Fontainebleau Las Vegas Opens This Week – How’d We Get Here?
Towards the north end of the Las Vegas Strip stands a building that has been taunting the city for well over a decade. Fontainebleau Las Vegas was around 70 percent complete when construction came to a screeching halt. Money dried up during the recession and left the project sitting there incomplete for ages. So much so that television news opens prominently featured the building.
Yes the tragic story of Fontainebleau is finally coming to a close with Wednesday’s opening. So how did we get here and how triumphant of a victory lap will the new property be making?
The story of Fontainebleau Las Vegas is dizzying
We are going to try to give it our best shot to wrap this whole thing up. The Wikipedia page takes a much bigger deep dive.
- 2005: Fontainebleau Resorts, owner of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, announces the former site of the El Rancho will become home to a new property. That property, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, will open in 2008. Sweet!
- 2008: The building was topped off in November and things are humming along if not a little behind schedule. That’s alright though! The project is around 70 percent complete and the building stands as the largest “occupiable” building in the state. The Strat, we love you, but most of that tower isn’t occupiable.
- 2009: Well, this is awkward. It turns out several people have not paid their mortgages, unemployment is on a steep rise, and the United States has entered a recession. Sure, the over-budget project had funding all lined up. The project filed for bankruptcy.
- 2010: Enter Carl Icahn. The billionaire swooped in and bought (and sat on) the property for $150,000,000. Furniture that was pre-ordered for the property was sold for pennies on the dollar to The Plaza. He had to “dress up” the site so it wasn’t a blight for people walking by, but he mostly did nothing with the property.
- 2017: Carl Icahn sells the property for $600,000,000 – four times what he paid for it. Not a bad return on investment. The new owner planned to make the property a Marriott hotel named “The Drew Las Vegas”, in honor of owner Steve Witkoff’s late son Drew.
- 2019: Well, The Drew is behind schedule, now delayed to 2022. That’s OK though… it’ll happen by 2022!
- 2020: COVID. Project stalls. Lawsuits. It’s ugly and this building is doomed.
2021 was a turning point, and a return to the script, for Fontainebleau
In 2021, the project was purchased by Jeff Soffer. Jeff is the owner of… wait for it… Fontainebleau Development. Yes, after all these years and the crazy whirlwind of bankruptcies, purchases and more… the project is back in the original hands. Completed rooms were gutted and redesigned. This time it would be done right.
December 13th marks the end of an incredibly long journey. We are so happy to see this property finally open, and from the previews we’ve seen, it looks like it will impress.
10 Places To Eat At Durango Casino & Resort's New 'Eat Your Heart Out' Food Hall
Nielsens Frozen Custard
A Las Vegas frozen custard staple that has made it’s way to the south west. You can now order your favorite concrete creations and enjoy them in Vegas’ newest dining hall.
Irv's Burgers
Irv’s Burgers is a Los Angeles staple that’s made it’s way to the desert. A comfort food craze for burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and more.
Prince St. Pizza
Prince St. Pizza is a NYC favorite that Vegas locals have to try. They are home to the “Soho Square.”
Oyster Bar
Home of the oysters, Oyster Bar is serving up fresh seafood for hungry patrons. Anyone down to split a shrimp cocktail? They are known for their lobster and steamed clams.
Fiorella Pasta
This Italian eatery is popular amongst Philadelphians. Moved west, Vegas locals can now taste the handmade pastas and great tasting sauces.
Uncle Paulies
An LA sandwich shop we are happy to adopt. Their spreads, cheeses melt in your mouth. The Gloria is a recommended fan-favorite!
Ai Pono Cafe
Vegas is considered the ninth island and Ai Pono Cafe is bringing Hawaiian street food to Durango Casino Resort. They have great tasting chicken and rice plates. We have our eye on the “Hurricane Chicken” plate.
Shang Artisan Noodle
This eatery hand makes noodles that are not only great tasting but won’t break the bank. The beautiful dishes are packed with flavor and leave customers feeling full.
Yu-Or-Mi Sushi
We are so proud of Yu-Or-Mi for expanding to the south west. They are currently located in DTLV and their sushi is delectable. Plus, they have amazing plant based loved ones.
Vesta Coffee Roasters
Vesta Coffee is your go-to pick me up spot for great-tasting coffee beans. They have two locations in Durango Casino for easy access. They also have small bites for guests on the go.
