Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog

June 4, 2009

Tropicana 3.0?

Posted by Hunter

As has been reported in many corners, plans for changes at the Trop in Las Vegas are moving forward.

This RJ story has the details:
http://www.lvrj.com/business/46897947.html

Even if they pump a $100 million into this place, it will still be the Trop. Don't get me wrong, it could go a long way to clean up the casino floor - new carpets, some paint, etc... but let's not pretend that all of a sudden people are going to mistake it for a five-diamond joint.

Trop 3.0 could do just fine targeting the mid-market.



Comments

Read archived comments (12 so far)
June 4, 2009 9:45 AM Posted by detroit1051

The mid market is where it's at in this economy...if it's done right.
Steve Friess' piece today about Treasure Island gives me confidence Ruffin knows what he's doing.
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2009/jun/04/anti-wynn/

June 4, 2009 11:04 AM Posted by Dave

This seems like a realistic plan to refresh the property but not try to substantially reposition it. It makes a lot of sense.

June 4, 2009 11:05 AM Posted by Andy S

Any plans to improve the Trop are a good idea, dont think a $100m will be enough though!

Thanks for that Treasure Island link Detroit - I wonder from that article if he will improve the pirate village - where would the viewing area mentioned be placed?

Also it said that Gillys will be put into Treasure Island - anyone know where it will go? Will it replace Christian Audigier The Nightclub?

Hopefully the TI name will be dropped soon! This place could really benefit from no longer being owned by MGM.

Cheers, Andrew

June 4, 2009 11:09 AM Posted by Hunter

The Gilley's is proposed for the Southern corner of the property that's currently not developed fully. It's outdoor walkways right now.

June 5, 2009 6:11 AM Posted by Andy S

Thanks Hunter!

Would it be placed on the corner opposite the sign if you were walking from the Mirage to the entrance by Fancesco's?

June 5, 2009 6:47 AM Posted by doc_al

I was with him right up until Gilleys.

Not that jarring juxtaposition is out of character for the Las Vegas Strip, but it still seems lame.

June 5, 2009 7:40 AM Posted by Las Vegas USA

they better get ready to roll up their sleeves to make this happen.

June 6, 2009 8:49 AM Posted by donnymac

The bartenders at the Breeze Bar said there was a new bar planned where Mist is located when I stayed there in May. Probably not a big enough space but it could be the approximate location for Gilley's.

June 8, 2009 9:39 AM Posted by scott

as far as i know Gillies is going in where Mist Lounge is, but they are also going to use the italian restaurant next door for the new space, and they are going to build an exterior patio too

June 9, 2009 8:33 PM Posted by G

Just saw this and thought I would pass it along...

Fontainebleau Las Vegas files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Tuesday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Southern District of Florida U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Company officials said the decision was a direct result of certain lenders having refused to honor their contractual commitments to provide nearly $800 million in construction funding for the $2.9 billion resort-casino project, which is 70 percent complete.

"It is unfortunate that our lenders forced us to take this step. By reneging on the revolving credit facility, they effectively shut down the project and put thousands of people out of work," said Howard Karawan, chief restructuring officer of Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

"Our goal now is to secure funding to complete this world-class project and restructure our existing debt."

The project was designed as a 3,815-room hotel-condominium-casino project with a large retail center, restaurants, spa and other amenities.

Fontainebleau's attorneys filed a lawsuit April 23 against a group of banks after the banks pulled $770 million in financing. The banks said Fontainebleau had defaulted on a loan.

June 11, 2009 12:05 AM Posted by Doug

This is nothing but good news as far as the Trop is concerned. Many years ago the Trop was a 'class' place and it was even featured in a James Bond movie. However, I agree with some of the statements that the cost of renovation will 'far exceed' $100 million.

Also, it seems like a good time to be starting this project with the economy beginning the first steps of recovery (according to Wall Street). And by the time they finish more people should have the money to stay there and it could be a nice alternative for the MGM - NYNY crowd.

June 18, 2009 4:30 PM Posted by detroit1051

The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved a gaming license for Alex Yemenidjian:
I can't wait. The first time I stayed there, the golf course was still across
Tropicana, where MGM Grand is now. This place has potential....at least in my
memories.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jun/18/ex-mgm-grand-exec-gets-ok-run-tropicana/