The multi-purpose attraction with the 184-meter-high twin towers on a 4-hectare site south of Fontainebleau will also feature a 133-meter-long ride and a swimming pool that can be used by local residents.
Nancy Amundsen, a land use planning consultant for developer Brett Torino, told the Winchester City Council on Tuesday that the two towers – one a residential apartment complex for residents and the other a non-gaming hotel – already have height clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) but are pending final height approval from Clark County.
The five-member board unanimously recommended that the Clark County Commission grant approval, although there were some concerns about the developer’s request to reduce the number of required parking spaces by 52 percent. The developer also intends to reduce the number of electric vehicle charging spaces by 52 percent and the number of charging zones by 29.5 percent.
The developer of the as-yet-unnamed project also intends to remove some landscaping. Amundsen explained that the Metropolitan Police advises against low-rise landscaping because it could hide illegal paraphernalia and even people.
Parking required
Las Vegas resident Kelly Weiss told board members that there is a great need for parking throughout her neighborhood during major events at the nearby Las Vegas Convention Center, justifying the need for the 3,027 parking spaces required by law.
The developer is requesting the parking fee exemption based on research from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority that found about 50 percent of Las Vegas visitors use their own cars to get around the city, with even more visitors using taxis, buses, shuttles and rideshare services.
Board members discussed the possibility of the developer adding a second level of parking on the proposed fully underground property.
But in the end, after a 45-minute hearing, the board recommended approving the project in the form reviewed by the district.
Amundsen, a former Clark County city planner, also told committee members that a planned covered venue would have 3,310 seats and is expected to host a modern circus-style show.
Amundsen said the developer wants the project to resemble a small town and an expanded access road would be located on Elvis Presley Boulevard, with no road access from the Strip.
Two-phase project
According to plans filed with the county, the western half of the project, facing the Strip, will be developed first with retail stores, restaurants and an outdoor plaza, while the eastern residential and hotel area and the event venue will be built in a second phase.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas announced in June that it would purchase the eastern five acres on which the towers and venue would be built for $112.5 million.
The property, formerly occupied by the Riviera hotel-casino and owned by the LVCVA and used for construction of the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, is being purchased by a partnership between Torino and his New York-based business partner Paul Kanavos. Torino has a four-decade history in real estate development in Southern Nevada, having built the four-story 63 CityCenter shopping center and the three-story Harmon Corner on the Strip.
Under the terms of the land purchase agreement with the LVCVA, Torino and Kanavos have until 2033 to begin construction on the project.
The developer said the area is well suited for building a hotel because of its proximity to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Further details about the project:
— The 425 residential units would include 162 one-bedroom units, 201 two-bedroom apartments, 54 three-bedroom apartments and eight penthouse suites.
— According to documents, the applicant has not yet finalised a tenant list but would like the flexibility to offer outdoor dining, drinking and cooking in open areas of the site.
— The developers hope to receive at least a LEED Silver certification for the buildings’ sustainability efforts.
“I can’t wait to see the (north) side of the Strip finished,” said board member Dorothy Gold before the vote. “It’s been so many years, and I think it just brings more visitors, more attractions, and that’s Vegas.”
This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at [email protected] or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on X.
