Wynn Las Vegas: The Unveiling

[OE-305]

The much anticipated $2.7 billion Wynn Las Vegas opens in four days.

Wynn Las Vegas: The Unveiling

Steve Wynn (on the right)

If I decide to fight the crowds this weekend and visit the place I'll be sure to post some more pics.

[OE-305]

One of the most amazing things about these huge casinos is their effect on the local economy. The article above mentions that nearly 10,000 jobs will be created instantly and will lead to the eventual creation of two additional jobs for every one in some other unrelated sector. So that's almost 30,000 jobs in a single year just from one of these suckers! Now factor in all the major expansions, new casinos and some two dozen condo towers going up right now and it is apparent why this town creates 50,000 new jobs a year (yikes!)

[OE-305]

anybody been to the Wynn Las Vegas yet? i'm going to check the place out sometime this weekend and post some pictures. i even hear teh Wynn has penny slots!.... only in vegas can a brand new $2.7 billion resort still cater to the penny slot players

[Urban_Legend]

I can't believe there's a golf course in the middle of the desert! That's crazy! Indeed, this looks neat.

[jsauce]

MY aunts in charge of VIP's in the new Whynn( i know its awsome)

but i was able to see plans for this on a private tour 4 years go!!!!

They made changes from the original but its basically the same.

The end resolt is awsome! I went to Vegas on Spring Break and saw it 4 days before its opening. Its the tallest building in the veags strip and basicaaly the coolest!

[peaceloveunderstanding]

another unsustainable, grotesque facility for Las Vegas. Congratulations. Another reason to never visit that city.

[drobar]

anybody been to the Wynn Las Vegas yet?  i'm going to check the place out sometime this weekend and post some pictures.  i even hear teh Wynn has penny slots!.... only in vegas can a brand new $2.7 billion resort still cater to the penny slot players 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The casino is reminiscent of the Bellagio. The shops are fantastic. A lot of detail went into the facades. But, the best part.....The cocktail waitresses!

Wynn outdid himself this time.

[drobar]

another unsustainable, grotesque facility for Las Vegas. Congratulations. Another reason to never visit that city.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Really? What makes you think that? The Wynn is immense, modern, and beautiful. I don't see Charlotte being touted as one of the most visited, fastest growing cities in the U.S.? I think your opinion is based on personal bias. You should come to Vegas at least once. It might change your mind......

[OE-305]

another unsustainable, grotesque facility for Las Vegas. Congratulations. Another reason to never visit that city.

This city may certainly become unsustainable one day, but the Wynn (and other mega-casinos for that matter) are more than just sustainable.... they are gang-busters! Hotel occupancy rates are >93% (some weekends this place runs just a room or two below 100%). When Steve Wynn opened the Mirage in 1989, everybody laughed at him b/c it was the first gargantuan hotel in the world... they laughed at him until they saw the 100's of millions of dollars that this place earned every year. Flash forward to 2005 and we find gambling to be a $15 billion industry in Nevada.

Why would you never want to visit this city? The infrastructure in this town is nothing less than spectacular. One of the world's finest airports is only a block from the southern Strip and the convention space here cannot be beat. My cousins came out here in February for a trade show (with reservations at first) and said that there experience here was far better than Atlanta and Chicago.

C'mon, visit the place... 38 million can't be wrong

[peaceloveunderstanding]

QUOTE(moonshield @ May 6 2005, 07:09 PM)

another unsustainable, grotesque facility for Las Vegas. Congratulations. Another reason to never visit that city.

*

Really? What makes you think that? The Wynn is immense, modern, and beautiful. I don't see Charlotte being touted as one of the most visited, fastest growing cities in the U.S.? I think your opinion is based on personal bias. You should come to Vegas at least once. It might change your mind......

It is personal opinion, everything anyone says is.

I don't wish to visit vegas because my values conflict with everything the city 'has to offer'. If I wanted to vist crap I would vist Atlantic City. Vegas is a city run by gangsters by gangsters. Vegas is a town headed for trouble. No transit plans, lack of water, total (TOTAL) dependence on the car. Wow, sounds exciting. The strip! no. LasVegas != Smart Growth. Las Vegas != Sustainable growth. How is vegas going to survive when oil is too expensive for the people who can not afford to go there in the first place? Vegas, my friend will be a ghost town. And the world will be a better place.

[drobar]

It is personal opinion, everything anyone says is.

I don't wish to visit vegas because my values conflict with everything the city 'has to offer'. If I wanted to vist crap I would vist Atlantic City. Vegas is a city run by gangsters by gangsters. Vegas is a town headed for trouble. No transit plans, lack of water, total (TOTAL) dependence on the car. Wow, sounds exciting. The strip! no. LasVegas != Smart Growth. Las Vegas != Sustainable growth. How is vegas going to survive when oil is too expensive for the people who can not afford to go there in the first place? Vegas, my friend will be a ghost town. And the world will be a better place.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A lot of tourist I meet at my work tell me that they don't visit for the gambling/sex industry. They visit for the high-end shopping, fine dining, shows, ect.... This city is about so much more than what people think. I used to think like they did until I moved here. Don't believe the hype!

[Showtime24]

the encore is going to remove the Church wow thats so stupid that church should be a vegas land mark

[OE-305]

I finally took the time to drive up The Strip and check out the Wynn Las Vegas. I have to admit, I was kinda unimpressed with the whole thing. Sure the hotel's exterior is nothing less than awe-inspiring, but the rest of it seemed to be lacking something special. Basically, I thought it was the Bellagio part II. The lawns are artificial tuff which looked tacky (but props to Mr. Wynn for doing his part to conserve water). I thought the $100 M mountain looked more like an overgrown backyard in Asheville than something of beauty. If I want a real moutain experience then I'll drive 40 miles up US-95 and spend a day at Mt. Charleston (elev. 11,900), plus it still has snow this time of year. I guess my main frustration with the place was my lack of mobility. Unless you are a hotel guest, and/or have big bucks to spend, there simply are not that many places you can explore in this place. I couldn't go out to the lake's edge to see the waterfall, nor could I climb the mountain for a better view. Bad move on Mr. Wynn IMO because this place will be a one-and-done destination for ordinary folk who happen to be the meat and potatoes of the Vegas tourism industry.

Time will tell if his new concept works or not, but I feel that his resort is lacking a certain flare that offers something for everyone (i.e. the conservatory at Bellagio, the fountains at Bellagio, Eifflel Tower at Paris, canals and mimes at the Venetian etc.) BTW, I thought the Bellagio's conservatory was better than Wynn's.

Anyway, here are some photos I took of the place

this view is from the front grounds looking out towards The Strip and the new Fashion Show Mall.

very nice hotel building...

$100 M mountain with waterfalls

one of two identical conservatories

Again, I had pretty high expectations going into this place, but the sense of my lack of belonging pretty much killed it. Funny thing is that on my way out I almost bumped into Mr. Wynn as he walked right past me. Had I seen him coming I would have greeted him and asked why this place doesn't feel right for ordinary folk. He looked very busy too.

[jazzman]

visited the resort on Sunday 5/1/05 from 11:00 PM until 1:00 AM. I did not stay at Wynn Las Vegas during this trip.

My first impression happened at the corner of the Strip and Sands Ave. The area outside the entrance (via the Esplanade) is stunning. A large pond winds its way toward the "mountain" with various waterfalls (one over 100' tall) and lush vegetation. A pedestrian bridge spanning this pond guides visitors inside. Rising high above the Strip is the automated Wynn sign. This is the coolest sign I have ever viewed. Yes, viewed is the correct term as this sign is a show in and of itself. I watched the whole 15 minute sign-show which has a soundtrack emanating from speakers hiding in the foliage.

I entered the Esplanade which, like the Bellagio, is an assortment of high-end shops, some restaurants and the Wynn Gallery. The overall decor struck me as unexpected. I was expecting a clean, modern, Zen like, desert design (based on the architecture of the very modern rooms building). The design is, elegant, opulent, very colorful, and maybe over done, but again, I was expecting simple.

The Esplanade gives way to a large atrium with oodles of flowers and trees. One would expect to be dumped into the casino at this point and this was a refreshing surprise. The casino borders the opposite side of the twin atriums which are divided by a lounge at the center point. This is where the average Joe can get a glimpse of the lake without dining at one of the expensive lakeside restaurants. The bright colors became brighter and the opulent design invades every nook and cranny of this large resort. I am a designer and do not agree with a lot of the design choices. Some clash, brown walls with red flowered carpet and mustard green inserts with painted flowers. This place is like the Bellagio on drugs.

I must say that the workmanship and materials used are impeccable. Most folks will not notice that imported plaster is used everywhere. Other resorts use plastics for these details. The walls look like brown wicker from a distance but touching them reveals they are tufted satin. Hand laid mosaic tiles are under foot. OK, I do see the 2.7 billion but too much is too much.

Every employee I spoke with was lovely and informed, some were conversational. Everything here is expensive. We went into the "Drug Store" gift shop and purchased 1) 12oz Wynn water 2)16oz Cokes 3) small bags of Wynn chocolates and 3) candy bars and the total with tax was $47.00. We went to the Terrace Cafe (the cheapest restaurant open 24 hours) and ordered 1) cappuccino 2) coffees and only 1) cr

[jazzman]

anybody been to the Wynn Las Vegas yet?  i'm going to check the place out sometime this weekend and post some pictures.  i even hear teh Wynn has penny slots!.... only in vegas can a brand new $2.7 billion resort still cater to the penny slot players 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You might not be aware of the new penny slot machines. You can play up to 30 lines and up to 20 coins per line. That's a $6 bet if you bet the recommended max. so you see, it's not really pennys. The cheapest penny machine I've found is 20 lines by 15 and thats still 3 bucks.

[jazzman]

the encore is going to remove the Church wow thats so stupid that church should be a vegas land mark

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There are no plans by Wynn to use the chruch property for the Encore project. The church you speak if is nearby (just across Desert Inn Rd.) and it's removal is probably emminant as property values on the strip are now around $20 million an acre (and we all know churches love money).

The Encore project will fit between the existing employee parking structure and the guest parking structure.

I keep close tabs on Vegas developments as my website is dedicated to the future of Las Vegas. Check it out: Vegas Today and Tomorrow Click on the Encore photo on the Hotels page to see the property. B)

[jazzman]

It is personal opinion, everything anyone says is.

I don't wish to visit vegas because my values conflict with everything the city 'has to offer'. If I wanted to vist crap I would vist Atlantic City. Vegas is a city run by gangsters by gangsters. Vegas is a town headed for trouble. No transit plans, lack of water, total (TOTAL) dependence on the car. Wow, sounds exciting. The strip! no. LasVegas != Smart Growth. Las Vegas != Sustainable growth. How is vegas going to survive when oil is too expensive for the people who can not afford to go there in the first place? Vegas, my friend will be a ghost town. And the world will be a better place.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1) Corperations and government ran gansters out of vegas in the early 80's

2) A hugh Downtown redevelpoment project with as many as 20 hi-rise condos and live/work loft projects. Many pedestrian corridors with small restaurants and galleries. A performing arts center and sports complex are also planned.

3) Extended monorail, light rail, speed bus lanes and maglev systems are planned.

4) Water allotments are being redefined to accomodate the future.

5) A massive new water intake system in underway at Lake Mead.

6) Many of the newer resorts are high quality, lovely properties that are a joy to experience (not crap).

Las Vegas will soon be a model for sunbelt cities to infill themselves and create more sustainable urban environments. Please don't knock a city you haven't experienced or make assumptions without research.

Even Aunt Bee was afraid to go to Raleigh

[OE-305]

You might not be aware of the new penny slot machines. You can play up to 30 lines and up to 20 coins per line. That's a $6 bet if you bet the recommended max. so you see, it's not really pennys. The cheapest penny machine I've found is 20 lines by 15 and thats still 3 bucks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hmmm... kinda defeats the purpose of penny-slots then. Actually I've been out here almost a year now and I still haven't gambled so I guess I wouldn't know (it's not my bag).

[jazzman]

Wynn just purchased several acres of land directly to the east of the Sands Expo behind the Venetian. The land is only part of a newly flattened block (where two apartment complexes were located). The Sands Co. owners of the Venetian bought the rest of the block. The alignment of the two parts doesn

[OE-305]

Wow, that is a very screwy piece of property then... I know that Steve Wynn has a little beaf going with the Venetian owner b/c he was able to finesse a deal with the county where he could build his Sands Expo Convention Center without adding the required number of parking spaces. When Wynn purchased the Desert Inn property and started construction on Wynn Las Vegas, vistors and Venetian employees alike had to park in other casino's lots.... which, needless to say, didn't sit well with the other casinos as it took up their space.

Jazzman, do you know who started purchasing that block first? It kinda looks like a strategic move by Wynn (possibly as revenge for the Venetian owner being a cheap b*stard).

[jazzman]

Wow, that is a very screwy piece of property then...

Jazzman, do you know who started purchasing that block first?  It kinda looks like a strategic move by Wynn (possibly as revenge for the Venetian owner being a cheap b*stard).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've read that Steve Wynn wants to get along with Adelson (Venetian owner), he just wants him to play by the rules.

The city gave Adelson a temporary lot and Phil Ruffin donated some spaces of the (mostly unused) lot at the New Frontier, until Adelson makes permanent plans.

Adelson has made an agreement with Harrah's (next door) and will build a parking garage that will accommodate more than 4200 cars. This will be used primarily for employees, freeing space in the main casino garage for visitors. The first four floors of the new garage, 947 parking spaces, will be reserved for Harrah's. The remaining levels will be used by the Venetian. So the battle is finally over.

But that's sill not enough parking to accommodate the convention business at the Sands Expo. So I'm sure they'll work out a realignment of the screwy property.

I don't know who bought first.

This is not yet news. I was looking at some aerial photos of the Wynn construction when I noticed a large vacant block of land where apartments used to be. I called the Public Relations office at Wynn and they played dumb. I called the Public Relations office at the Venetian and they explained that both Wynn and Sands own parts of the block. He wouldn't elaborate on their plans. I called the Clark County Assessors office and Gina (very helpful) showed me how to get plot maps from their website and gave me the lot #s for Wynn's and Sand's portions. All this so my map will be accurate.

I've put more pics and explanations as well as perdictions about this on my site. It's on the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas page Click Here

While you're on my site, have a look around and let me know what you think.

B)

[jazzman]

As usual with Steve Wynn, details are sparse about his concept to bulldoze his lovely, brand new golf course in order to clear room for an urban village development. A Wall Street source claims the project, tentatively called Wynn Golf Course Redevelopment, will include at least 4 Hotels with a total of 5,000 hotel rooms and several condo high and low rise buildings. These will be scattered around a large lake. The projects expected cost will be around $4 billion. This project has a planned opening date in 2010.

[jazzman]

the encore is going to remove the Church wow thats so stupid that church should be a vegas land mark

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have just confirmed, after speaking to the finance department for the Guardian Angel Cathedral (due north of Wynn Las Vegas) that the Guardian Angel Cathedral will remain in tact and in service to its parishioners. The Guardian Angel Cathedral did sell part of their north parking lot to the Royal Resort so that they can build a high-rise condo on the site.

The owners of the Guardian Angel Cathedral have had many offers for their land and are not interested in selling. So, Showtime24, it will remain a Vegas landmark.

[Southernyank]

Monorail addition could run by 2010 For the Wynn

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/.../566683014.html

[OE-305]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/.../566683014.html

I think this expansion will prove to be a real boon for the monorail. Anyone in the city knows how packed the streets north of McCarrin get on Friday and Saturday evenings with all the airport traffic coming in and out. Great find on the article southernyank!