Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Fontainebleau Las Vegas To Open 15 Years Behind Schedule

Author Shawn Tempesta
Fontainebleau Las Vegas has announced that the property will open its doors on December 13, 2023.

The year was 2005. Las Vegas‘ and the nation’s economy was humming along. Wynn Las Vegas just opened and awoke the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. A couple blocks north, a new project was planned. That project was Fontainebleau.

The plan was to have the hotel open for business in 2008… but a late start to construction followed by a slightly devastating economic downturn brought the project to a halt. In mid 2009, at 70 percent completion, the cranes stopped moving. The gorgeous furnishings that were supposed to adorn the new rooms of the nearly 3,800 rooms were sold to The Plaza in downtown and Buffalo Bills in Primm.

There it was. A permanent reminder of the recession planted on the world’s most famous road. For years. Fontainebleau sold the property to Carl Icahn. He sold it for a huge profit to two investment firms in 2017. They got in bed with Marriott who planned to brand the property as The Drew. But the brakes once again hit the property in 2020 due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. Marriott was out. It seemed as thought the project was doomed.

In a stunning turn, the property returned to where it started, purchased by Fontainebleau in 2021. The plans, while tweaked, will be very similar to the original plans. Finally, we would get to see the property that had been a scar on the Strip for over a decade.

The Fontainebleau Las Vegas opens this year

The property just announced the resort, with all of it’s 3,644 rooms, will be open to the public this December. At long last, Fontainebleau will get to shine, with one less neighbor (Riviera), one new neighbor (Resorts World) and a Convention Center teeming with visitors looking for a place to stay close by.

At long last, the Las Vegas Strip has lost its reason to be bleau. Looking for a job? Check out their site.

Listen to Aimee+Shawn weekday mornings from 6-10 on 102.7 VGS

Follow the station on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok!

Follow Aimee+Shawn on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok!

Shawn Tempesta is the co-host of Aimee+Shawn on 102.7 VGS in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also an Emmy award nominated television host. As a content creator for 102.7 VGS, Shawn writes about current events, education, funny and trending stories.

Demolition On The Strip: More Las Vegas Properties To Be Imploded (VIDEO)

We love a good spectacle here in Las Vegas. Our lovely city is no stranger to wiping out buildings in the most elaborate way possible – a good ol’ implosion. And it has been announced that a few properties on the Las Vegas Strip will be imploded soon.

For those that may not know, an implosion is the exact opposite of an explosion. When a building is imploded, rather than bits and chunks flying all over the place, an imploded structure is brought down on itself in a much more “controlled” fashion. It’s a very fascinating process, and Las Vegas has utilized this form of demolition for decades.

Billionaire NBA owner, Tillman Fertitta, recently purchased property on the strip, located at Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue. The land is currently home to a motel (which recently closed) and some shuttered souvenir shops, and Fertitta has pulled demolition permits for those buildings. According to The Street, he plans to build a 43-story resort casino on the property following the demolition of the current buildings. KA-BOOM!

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “New York investment firm Gindi Capital also landed county approvals for a three-story retail complex on 9.5 acres just south of Fertitta’s spread. It would span more than 300,000 square feet and replace a cluster of existing properties, including the now-shuttered Hawaiian Marketplace.” It is believed that the Hawaiian Marketplace will be demolished as well, and my heart hurts.

The third property that will soon cease to exist is the legendary Terrible’s Casino, located just 25 miles of the Las Vegas Strip. If you’ve ever driven to or from California on the 15, you’ve seen this gem off to the side of the freeway. The Street reports “Reno real estate firm Tolles Development plans to build a nearly-2 million-square-foot industrial park…” However, I can find some peace in the property’s inevitable removal, as we’ve been reassured that the implosion of the property would be completed in a very elaborate, theatrical fashion. Just the way we like it!

If you’re like me, you frequently find yourself down a rabbit hole, watching videos of past Las Vegas demolitions on YouTube. I don’t know. It’s a strange addiction. They’re my comfort videos, and they’re absolutely mesmerizing. So much history being destroyed within a matter of seconds in the most dramatic fashion possible… If you haven’t seen these videos, they’re a must-see. You might even find yourself lurking down the rabbit hole yourself before you know it.

Check out the final moments and remarkable implosions of several of our notable Las Vegas landmarks over the years (RIP):

  • Frontier

    The Frontier, later called the New Frontier, opened it’s doors in 1942 and was demolished via implosion on November 13th, 2007. Fun fact: The demolition itself and all of the preparation leading up was filmed for a program called “Blowdown: Vegas Casino” for the National Geographic Channel. Nothing has been built on the property, but it’s apparently owned by Steve Wynn…

  • Stardust

    The Stardust Resort and Casino was once home to some of the most incredible shows and attractions to grace the Strip, including the Lido de Paris show, Siegfried & Roy (it’s where they got their start) and Wayne Newton headlined at the property for six years. Stardust was imploded on March 13th, 2007, and Resorts World Las Vegas now resides in it’s place.

  • Riviera

    The Riviera was demolished in two separate implosions (both are included in video above). The first occurred on June 14th, 2016 and the final implosion took place on August 16th, 2016. This property was one of the first high-rises to open in Las Vegas, and the land was purchased by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to expand the convention center.

  • Boardwalk

    The property started off as a Holiday Inn, but was rebranded to Boardwalk Hotel and Casino in 1989. It was located between the Bellagio and Park MGM, the current location of Waldorf Astoria. It was ultimately demolished via implosion on May 9th, 2006.

  • Sands

    The Sands ultimately crumbled like sand on November 26th, 1996. As many Vegas implosions have, the event received major attention. And because Las Vegas loves celebrating and enjoying a good spectacle, the implosion was even kicked off with fireworks! The Sands was brought down to make way for the Venetian Resort.

  • Bourbon Street

    Bourbon Street saw a wide range of changes and several different owners throughout it’s life. The property found itself owned by Harrah’s Entertainment in 2005 when it was deemed to be structurally compromised. The hotel tower was ultimately imploded on February 14th, 2006. RIP.

  • Castaways

    This one might not have been located along the Las Vegas Strip, but it is still regarded as a very notable implosion for the city. Castaways, formerly known as the Showboat, was located on Boulder Highway and took it’s final breath on January 11th, 2006 before being “cast away.”

  • Landmark

    One of the coolest hotels to ever stand in Las Vegas (in my opinion), the Landmark Hotel was imploded on November 7th, 1995 in a very dramatic fashion. The tower split in two as it crumbled to the ground. Big sad. The land where Landmark once stood is now home to a parking lot used for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Association.

  • Desert Inn

    The Desert Inn had a rich history, having hosted numerous stars throughout the years. The property was ultimately purchased by Steve Wynn, and Desert Inn was was imploded on October 23rd, 2001. Both the Wynn Las Vegas and the Encore now proudly stand in it’s place.

  • El Rancho

    By the time El Rancho Hotel and Casino was imploded, the property was widely considered an eyesore on the Las Vegas Strip. I think the city was just ready for it to go, and no events were planned surrounding the demolition. An interesting choice by the higher-ups, El Rancho was imploded in the middle of the night (why?) on October 3rd, 2000.

  • Aladdin

    Ah, the Aladdin Hotel. It was ultimately brought down on April 27th, 1998 after hosting many infamous moments in Las Vegas’ rich history, including Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s wedding. The land is now home to Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

  • The Dunes

    The Dunes Hotel lived it’s final day on October 27th, 1993 before being brought down in very theatrical fashion. Those in charge of the project made it look as though the pirate ships at Treasure Island had fired on the old hotel to set off the blast. Dunes was ultimately imploded to make way for one of the most iconic properties to ever grace the Las Vegas Strip — the Bellagio.

  • Hacienda

    New Year’s 1996 was a time to be alive. Talk about the ultimate way to blast into the new year… This event was truly epic. So epic that thousands of tourists flocked to Las Vegas in order to enjoy the spectacle. Mandalay Bay now stands where Hacienda once stood.

  • Let’s be friends! 👍 Follow us on our socials:

    Follow Sammi Reeves on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

    Follow the station on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok!

    Listen to Sammi Reeves weekday afternoons from 3-7 on 102.7 VGS

  • More Content You'll Love

    Most Haunted Places In Nevada: Silver State's Dark History

    Hidden behind the glittering Las Vegas lights lies a dark secret of murder, mystery and ghosts.

    Best known for being the “playground for adults,” Las Vegas history is a unique one that stems from the stories and activities of organized crime. Perfectly representing the “wild west,” interesting stories and tales cloud Las Vegas’ murky history.

    And unfortunately, the city witnesses violence that starts during the true “mobsters” era. Shady situations, a constant flow of money and other illicit activities that happen on — and off — The Strip are also factors creating certain types of ghost stories, making for some of the most haunted places in Nevada.

    Whether it’s a museum housing some of the scariest and “most haunted” objects in the world or the insane events that unfold on the Vegas Strip daily, there’s no denying that a few ghosts may be roaming the Sin City streets.

    From the bare lands of the desert to the abandoned silver mine shafts, the lore of ghosts in Nevada is plentiful with big cities and, of course, small towns across the state having their tall tales and spooky stories.

    Many paranormal experts and enthusiasts even call Nevada one of the hottest spots in the country when it comes to ghostly activity.

    Between the metropolis of Las Vegas, Carson City and Reno, miles of bare land stretch between these cities. These long ribbons of desert starkly contrast the glitter gulch of Vegas, and it’s seldom known what truly occurs and what’s hidden beneath the desert sand — or in Lake Mead for that matter.

    Ghost towns that once held bustling populations of people are sucked dry with only the empty shells of buildings as a physical sign of what used to be. These ghost towns were once thriving mining communities with many dark stories staining the land. Disease outbreaks, explosions, mining fires, inhaling toxic fumes, horrible working conditions, lack of food and so much more are just a few of the tragedies that occurred within these towns.

    So, scroll down below and read about some of the most haunted places in Nevada whose histories are telling and equally heartbreaking.

    • Sunshine Motel (Now The Aztec Inn) - 2200 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104

      While driving on Las Vegas Boulevard, you can spot the Aztec Inn snuggled in a corner between The Strat and the downtown area. Warm, vintage and even welcoming, the casino has an amazing Thai restaurant that we can’t recommend enough. However before the building was the Aztec Inn, it was previously The Sunshine Motel during the ’80s, and this is where a horrible crime occurred.

      The Sunshine Motel became infamous when a serial killer named Thomas Crump decided to check in to the seedy motel, according to MayhemInTheDesert.com. He would then make a call to the Showgirls of Las Vegas escort service, which led to 26-year-old Jodie Jameson arriving to his room.

      Convict dies in Nevada prison 34 years after landing on death row

      A four-time convicted murderer died inside of a Nevada prison Friday, more than 30 years after he was first sentenced to die for strangling an escort.

      According to MayhemInTheDesert.com, Crump accused Jameson of being part of a scheme to rob him, which she denied. However, this wasn’t enough to stop Crump’s anger, and he tied up Jameson and strangled her.

      This was one out of a few murders he participated in. And in fact, officials only realized his involvement with this murder after he confessed while serving time for three other murders in New Mexico State Prison. Although the Aztec Inn isn’t officially deemed haunted, the area’s history definitely makes this place an alleged spot for some ghostly sightings.

    • Golden Tiki Bar - 3939 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102

      If you’re a Vegas veteran or local then you may have stopped at the Golden Tiki Bar during a night out. However, this well-loved Tiki Bar has a ghoulish reputation that has even made some potential employees scared to work there, according to an article by KNPR.org.

      According to the article, the owner Branden Powers said that unexplained events happened at the Golden Tiki before it even opened. Many construction workers who would stay the night, building and renovating the future tiki bar space would always mention paranormal activity and how “hot” the building was.

      In fact, Zak Bagen’s “Ghost Adventures” series even did an episode about the local Tiki Bar! In the episode, the crew explored the bar’s reputation for moving objects, flying shadow figures and a ghost girl, according to the Travel Channel’s website. 

    • Circus Circus - 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

      It’s almost fitting that scary ghost stories are part of Circus Circus’ history. Clowns have been part of the Circus Circus history since the property first opened its doors in 1968. Many Vegas locals can remember Fright Dome, which was a special Halloween event that turned the amusement park under the famous pink dome into a scary garden of horror.

      Circus Circus

      Aside from the fun screams that come from the amusement park riders, there are screams that may come from a different source of scariness. The most recent tragedy took place in June 2018 when a man named  Julius Trotter robbed and killed a Vietnamese couple Sang Boi Nghia and Khoung Ba Le Nguyen in their Circus Circus hotel room, according to a report from ABC News. 

      Along with that horrific event, there’s a popular rumor that has spread across the Las Vegas Valley involving the infamous “Room 123.”

      According to GhostCityTours.com, “It all started in room 123, where, many years ago, a mother and her young son were found dead from an apparent murder-suicide. What drove the woman to take her child’s life and then end her own will now never be uncovered, but the reverberations of that heinous act are still felt in the hotel to this day.”

      Have you ever stayed at Circus Circus and felt a presence?

    • Bally's Hotel and Casino (Horseshoe Las Vegas) - 3645 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

      Originally called the “MGM Grand,” Bally’s Hotel and Casino is historical when it comes to the churn-and-burn of comapny brands on the Las Vegas Strip. Bally’s sits on top of the former Bonanza Hotel and Casino, which was equally a fixture on The Strip, according to VegasGhosts.com.

      A major incident occured when a catastrophic fire broke out at the former MGM Grand restaurant. The fire traveled to higher floors and engulfed a good portion of the hotel in flames, accoring to VegasGhost.com. This fire has been deemed as one of the worst in American history, and about 87 people died and 600 were injured as a result. 

      MGM Fire

      Many people who stay at Bally’s report seeing apparitions, hearing weeping, coughing or crying noises.

    • Pioneer Saloon - 310 NV-161, Goodsprings, NV 89019

      Pioneer salon

      Another structure that’s been featured on “Ghost Adventures,” is located in Goodsprings, Nevada. According to the Travel Channel, multiple people lost their lives in the old mineshaft that runs below the bar. Another rumor swirling around about the potential spirits behind this bar involves Clark Gable! The Travel Channel states that one of the spirits haunting the corridors of the salon is Carole Lombard, a 1930s screen siren and the wife of Clark Gable, who died in a plane crash on Potosi Mountain.

    • The Clown Motel - 521 N Main St, Tonopah, NV 89049

      Yes. There’s actually a clown-themed motel located right in Tonopah, Nevada. The town of Tonopah is rich in history and was a major mining town in the 1900s. Throughout the town’s most prosporuous mining town, Tonopah produced more than $750,000 in gold and silver.

      The Clown Motel was a venture started by siblings Leona and Leroy Davis, who started the motel as a way to honor their late father Clarence. Their father was an avid collector of anything clown-related, so this was one of the driving factors when it comes to the motel’s theme, according to the motel’s website. The peculiar theme has attracted people and movie-makers from across the country with many Youtube videos being made about this unique motel. Some of the fun themes for the Clown Motel’s rooms include “Friday The 13th,” “IT,” “The Exorcist,” and “Halloween.”

    • The Mizpah Hotel - 100 N Main St, Tonopah, NV 89049

      https://www.instagram.com/p/ChLBXZMgbEZ/

      Another historical structure in Tonopah, Nevada, the Mizpah Hotel was once called “the finest stone hotel in the desert,” according to TravelNevada.com. The hotel was built in 1907, and some guests simply never checked out. One tale of a potential ghost who still roams the hotel is the “Lady in Red.”

      The “Lady in Red,” was a lady of the night, who worked on the hotel’s fifth floor, according to local legend. One night, a jealous ex-lover flew into a rage and strangled the “Lady in Red.” TravelNevada.com says that male guests often hear a woman whispering into their ears and she’ll even leave pearls that broke from her necklace on guests’ pillows. 

    • Adult Mental Health Historic Cemetery - Sparks, Washoe County

      Although this cemetery isn’t officially deemed as “haunted,” the Adult Mental Health Historic Cemetary is a testament to the former neglect that covered the hospital system in this rural part of northern Nevada.

      https://thisisreno.com/2013/11/photo-gallery-adult-mental-health-historic-cemetery/

      According to the cemetery’s historical plaque, “The Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Historical Cemetary, 1882-1949, is the final resting place of more than 767 people. Although 767 names are known, the exact location in the cemetery is not.”

      Heartbreaking and tragic, the unknown bodies are not the only missing piece to this horrible puzzle. According to archives, 400 additional names are thought to be lost to history, meaning there are an additional 400 people who are forever lost to history. The mass grave site, the connection to the former asylum and its remoteness make this landmark a truly bone-chilling experience.

    • Zak Bagans' The Haunted Museum - 600 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104

      This list wouldn’t be complete without one of the most-known and directly scary places in Sin City! Zak Bagans, host of the hit TV series “Ghost Adventures,” has his own curated collection of haunted items right by Downtown Las Vegas.

      From housing Dr. Jack Kevorkian’s death van, a demonic Dybbuk Box and the infamous  “Propofol chair” from Michael Jackson’s death room. 

      Unsettling, creepy and spine-chilling, it’s everything that a “haunted” museum needs to be.

Get The VGS' Very Good Vibes Newsletter In Your Inbox

Have the latest celeb and music gossip, local news stories, fun games, contests, and more delivered to your inbox.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Shawn Tempesta
Category:
Tags:
,

More 102.7 VGS

Load More