_newsletter/pdf/fb_tower_construction_images.pdf

[mac78130]

From Aria website (http://www.arialasvegas.com/about-aria/).
I love the glass :). The porte-cochere is going to be impressive, especially with the water feature. I know it's early but how many are planning to attend the opening.

http://www.arialasvegas.com/images/about-aria/Construction-10-14-08-107.jpg

http://www.arialasvegas.com/images/about-aria/Construction-01-22-09-559.jpg

[mac78130]

flickr photo by bogiesam (http://flickr.com/photos/suecrisp/3315652891/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3315652891_3329bc4ca5_b.jpg

[ThreeHundred]

^ Looking at that pic, I wonder how long if ever that Cosmo will be absorbed into a part of City Center? I mean it might as well seeing as how the architecutre style is similar and they are basically humping each other.

[Krases]

^ Looking at that pic, I wonder how long if ever that Cosmo will be absorbed into a part of City Center? I mean it might as well seeing as how the architecutre style is similar and they are basically humping each other.


Plus they get confused for one another all the time. People just assume the cosmo is part of city center.

I was confused up until about three months ago.

[Complex01]

That last pic was very kewl. Nice...

:yes:

[fishordie]

Does it seem to anyone else the Cosmo has slowed way down in its exterior
completion?? The top 5 or so floors were ready for glass several months ago.
They were completing one floor every 6 days or so until these last few months.

Also, is anyone aware of any interior work being done other than the basic plumbing and electrical??

I have been away fishing for the last several weeks and the project just does not seem to be blasting away like it was.

I have heard the decision on how to finish out the sizes of the most upper floors or penthouses have not yet been finalized and perhaps the complex is awaiting a decision on the MGM merger or ????? to make the final arrangements.

FOD

[voice of reason]

Does it seem to anyone else the Cosmo has slowed way down in its exterior
completion?? The top 5 or so floors were ready for glass several months ago.
They were completing one floor every 6 days or so until these last few months.

Also, is anyone aware of any interior work being done other than the basic plumbing and electrical??

I have been away fishing for the last several weeks and the project just does not seem to be blasting away like it was.

I have heard the decision on how to finish out the sizes of the most upper floors or penthouses have not yet been finalized and perhaps the complex is awaiting a decision on the MGM merger or ????? to make the final arrangements.

FOD

Foshordie has been fishing. Thats funny!

Here is my analysis, I welcome responses.

MGM was in talks to borrow the needed funds to finish the CC project, estimated at about 1 billion. A week or so goes by with no news and then MGM borrows close to that amount from their remaining credit line. This dropped their stock price over 20% and crushed their financial rating at three rating services (which will make it extremely difficult and costly to borrow) and this unleashed some nasty speculations and press about possible BK for MGM.

It seems logical that if the Deutsche Bank was going to do the deal with MGM, the credit line wouldnt have been tapped to the max. This seems like a last ditch effort by MGM, since it leaves them no emergency funds to handle day to day short-falls, they have to pray that their cash flow is enough to handle everything, including finishing the CC.

It appears that the deal is off.

[justdefended]

Looks like part of the $834 million is going toward CityCenter. But, it looks like they would still need to borrow to close the $1.2 billion gap.

http://www.lvrj.com/business/40469097.html

But the company's biggest challenge is finding the remaining $1.2 billion in financing for the $9.1 CityCenter development it will open in October.

Feldman said some of the money borrowed this week could find its way into the current construction costs for CityCenter.

[Krases]

They should just put a pause on the Harmon all together. Maybe not open it all at the same time.

If MGM goes into bankruptcy then Vegas is going to get hit VERY hard. They should have sold some more older properties instead of taking up all this credit.

Wynn wrapped up all his projects recently. Sands stopped the condo tower, choosing to only open the podium level (I think?). Boyd is might lose its place on the strip, but become the master of local Las Vegas casino's. I have no idea how Harrah's is doing. MGM may need to do more than sell Treasure Island.

Maybe go as far as to sell Mirage? The owner of TI could become another major player on the strip with that big block of land.

[mac78130]

flickr photostream by Las Vegas 1 lover (http://flickr.com/photos/alex-martinez/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3317994609_4551df9faf_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3331/3317997941_63feee939f_b.jpg

[mac78130]

Does it seem to anyone else the Cosmo has slowed way down in its exterior
completion?? The top 5 or so floors were ready for glass several months ago.
They were completing one floor every 6 days or so until these last few months.
FOD

I think the weather has contributed to the slow down of the exterior, but it's getting there :tup:

flickr photo by jelder (http://flickr.com/photos/jelder/3316026961/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3316026961_4b54f029df_b.jpg

[JDRCRASH]

A million times this thread has been viewed?! :omg:

[Krases]

Yup!

MUST...OVERTAKE...ATLANTA....:whip:

[CHAPINM1]

Fontainebleau is looking sharp!!! Special thanks to mac78130 for that last update link!

[Seva]

A more recent FB I took on Friday showing more glass.

It's huge isn't it?

http://i42.tinypic.com/jjs175.jpg

[Krases]

I wonder if they will be working on the next row of glass on the south side of FB when I drive to class tomorrow.

[Seva]

From the photo at the top, they already have the supports for the windows installed, so it wouldn't be a stretch to see windows go up there pretty fast.

M Resort is open now, congrats to them. Even in these times seems like it should be ok if it tries to market after the surrounding area. I always thought that tv blimp thing of theirs was pretty darn cool, it takes such out of the box thinking to succeed nowadays.


Complete tangent here but just found this

Vegas in 2170
http://i39.tinypic.com/2vs4zo3.jpg
Guessing it plays on the old myth that California goes into the ocean after the quake or something.

You know you're a true resident if first thing you notice is not the ocean but the complete misplacement of resorts like Bellagio and Mirage next to each other, unless they have some kind of building mover in the future.

Either that or it's really Dubai which somehow made copies of these resorts.

[Krases]

Ha I have seen that pic before. Ive always wondered what Vegas would be like if it was by the ocean. I kinda like the valley more though. Less humid than the coast.

So I know nobody is going to post about it tonight, but did anyone go to M resorts opening? Were there a lot of people there?

Seems like Sunday is a strange time to open.Friday or Saturday would have gotten a lot more people but maybe it got tones anyway.

[mac78130]

M Resort opening
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/01/m-resort-nearly-open-business/

[JDRCRASH]

Ugh, that rendering provided by Seva is just nasty. Thank god that will never happen.

[LA101]

Vegas in 2170
http://i39.tinypic.com/2vs4zo3.jpg
Guessing it plays on the old myth that California goes into the ocean after the quake or something.

You know you're a true resident if first thing you notice is not the ocean but the complete misplacement of resorts like Bellagio and Mirage next to each other, unless they have some kind of building mover in the future.

Either that or it's really Dubai which somehow made copies of these resorts.

Haha... cool pic!

I used to live in LV while stationed at Nellis a few years ago (lived there for 5 years), and the first thing I noticed was the misplacement of the resorts.

[mac78130]

VegasRex covers M Resort opening. Nice work :)

http://www.vegasrex.com/2009/03/01/vegasrex-live-from-the-m-maybe/

http://www.casinoguide.com/blogs/lifeinvegas/blog/off-strip/the-m-resort/

[mac78130]

Fontainebleau renderings by Spine3d: http://www.spine3d.com/portfolio/renderings.html

Website also includes 3D animations of CityCenter, Fontainebleau and Vdara.

http://www.spine3d.com/uploads/271/fblv-01.jpg

http://www.spine3d.com/uploads/271/fblv-02.jpg

http://www.spine3d.com/uploads/271/fblv-03.jpg

http://www.spine3d.com/uploads/271/fblv-04.jpg

[Seva]

Fontainebleau renderings




What the he...

From the FB video it looks like the entire tower will have that led thing and that it can even form images??! So the entire tower is a giant screen?

A damned impressive way to light up the tower if you ask me. But even I find it hard a bit hard to believe they have planned this. They'll need something like this for them to draw visitors all the way up there on the strip.

The giant tv thing would be cool but they would probably not use it too often as it could be a distracting and what if someone wants to take a photo of the tower when it looks normal? Maybe they can have shows on the hour for a few minutes and the rest of the time it's just normal color changing leds.

Guess we'll have to wait and see what FB's LED technology coems up with.

[CHAPINM1]

WOW! It's going to turn out even better than I thought!!!!! Those lights are magnificent!!! :banaride:

[Krases]

Ugh, that rendering provided by Seva is just nasty. Thank god that will never happen.

I think that might actually be a hand painting.

[Scruffy]

Good god, fountainbleau is massive. Perhaps too big? Is it taller than Encore?

[Krases]

Good god, fountainbleau is massive. Perhaps too big? Is it taller than Encore?

Ten stories higher.

It can NEVER be too big in Vegas. I wish we could have had some huge Dubai style masterplans. Then again I guess city-center is kinda like that.

[Patrick]

Fontainebleau renderings by Spine3d: http://www.spine3d.com/portfolio/renderings.html

Website also includes 3D animations of CityCenter, Fontainebleau and Vdara.

http://www.spine3d.com/uploads/271/fblv-01.jpg

There will be animations on the building? Holy god that looks cool, I'm actually pretty excited to see that!!!

[lfc4life]

a 730ft LED screen, cool :slob:

[Krases]

I hate to be a party pooper but I SERIOUSLY doubt its going to have such a feature.

If it does, then awesome.

[justdefended]

Went and checked out the M Resort today. It's definitely a nice locals casino. The look inside is a bit like Mirage, albeit brighter and with higher ceilings. Lots of dark woods, chandelier accents, and sleek lines.

Walked through the Studio B Buffet and it's a definite looker. A ton of LCDs that highlight other restaurant properties and a great food selection for dinner, including sushi, Peking duck, crab legs, and a gelato bar.

The casino is huge but they've stuffed way too many slots in there. Each slot section is a little oversaturated with video poker, also, not that many penny options.

The property is upscale, but looked like a retirement home inside. I'm guessing all the elders want their club card for comps and discounts right away.

One of the cooler things is the Complimentary Refreshment Bar. I saw about three of them at corners throughout the property to self-serve soda. To my surprise they weren't hounded by customers.

It's nice to have a new property in area, definitely worth checking out. Though the next few weeks will probably be a bit more suffocating with a mix of smoke and Ben Gay.

[sw5710]

What is the order of the next resorts to open this year?

[mac78130]

MGM Mirage in cash crunch, Chapter 11?

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/03/mgm-mirages-cash-crunch/

[mac78130]

From the earthcam, there's a huge crawler crane in front of the Cosmo. I wonder what it's for??

[justdefended]

MGM Mirage in cash crunch, Chapter 11?

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/03/mgm-mirages-cash-crunch/

It seems like if it came to it, MGM could sell some properties to generate cash. They have plenty of non-core assets that other game companies would jump on, though they would certainly have to take a hit on the sale price like TI.

If they delay CityCenter, the casino, restaurants, spas, and hotels won't generate any revenue. It seems worse to have empty buildings there not generating any cash flow, particularly when they are in the final stretch.

[mdiederi]

MGM Mirage in cash crunch, Chapter 11?

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/03/mgm-mirages-cash-crunch/

I wonder how much, if any, of CityCenter will actually open on time? According to some analyst reports I've read, there is a very high risk that Dubai may actually pull out from the investment all together.

[Seva]

They will sell off Mirage, as with FB even if CC opens doesn't mean everything will be fine if visitation doesn't pick up. Selling Mirage to that guy who bought TI makes sense as it's just sitting there by itself away from other MGM resorts. The tram still connects it with TI also..

MGM will never sell any of the Mandalay properties down south, they will possible one day connect those with the CC tram and they are contiguous will their other resorts.

CC is their main flagship they would not dare to lose it, wouldn't be surprised to see them rename the the company Aria resorts or something after getting rid of Mirage.

If Dubai pulls out, well all bets are off, the sh*ts gonna hit the fan.

[mac78130]

From the earthcam, there's a huge crawler crane in front of the Cosmo. I wonder what it's for??


Answering my own question.. Looks like Cosmo is completing the podium (the area used for staging)

[Krases]

City center MUST be finished. It would be a terrible blow to the economy and confidence in Vegas for it to not get finished up.

They should sell Mirage and if needed sell some of there land plots like the one next to Circus Circus and across from the Mandalay bay.

That all should get a cool billion to finish City Center the right way and properly absorb the Cosmo.

[lfc4life]

if dubai did pull out wouldn't they be the ones to lose everything invested??

mgm have been looking for this extra $1.2 billion for going on 9 months now it seems, which to me suggests dubai has already invested all its money in the project, however much that was (i suspect 50% of the original $7 billion quoted figure)

[mdiederi]

I don't think Dubai has fully paid for its part of CityCenter yet.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/marketsNewsUS/idUKN0356358220090303
"One of the things that's really going to make the situation a lot more difficult is the persistent rumors that Dubai is not going to be able to fulfill its commitment in terms of the CityCenter joint venture," said CreditSights' [Christopher] Snow.


http://www.gamblingcompliance.com/node/35872/search/hl/mgm+dubai%3B
Shaun Kelley, gaming analyst with Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, suggested there were three reasons to remain, at the very least, doubtful about Dubai’s level of commitment.

First, Dubai’s two largest property developers, Emaar and Nakheel, have both made comments about eliminating or drastically reducing investments. Second, two of Dubai’s largest mortgage companies, Tamweel and Amlak Finance, were already bailed out last fall. Lastly, only last week, Dubai cut off funding for a US housebuilder (John Laing Homes) despite purchasing it for $1bn in 2006 and subsequently investing a further $613m.