Silverton Casino construction hasn't grabbed the headlines like the new and mega-resort properties around Las Vegas. Yet it's latest expansion and parking garage coming in at $130 million isn't exactly pocket change. This is the latest in several construction projects that have been happening there over the last few years, and there are plans in the works for more to come in the future.
Silverton is roughly 3½ miles south of Mandalay Bay, but on the opposite side of I-15, at Blue Diamond Rd. and Dean Martin Dr. It started out in 1994 as Boomtown, and after only 3 years it was taken over by Ed Roski Jr.'s Majestic Realty Co., co-owners of LA's Staples Center and a minority owner in the Kings and Lakers, and one of the largest commercial developers in southern CA.
In just the last few years there have been many changes to the property. One very notable was the $150 million expansion that opened late 2004 when the casino was expanded and a massive Bass Pro Shops was added. At the entrance to Bass Pro is a 'canyon' with waterfalls that feed a koi pond below. Part of that addition also included fresh water aquariums inside the store, the Mermaids Bar with 2 round color changing tanks of jellyfish built into the wall, and a 117,000 gallon round salt water aquarium with vibrantly colored coral and tropical fish. In all, there are said to be 4,000 - 5,000 live fish found on the property. With that theme in mind, you'll see some of the custom bikes from Orange County Choppers, and the Tuttles have dropped by from time to time for appearances.
The centerpiece aquarium had been home to 'mermaid shows' for a while. Now they do a variety with divers, and spectators can get the feel of being inside the tank from a rounded area that surrounds you with a 180° view. Currently Santa appears inside the tank on some select days in December, with underwater communication equipment he's able to talk with the children peering through the glass. Throughout the day you may catch a diver inside doing some cleaning, or watch the frenzy when they do their fish feedings.
Speaking of 'feeding-frenzy', something worth a quick mention. Though December 30, 2008, Silverton is offering 2 for 1 pricing for entrees at their house brand restaurants for their players club members, and no coupons needed. That includes the Seasons Buffet, Sundance Grill, The Shady Grove Lounge (Complete with Airstream Trailer with mini-bowling inside), Mi Casa Grill Cantina (Mex with the added ambience of a backlit alabaster bar & other exotic lighting), or the intimate upscale lodge setting of their Twin Creeks Steakhouse. These eateries also evolved from the ongoing renovations over the past few years, that also included room remodeling.
So that brings us up to the latest openings, capped off by the parking garage that just opened in the past few weeks. 35,000 square feet was added to the casino, allowing for more gaming floor space, along with a $750,000 Starbucks, a Johnny Rockets, and a Luciano's Italian for some sit down fast food. Scheduled to open before Christmas is the new center bar with 240 - 3' chandeliers with color changing LED lights. These openings have also added about 40 new hires to their staff of 800.
I should also add that the new parking garage is complemented by a redesign of the entrance drive and parking lot configuration. New landscaping and signage was added to the entrance, that's more of a fit to their new 'Living Lodge' ad campaign. An added bonus was the road construction right out front. The new I-15 interchange along with the widening and relocation of Blue Diamond Rd. makes the property's new access a breeze.
That easier access is good news, because they're not yet done with construction. Concerts have recently returned now that this phase is nearly complete. Concert tents are being used and will be replaced with prefab structures early next year. While there isn't a time line set for the new 25 story hotel tower that was put on hold, the 70,000 square foot entertainment venue and pool complex is expected to complete permitting in May 2009. It's said to currently be including 5 pools, 30 cabanas, 3 bars, and a stage capable of handling headline entertainment. The cutting edge design is said to give up to 2000 concert goers poolside and in-pool viewing, a twist on what can be had at Mandalay Beach's swim-up stage.
So here's some pictures from our visit the other night, to one of the 'other' construction projects that have been investing in the future of Las Vegas. We didn't capture it all, and there was the challenge of shooting through the glass of a round tank...that seems to reflect lights from every possible direction. To see the pictures
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The Silverton is just one more of the unique properties that residents have in their back yard. It's also another of the many projects that has been ongoing, that offers a taste of those wiling to invest in the future of Las Vegas. From new attractions like the $25 million Mirage Volcano, to the recent openings of Eastside Cannery and Aliante Station, and the soon to open Wynn Encore. In spring 2009, M Resort, followed by MGM City Center, Fontainebleau, and Cosmopolitan all scheduled to open later in the year, along with new towers at Caesars Palace and downtown's Golden Nugget. These just in the hospitality industry, with many others on the way or proposing to begin.
Just one other area in the news is a jump on an opportunity to buy a car dealership, closed from the financial crunch and auto woes, with the new owner envisioning the potential of the Vegas Valley. It's great to see those that are willing to make an investment into what the future holds for Las Vegas.
If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, Roberta LaRocca, at roberta@search4lasvegashomes.com, or call me at 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!
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