Las Vegas Metro Development News

[dragonsky]

Developers of SpeedVegas, a new motorsports complex being built on 100 acres south of Las Vegas just east of I-15 at the Sloan exit, broke ground on the $30 million project that has been planned for four years.

"It's going to be a great new attraction that I think people will make a special trip to Las Vegas to enjoy," said Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak, speaking Monday at the event attended by about 150 people.

SpeedVegas will have a 1.5-mile private exotic car course, a welcome center with indoor and outdoor observation decks, a cafe, meeting space, an events center, a gift shop and cars — really fast cars.

The attraction will have a stable of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, Corvettes, Audis and Shelby Mustangs. Customers will be able to drive them or ride along with a professional driver in experience packages that start at $99. Five-lap exotic supercar packages start at $295 and the company will offer an a la carte menu that will allow guests to choose the number of laps they run and the cars of their choice.

The attraction is expected to open in early 2016 and the company is taking reservations for March.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/busines...sports-complex

[dragonsky]

Before Xi starts his first state visit to the United States since taking office in 2013, the Las Vegas-based XpressWest company agreed earlier this month to form a joint venture with China Railway International USA Co. to build and operate the rail, said Shu Guozeng, deputy head of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs of China.

It is agreed that implementation of necessary regulatory and commercial activities will begin within the next 100 days. With 100 million U.S. dollars in initial capital, the new high-speed rail line is expected to create abundant jobs throughout the interstate corridor.

"The project will be a landmark in overseas investment for the Chinese railway sector and serve as a model of international cooperation," said Yang Zhongmin, chairman of China Railway International Co., Ltd.

With the U.S. project, the network of Chinese railway projects covers nearly all inhabited continents, as China's railway equipment manufacturers have sped up efforts to "go overseas."

In 2014, China's first overseas high-speed railway project was completed in Turkey, where a 533-km railway links capital Ankara with Istanbul.

In Africa, China-built rails have been or will be the backbone of the local public transport system and a key component of growth in a number of countries, including Nigeria and Ethiopia.

After a 1,344-km railroad project in Angola was put into operation in 2014, China signed a deal last May to build a rail link worth 3.8 billion dollars between the two Kenyan cities of Mombasa and Nairobi, the first phase of a line that will eventually connect countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.

In the Asian and Pacific region, the world's fastest meter-gauge multiple unit trains made by a Chinese company were put into operation in Malaysia earlier this month. Laos, Thailand and Russia are also planning to build railway lines with Chinese investment.

In South America, trains made by China began running on the Mitre commuter route in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires last November. In the European country of Macedonia, Chinese trains will operate soon as the country inked a deal with China in June to purchase six fleets of high-speed trains.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20..._134649059.htm

[dragonsky]

Thomas & Mack Center’s $72.5 million modernization includes deck with Strip view

Slowly but surely the 32-year-old facility’s $72.5 million modernization project has started to take shape. The upgrades — everything from three new escalators, updated concession stands and a 36,000-square-foot addition that includes a 2,500-square-foot observation deck overlooking the Las Vegas Strip — give the arena all of the bells and whistles of a modern facility.

It includes two new portal entrances from the ground level, two new elevators, 13 updated concession stands and doubling the size of the Si Redd Room. As part of the modernization, fans can walk directly from the arena to the Si Redd Room through portal No. 104.

The observation area, which is on the west side of the arena and directly under the player entrance tunnel, could also be rented out for social events. The addition is 36,000-square-feet — 10,000-square-feet inside for functions, 2,500-square-feet for the attached outside deck and the rest for storage.

The first phase of the project, which includes roof replacement, is 90 percent complete. They are putting on final touches such signs and wall murals. The outside deck will be finished next September.

The arena holds 150 events annually that brings 850,000 visitors. It has hosted fights, the NBA Summer League, graduations, concerts, the National Finals Rodeo and much more. Next October, it will host the final presidential debate, which you could argue will be the most significant night in the arena’s history. The Democratic debate at the Wynn Las Vegas last week was watched by 23 million households on CNN, meaning there will be plenty of eyes on the Mack next fall.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2015/oct...nization-proj/

[dragonsky]

UNLV plans to talk to county about 38 acres near proposed stadium site

A UNLV official plans to talk with Clark County officials on Monday about acquiring 38 acres owned by the county that sit between The Thomas & Mack Center and a proposed stadium site off Tropicana Avenue.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas wants the county's 38 acres because it's a key connection between the campus and the 42-acre privately owned site at Koval Lane and Tropicana Avenue where UNLV officials hope to build a stadium.

The county's 38 acres are west of The Thomas & Mack Center across the street from McCarran International Airport.

UNLV is working on the purchase. The university will need the Regents' approval in December to borrow money to pay for the $50 million land acquisition before it can close on the land deal on Dec. 18. Regents Michael Wixom and Kevin Page will not be voting on the land deal because of their professional dealings with Wells Fargo, the landowner.

At the meeting, Michael Yackira, chairman of the UNLV Foundation board of trustees, also spoke to the Regents, suggesting they study how UNLV's land deal fits with the university's other capital needs such as the medical school and hotel college.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/busines...d-stadium-site

[dragonsky]

International trade center could bring the world to North Las Vegas

International trade centers typically don’t come with taglines that describe them as “quirky.” But if North Las Vegas has its way, Huanghai won’t be a typical international trade center.

Depending on the number of foreign investors it attracts, Huanghai could be a $125 million project, with 264 units that are part showroom, part apartment, plus 120 hotel rooms, four restaurants, two office buildings, a convention center and a gas station on what is now an empty 35-acre parcel in the middle of an industrial part of town. Its current neighbors: Republic Services and a rock-crushing operation.

The developer envisions the center, planned for the northeast corner of Commerce Street and Cheyenne Avenue, as a one-stop shop for foreign manufacturers, who could come to the United States, live, eat and show their goods — everything from basic materials such as glass or plastic to consumer goods such as toys or coffee cups — all at one site. Each manufacturer would have one unit with 1,600 feet of showroom space and an 800-square-foot living quarter upstairs.

American companies typically have to travel overseas to find manufacturers. This project would bring the manufacturers to the companies.

If a company were in town for a trade show, for instance, it easily could stop by the North Las Vegas facility to meet with manufacturers to make changes to or fill gaps in its supply chains. The center ideally would include a handful of manufacturers for each type of good.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2015/nov...rth-las-vegas/

[dragonsky]

LVCVA OKs contract for next step of demolishing Riviera

The shuttered Riviera took another small step toward its eventual demolition today.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s board of directors approved a $475,000 contract with KGA Architecture to develop documents that will help the authority prepare to demolish the 60-year old hotel-casino and turn it into outdoor exhibit space. The authority bought the Riviera earlier this year for $182.5 million and plans to eventually build a new convention facility there, but will use it for outdoor exhibit space until construction gets under way.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2015/nov...hority-approv/

[dragonsky]

Nevada high-speed rail panel moving forward with XPressWest

During a three-hour meeting Wednesday, the five-member Nevada High-Speed Rail Authority unanimously selected XpressWest as the state’s franchisee for constructing a high-speed rail system that connects Las Vegas with Southern California. Four applicants competed with XpressWest’s bid but authority officials were in agreement that its proposal was the only one that met their evaluation criteria.

XpressWest officials said they could start construction as early as fall 2016. The project aims to link Las Vegas to Los Angeles.

The board, created in May by Senate Bill 457, was charged with selecting a private developer to operate the rail system and was required to evaluate the applications based on the completion of environmental studies, level of private investment, pending regulatory permits, and how far the applicant is from the start of construction. XpressWest is now required to provide the board with progress reports twice a year. The board, in addition to reviewing the progress, can also help facilitate intergovernmental partnerships.

The initial phase of the XpressWest project, which will link Las Vegas to Victorville, Calif., will cost $8 billion. “In high-speed rail terms, most projects are a lot more expensive than this,” said Nick Hann, an executive at the Macquarie Group working with XpressWest.

The line will mostly run adjacent to Interstate 15, offering roundtrip service for under $100. The project’s second phase will link Las Vegas with Palmdale, via the Victorville station. Riders will then be able to connect with Metrolink to take the train to Los Angeles. In its last phase, XpressWest plans to link its system to California’s high-speed rail. Its technology is interoperable with California’s.

Earlier this month, the Las Vegas-based XpressWest project, formerly named DesertXpress, announced a $100 million investment from a consortium of state-owned Chinese companies. XpressWest officials said they do not plan to seek public funding from the state.

At Wednesday’s meeting, XpressWest’s Chief Operating Officer Andrew Mack said China Railway International, the firm that has committed the $100 million, has a “deep and proven track record in building and operating and financing high-speed rail.”

Construction and implementation of the project is expected to take about five years, with both the Las Vegas to Victorville line and the Victorville to Palmdale line finished at the same time.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2015/nov...orward-with-x/

[dragonsky]

Not much has changed from the original XpressWest proposal. It still contemplates as its first phase 185 miles of dual tracks with no grade crossings between Las Vegas and Victorville, roughly along the Interstate 15 right-of-way.

The second phase would extend the track west from Victorville to Palmdale where it would intersect with existing commuter rail service.

Eventually, that commuter rail would be upgraded to high-speed rail when the California High-Speed Rail system is completed. Finally, in the third phase, XpressWest trains would link directly to the California line.

Andrew Mack, chief operating officer of XpressWest, told the authority board that records of decision for environmental permits have been completed for the Las Vegas-Victorville phase and a final environmental impact statement drafted by Caltrans on the Victorville-Palmdale phase is expected to be approved in April.

That means construction on both phases could begin by fall and be completed in five years.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/busines...ngs-xpresswest



http://www.lamag.com/driver/high-spe...-getting-real/

[dragonsky]

Mega-Makeovers to The Buffet, Botero and Tryst at Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas confirms Eater Vegas’ July news that The Buffet at Wynn with its "15 live-action cooking stations" shutters on Thursday, Oct. 22, for a renovation.

With an estimated construction budget alone of $3,661,300, the remodel includes new interior partitions, doors, acoustic wall and ceiling panels, 12 interior awnings, plus improvements in the kitchen including new sinks and equipment.

The Buffet plans to reopen on Monday, Nov. 23, with 120 new dishes.

http://vegas.eater.com/2015/10/21/95...wynn-las-vegas

THE NEW BUFFET AT WYNN

Indulge in a feast for all your senses amid the resplendent surroundings of the all-new buffet at Wynn. Sample tastes from around the world at the 15 live-action cooking stations presenting rotisserie grilled steakhouse cuts, coast-to-coast seafood and over 120 new dishes, all artfully presented.

http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/Dining/C...ning/TheBuffet

[dragonsky]

UFC starts construction on new global headquarters in Las Vegas

With the signature octagon behind them, Ultimate Fighting Championship officials moved dirt Tuesday morning to begin construction of a 180,000-square-foot global headquarters along the 215 Beltway in the southwest valley.

Fertitta expects UFC's new corporate base to open in March 2017.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/busines...ters-las-vegas

[dragonsky]

Aria to get $154M convention center expansion

MGM Resorts International will spend $154 million to expand the Aria convention center by 200,000 square feet, which will include indoor/open-air spaces and a glass-enclosed venue offering views of The Park and the new Las Vegas Arena.

With completion of the expansion, Aria will offer more than 500,000 square feet of meeting space.

Construction is scheduled to start in May — a month after the $350 million arena opens — with anticipated completion in February 2018.

The Aria expansion will include technologically advanced, flexible meeting space across four stories.

"Convention business at Aria is booming, and demand is currently exceeding the space we have available," Aria President Bobby Baldwin said. "Hosting large meetings and conventions is a core part of our business. As our clients' needs grow, we are committed to grow with them."

Aria's convention center was built to LEED Gold standards as will the expansion.

The facility's top floor will have an outdoor patio that can accommodate receptions for up to 2,000 guests.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/busines...nter-expansion

[dragonsky]

Las Vegas smashes tourism record

Las Vegas has broken its own visitation growth record, surpassing 42 million tourists with New Year's Eve totals still uncounted.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced smashing the record in the morning ahead of Wednesday's release of November statistics, which are expected to be robust.

"Las Vegas couldn't have reached this achievement without the support of our resort partners and the dedicated workers who make the Las Vegas experience what it is," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the authority.

"Whether a first-time visitor or a returning Las Vegas enthusiast, the destination continues to astonish travelers from all over the world with luxury resort experiences, world-class dining and exciting entertainment."

Bolstered by new domestic and international nonstop flights, increased convention attendance throughout the year and the successful opening of several music festivals and special events, the city shattered last year's record of 41.1 million visitors.

Official 2015 totals will be announced in January.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/busines...tourism-record

[dragonsky]

‘Virtually anything is possible’: Faraday Future unveils concept car

It’ll still be another year or two before Faraday Future’s electric cars start rolling off the manufacturing line in North Las Vegas. But today, many miles south on the Las Vegas Strip, the world got its first glimpse of what those cars might look like at the company’s pre-CES event in a tented section of a parking lot across the street from Luxor.

With the concept car, the company announced that it has developed a modular approach to the design of its car that will bring it to market at an accelerated pace with reduced costs.

It will also allow the car to be easily customized for shape, size and driving configurations. With their design approach, company officials said they can manufacture cars ranging from SUVs to compact vehicles.

The bigger reveal came in December, when Faraday announced that it had selected North Las Vegas’ 18,000-acre Apex Industrial Park as the site for its car factory. Just before Christmas, the Nevada Legislature approved a $335 million incentive package during a special session to lure the company to Nevada, including tax abatements and incentives, a workforce training program and infrastructure improvements for the long-dormant industrial park.

"We are very fast," Nick Sampson, a senior Vice President for R&D and product development, said before the car was unveiled. He noted that in 18 months, the company had hired 750 employees and plans to break ground on its North Las Vegas factory in the coming weeks.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/jan...y-future-unve/

[JMK]

Las Vegas Arena Will Have Its Very Own Hyde Lounge

http://vitalvegas.com/las-vegas-aren...n-hyde-lounge/

Hyde Lounge at the Las Vegas Arena (likely to be called the T-Mobile Arena by the time it opens), will be operated by SBE, the L.A.-based lifestyle company that currently runs the successful Hyde Bellagio.
...
The 18,000-square-foot lounge will be located near the top of the arena, with two platforms extending out over the action. During our tour, these platforms provided stunning views and the arena isn’t even complete yet.

[JMK]

In-N-Out Burger, Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips and Canter’s Deli Coming to Linq Promenade

http://vitalvegas.com/in-n-out-burge...inq-promenade/

A cavalcade of new offerings are happening soon at Linq Promenade (between Flamingo Las Vegas and the Linq Hotel-Casino), including In-N-Out Burger, Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips and Canter’s Deli.
...
All these new restaurants mean there’s going to be a flurry of construction activity at Linq Promenade in 2016, and In-N-Out Burger, Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips and Canter’s are expected to open mid-year. How far the Linq has come since it opened in March 2014.

The Linq newness doesn’t stop there. Also in the planning stages are new crepe and gelato shops.

Watch for more changes in the retail and bar landscape (Kitson will close, Purple Zebra will be downsized, Polaroid Fotobar has become Photo & Go, AmeriCAN recently opened), and other surprises are also expected in 2016.

[JMK]

A little old, but didn't see anything posted about this,
Budweiser Beer Park is Brewing at Paris Las Vegas

http://vitalvegas.com/budweiser-beer...ris-las-vegas/

Construction of the soon-to-debut Beer Park by Budweiser is well under way at Paris Las Vegas, so we stopped by to check on the progress.

The new Beer Park is located on a 10,000-square-foot deck above Hexx Kitchen & Bar, previously the Sugar Factory.

[JMK]

T-Mobile reaches deal with MGM to affix name to new Las Vegas arena

Eli Blumenthal, USA TODAY
January 7, 2016

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2...il-6/78391692/

As the tech world descends on Las Vegas this week for CES, T-Mobile is planning to stay a bit longer. The wireless carrier announced late Wednesday it has reached a multi-year agreement with AEG and MGM Resorts International to become the name sponsor on the new 20,000-seat Las Vegas arena, set to open April 6.

[dragonsky]

Monte Carlo rebranding draws celebrity chefs to the Strip

Plans are underway for the transformation and rebranding of Monte Carlo, I’m reliably told, with orders from head honchos at MGM Resorts International to “out-Cosmo the Cosmopolitan — hotter and hipper.”

It’s all set to tie in with the new 5,000-seat concert venue there opening late this year for large-scale concerts. Lance Burton’s original theater became home to Blue Man Group, which has subsequently returned to its first Las Vegas home in the Luxor, while the Jabbawockeez returned to MGM Grand to accommodate the shuffling stars.

The theater expansion, which will come in multiple configurations, is in a sense an addition to MGM’s plans for the 2-acre entertainment district and Park, with the new $375 million, 20,000-seat Las Vegas Arena opening in April behind Monte Carlo and New York-New York and its pedestrian-friendly outdoor dining-and-retail complex.

Here’s what I’ve been told: Monte Carlo will eventually get a new name when the transformation is complete. Four new restaurants will be brought in as some existing ones are changed.

http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2...y-chiefs-stri/

[dragonsky]

Sugar Factory American Brasserie

Sweet lovers everywhere can begin to rejoice as Sugar Factory American Brasserie will open its largest location in the brand’s portfolio sometime this year. The venue will cover 16,000 square feet and two levels at Fashion Show. The restaurant and retail haven will offer cocktails, cuisine and its famous confections and couture pops. A highlight will be the 3,000-square-foot Chocolate Lounge ,where chocolate fondues are paired with wine, champagne and liquor.



Topgolf Las Vegas

Score! Or should it be “fore”? Come this spring, a four-level entertainment complex on the MGM Grand grounds will house all things golf. The facility will offer 102 climate-controlled hitting bays that can host six players at a time and a 215-yard outfield. Special features will include VIP cabanas, a stage for live musical acts, water features throughout the facility, views of the Strip, event spaces and a restaurant and bar.

http://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertai...016-las-vegas/

[JMK]

Construction at the Lucky Dragon resort continues despite a very public and embarrassing rejection of its request for a hand-out from the city of Las Vegas.

The resort is supposed to open in mid-2016, and that’s they story they’re sticking to.

http://vitalvegas.com/checking-in-on...dragon-resort/