This isn’t the only vast complex like this planned or under construction on the Strip. For example, Echelon Place is going in where the recently imploded Stardust had been. Given how jammed Las Vegas Blvd is on a weekend night now, I can’t imagine what it will be like once the thousands of residents of these places and visitors decide they want to go anywhere.
The first phase of MGM MIRAGE’s CityCenter, a gargantuan $7 billion, 66 acre project, is under construction on the Las Vegas Strip between Bellagio and Monte Carlo. It will eventually occupy the space behind and between Monte Carlo and New York New York as well. The Boardwalk Hotel was demolished along with a few local businesses to make room for this immense project. Harmon Road will meander through CityCenter.
CityCenter will be an urban environment with nicely hidden parking structures, parks and a complex of rooftop gardens. The project will be a mini-city with its own Fire Station, an on-site power plant and lots of pedestrian space. CityCenter has achieved LEED certification for the project as outlined by the U.S. Green Building Council.
If you people thought Washington DC was a Hub for STDs wait until Echelon Place gets finished!
Is there any sort of long term plan as to what to do with Las Vegas Blvd. and I-15? Seems like the money ran out on 215, which is the closest thing to a bypass the city has.
#1 – You’re probably right. And what the heck is an “Echelon” anyways and why does it need its own place? Bring back the cool “themed” casinos (sans the kiddies, or course)!
#2 – Probably no plans whatsoever. The Strip casinos only care about getting the tourists into their properties, with no concern for the surrounding infrastructure. They’re talking about raising our taxes rather than getting the casino companies to pitch in more of a fair share than they presently contribute.
CityCenter’s claims of wanting to create a “community” in the middle of the strip is a joke. What “normal” family in their right mind would want to live in the middle of that circus. Can you imagine the hassle of trying to come home after a hard day’s work or a busy school day, trying to get through the hordes of tourists to get to your luxury condo? Once people realize what a pain it is to live in the middle of a casino zone they’ll leave their over-priced condos in a New York-New York second. Lots of empty space for neighbors, or condos/rooms rented out to strangers, who will share your elevator, roam your halls, doesn’t sound like a very appealing “community” to me. This whole thing is going to be a very bad idea.
#3: An echelon is more or less a staggered formation of moving objects, like horses, tanks, or planes. I have no idea why Boyd wants to use that odd name for their casino, especially when Stardust is/was a perfectly good name. I miss the Stardust…
Floyd – Ah, I see. Thanks. Maybe it’s their intention to have the tourists march in in an “Echelon” and surrender their money quietly with a minimal of fuss and then march right back out. I’m sure that would be their dream scenario.