Failed Las Vegas projects
Las Vegas, known for its vibrant and ever-evolving entertainment landscape, has seen its fair share of both successful and failed projects over the years. While many developments have thrived, some ambitious ideas have faced challenges or simply failed to gain traction. Here are a few notable examples of failed projects in Las Vegas:
- Echelon Place:
- Echelon Place was a massive, multi-billion dollar resort project on the Las Vegas Strip announced by Boyd Gaming in 2007. The project was set to include several hotels, a casino, and various entertainment venues. However, in 2008, due to the economic downturn, construction was halted and the site remained dormant for years. Eventually, in 2013, Genting Group purchased the property and announced a new project called Resorts World Las Vegas.
- Alon Las Vegas:
- Alon Las Vegas was a proposed resort and casino project on the Strip that was intended to replace the New Frontier Hotel and Casino. The project was announced by Australia’s Crown Resorts in partnership with Andrew Pascal and former Wynn Las Vegas President, Rob Oseland. However, Crown Resorts withdrew from the project in 2016, citing a shift in business strategy. The site was eventually sold to Wynn Resorts in 2017.
- Fontainebleau Las Vegas:
- The Fontainebleau Las Vegas was a high-rise resort project that began construction in 2007. It was intended to be a luxury hotel and casino. However, due to financial troubles, including bankruptcy and construction delays, the project came to a halt in 2009. The unfinished structure was later sold in 2010 and renamed “The Drew Las Vegas.” The Drew project faced further delays and financial challenges, but it was eventually acquired by Witkoff Group in 2018 with plans for completion.
- Harmon Hotel at CityCenter:
- The Harmon Hotel was part of the CityCenter development on the Las Vegas Strip. Due to construction defects discovered in 2008, the building’s height was reduced, and in 2011, it was decided that the hotel would never open. The structure was subsequently dismantled, and the site remains vacant.
- W Las Vegas:
- The W Las Vegas was a hotel and casino project announced for the site of the former Sahara Hotel and Casino. Announced in 2015, the project was a collaboration between Starwood Hotels and Resorts and developer SLS Las Vegas. However, the plans were eventually scrapped, and the SLS Las Vegas underwent rebranding and renovations.
These examples highlight the challenges and uncertainties in the highly competitive and dynamic Las Vegas entertainment and hospitality industry. Economic downturns, construction issues, and shifts in market conditions can contribute to the success or failure of ambitious projects in the area.