Thanks to reader Mark D., we have this bit of news from the LVRJ:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/breaking_news/37462974.html
So, along with MGM Mirage's announcement last week about The Harmon being built without its condos, we have this. I hope they at least finish the shell so it doesn't look crappy.
Updated: The LV Sun chimes in: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jan/12/caesars-palace-delays-opening-tower/
Comments
Amen to that (finishing the shell).
Should we start taking bets on Foutainbleau jumping on board? I honestly can't see Foutainbleau not stopping some portion on construction unless they are fully funded. I also worry about some of these projects cutting cost on some of their visions and making a cheaper product. Las Vegas is slowly becoming a skyline of exposed cement and steel of dreams that could have been. I know things will eventually start again, I guess because I work on the strip I worry a little more. Cost cutting efforts will catch up to these companies and bite them in the ass. Anyone else worry about the future state of Las Vegas?
I worry, but it has nothing to do with the Strip. Eventually things will change hands and something will be done. MGM buying Mandalay Resorts and Harrah's buying Park Place at the same time was pretty much the turning point into a downward spiral as far as customer experience and fiscal responsibility were concerned, and I have no idea why the federal nor state governments did nothing to block them, except maybe for both levels of government at the time being filled with GOP bureaucrats who feel that businesses always know what's best for themselves.
Vegas' real problem is governance. I don't know if it's the corruption at both city and county levels, the multiple levels of government colliding between cities and the county, the short-term vision of the people who are elected, or that the state government is often decided by people living in cities with failed mining industries and now failing gambling industries, but the leadership leaves something to be desired.
I am sure they will finish the shell at Caesars, so from the outside it will look no different.
off topic a little, but i think Fontainebleau may jump aboard the phasing or stopping work train. Although they are fully funded, i am sure their pro forma includes the sale of 1,000 condos at about $1200 per square foot. And there is no way in hell they are going to sell those condos in the current market.
My second comment yesterday gotten eaten by the server (karmic payback for all those "Stiffs & Georges" comments by mike_ch and Jeff in OKC that get sent to oblivion), but Harrah's said yesterday the exterior would be finished prior to suspension of work. Also, construction of the pool/garden expansion and the three high roller villas will continue.
Fontainebleau's Preview Center opened late last month, but condos are not for sale. I called them today and asked several questions:
Me: Are the condos for sale yet?
FB: No.
Me: When will they be for sale?
FB: We have no idea. It depends on the economy.
Me: I thought you opened the preview center to sell condos.
FB: We're selling convention space and have room models.
Me: When will the hotel open?
FB: Late this year.
So much for my investigative reporting skills. :-)
Don't feel bad, Detroit. I don't think anyone in the Casino biz (Or about any other, for that matter) have a plan longer than "Hope to make it until payday."