Durango (hotel and casino) explained

Durango Casino and Resort
Coordinates:36.0636°N -115.2828°W
Location:Rhodes Ranch, Spring Valley, Nevada
Address:6915 South Durango Drive
Date Opened:December 5, 2023
Rooms:209
Space Gaming:83178square feet
Casino Type:Land-based
Owner:Red Rock Resorts
Architect:Friedmutter Group

Durango Casino and Resort is a hotel and casino in Rhodes Ranch, a community in the Las Vegas Valley. It is located along Durango Drive, beside the Las Vegas Beltway. The resort includes an 83178square feet casino, 209 rooms in a 15-story tower, and several restaurants.

Station Casinos purchased the property from developer Jim Rhodes in 2000. Four years later, the company announced plans for a hotel-casino, known then as Durango Station. The 1,000-room project was met with opposition from area residents, who disagreed with its size and its proposed location near a new elementary school. The project was approved by the Clark County Commission despite the opposition, although Station did not plan to begin construction for several years.

The company later announced plans to begin building a scaled-down version of Durango Station in 2009, with an opening in 2011. However, before the start of construction, the project was delayed indefinitely due to the Great Recession. In 2021, Station's parent company, Red Rock Resorts, announced plans to proceed with the project once again. Construction began in early 2022, and Durango opened on December 5, 2023.

History

In 2000, developer Jim Rhodes sold 51 acres of land to Station Casinos, for less than $37 million. The property is located at the southwest corner of Durango Drive and the Las Vegas Beltway, in the northeast corner of the Rhodes Ranch community.[1] The property had been zoned for a neighborhood casino three years earlier, although Station had no imminent plans to develop the site, instead waiting for the general area to develop further. Station purchased an additional 30 acres, but later sold 10 acres to a residential developer.[2]

Initial proposals

In 2004, the company proposed Durango Station, a casino with up to 215000square feet,[3] and a 217-foot-tall hotel with 1,000 rooms. The start of construction was at least four years away. The large project caused controversy among area residents who argued that it did not fit the definition of a neighborhood casino. Residents also believed that a hotel-casino was no longer compatible with the area, as Durango Station would be built 1,500 feet from a new elementary school, and other nearby land was zoned for future homes.[4] [5] [6] [7]

Residents of Summerlin had previously teamed up with the Culinary Workers Union to oppose the height of the Red Rock Resort, which had been proposed by the non-union Station Casinos. Rhodes Ranch residents followed suit in their opposition against Durango Station, hoping to stop the project or at least decrease it in size.[4] [5] [6] [7] A 1997 development agreement made it unlikely that the county could stop the project entirely. Residents who purchased homes in the area had also been made aware of a potential hotel-casino.[8] [9] Station clarified that the 1997 agreement allowed for up to 215,000 square-feet, but that the company did not intend to build a casino that large.[3] Design work on the project had yet to begin.[10] [9]

Despite opposition, the Clark County Commission approved the project in December 2004, but with its gaming space capped at 120000square feet.[8] [9] At this size, it would still be Station's largest casino, and the largest locals casino in Las Vegas.[11] Approximately 75 percent of residents opposed the commission's decision to approve the project.[12] Lynette Boggs McDonald, a county commissioner overseeing the district for the planned project, proposed that neighborhood casinos be clearly defined to prevent future controversial projects.[13] As a result of the Durango Station controversy, the commission later started a committee to create new regulations for neighborhood casinos.[14] [15]

In March 2005, Station announced plans to accelerate development on the land, with intentions to open a Regal Cinemas movie theater on the site in 2006, ahead of the hotel-casino. The theater facility would include 17 screens and would eventually be incorporated into the resort.[16] [17] Construction on the theater did not begin as expected.[11]

Station announced revised details regarding the project in July 2008. A first phase of construction would include a 201-room hotel tower, a casino, restaurants, a movie theater, and 190000square feet of retail space, which would be developed and operated by a joint partner. The retail complex would be similar to The District at Green Valley Ranch. A second phase would eventually add 525 rooms.[18] The number of rooms was scaled back from what was previously planned, and a proposed bowling alley and bingo room were removed as well.[19]

Construction was scheduled to begin in 2009, with an opening in 2011.[18] [20] However, the start of construction was contingent on the state of the economy, as the Great Recession was underway at the time.[18] [21] By November 2008, economic conditions had worsened, prompting Station to delay the project indefinitely.[22] Station filed for bankruptcy in 2009,[23] but it kept the Durango site with plans to eventually develop the project.[24] [25]

Project revival and opening

In 2019, Station's parent company, Red Rock Resorts, noted the Durango site's visibility and access from the Las Vegas Beltway. The property was also five miles away from the nearest major casino, and was located in an area that the company considered to be largely underserved. By the end of 2020, the company was working on plans for a hotel-casino project on the site.[26] [27] [28] Red Rock expected the Durango property to become its primary development project.[29]

On May 4, 2021, Red Rock confirmed that it would begin construction on the project in early 2022, noting that it would be built in the fastest-growing area of the Las Vegas Valley. The company also announced that it would sell its Palms resort for $650 million. The sale would help finance the Durango project,[30] [31] [32] which was initially expected to cost $750 million.[33] [34] During construction, the cost would increase to $780 million, primarily due to an expansion of the casino floor. The rising cost of construction materials and labor also contributed to the budget increase.[35]

Durango was approved by the county in October 2021. Red Rock Resorts and Station Casinos hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking event on March 11, 2022,[36] [37] following preparation work on the land.[38] Durango was built on 50 acres along the east side of the property, while the remainder was sold to a residential developer, which is expected to use the land for apartments.[39] W.A. Richardson Builder LLC was the project's general contractor.[36] The 15-story hotel tower was topped off on October 7, 2022.[40]

Durango opened on December 5, 2023,[41] [42] [43] two weeks later than originally scheduled; some areas of the resort were not ready in time to allow for proper staff training, prompting the delay.[44] In Las Vegas, Durango marks the first Station hotel-casino to be built since the 2008 opening of Aliante Station.[35] It is also the first in a new line of Station properties planned for Las Vegas as part of the company's renewed expansion efforts.[45]

Features

Durango was designed by Friedmutter Group. The design was inspired by desert landscapes like the Red Rock Resort, and Durango will target a similar demographic.[36] [46] In a departure from most casinos, Durango includes windows that allow for natural light on the gaming floor,[47] [48] which measures 83178square feet.[49] The casino includes a 10000square feet sportsbook, which has indoor and outdoor areas,[50] and is accompanied by an adjacent sports lounge.[51] [52] [53]

Durango includes the Eat Your Heart Out food hall, featuring 11 eateries.[54] [55] The resort also has four standalone restaurants, including a Mexican eatery.[56] Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises operates Summer House, a California-themed restaurant. The company had operated in Las Vegas for 24 years, although Summer House marks its first off-Strip restaurant.[57] Additional features include 20000square feet of convention space, an event lawn, and 40 electric vehicle charging stations.[36] [58]

The hotel has 209 rooms, including 29 suites,[59] [55] in a 216-foot tower. A second phase of construction would eventually add a second tower of equal height, offering an additional 241 rooms. Phase two would also increase the size of the casino floor, and would add more banquet space and a second parking garage.[60] Unlike other Station properties, Durango does not include a bowling alley or movie theater facility, although such features could be added in later construction phases.[36] [61]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Las Vegas Valley Jurisdictional Boundary Map . Clark County . May 15, 2021 . May 8, 2019.
  2. News: Berns . Dave . Southwest plot bought by Stations . Las Vegas Review-Journal . February 25, 2000 . https://web.archive.org/web/20010504012612/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Feb-25-Fri-2000/news/13034573.html . May 4, 2001.
  3. News: Packer . Adrienne . New fight looming for Station Casinos . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 8, 2004 . https://web.archive.org/web/20050307072350/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Dec-08-Wed-2004/news/25431598.html . March 7, 2005.
  4. News: Packer . Adrienne . Showdown develops over plans for casino . Las Vegas Review-Journal . November 20, 2004 . https://web.archive.org/web/20041208183855/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Nov-20-Sat-2004/news/25311494.html . December 8, 2004.
  5. News: Fight gearing up against new hotel . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Sun . November 22, 2004.
  6. News: Leake . Eric . Neighbors plan hotel battle . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Sun . November 23, 2004.
  7. News: German . Jeff . Casino projects in need of standards . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Sun . November 27, 2004.
  8. News: Packer . Adrienne . Commissioners cut size of allowed gaming area . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 9, 2004 . https://web.archive.org/web/20041227043204/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Dec-09-Thu-2004/news/25441776.html . December 27, 2004.
  9. News: Station is granted zoning OK despite objections . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Sun . December 9, 2004.
  10. News: Leake . Eric . Planned casino gets mixed news . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Sun . December 1, 2004.
  11. News: Question of the Day . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Advisor . March 19, 2007.
  12. News: Packer . Adrienne . Sizes and Sites: Casino panel given three more months . Las Vegas Review-Journal . April 21, 2005 . https://web.archive.org/web/20051124145747/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-21-Thu-2005/news/26342030.html . November 24, 2005.
  13. News: Rake . Launce . Proposal aims to define 'neighborhood casino' . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Sun . November 30, 2004.
  14. News: Packer . Adrienne . Neighborhood Casinos: Committee's purpose questioned . Las Vegas Review-Journal . April 2, 2005 . https://web.archive.org/web/20051120041117/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-02-Sat-2005/news/26205548.html . November 20, 2005.
  15. News: New panel ponders its power over neighborhood casinos . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Sun . April 4, 2005.
  16. News: Benston . Liz . Station plans quick opening for Durango movie theater . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Sun . March 31, 2005.
  17. News: Stutz . Howard . Movies to roll before the dice: Durango Station theater will open ahead of casino . Las Vegas Review-Journal . April 1, 2005 . https://web.archive.org/web/20050829140718/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-01-Fri-2005/business/1011989.html . August 29, 2005.
  18. News: Knightly . Arnold M. . At last, Durango Station details . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 19, 2008.
  19. News: McKee . David . Durango Station, slightly downsized . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Advisor . August 27, 2008.
  20. News: Benston . Liz . Station Casinos banking on biggest being best . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Sun . April 23, 2008.
  21. News: Pope . Jeff . Plans tentative for Durango Station . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Sun . September 4, 2008.
  22. News: Nadler . Danielle . Start of construction on Durango Station depends on economy . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . November 20, 2008.
  23. News: Knightly . Arnold M. . Economic reality hits Las Vegas locals casino industry . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 24, 2010.
  24. News: Segall . Eli . Developments in southwest valley rise after years of delays and defaults . May 15, 2021 . VegasInc . April 13, 2015.
  25. News: Segall . Eli . Station Casinos parcels sitting empty . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . August 25, 2017.
  26. News: Schulz . Bailey . Station Casinos moving closer to new casino on long-dormant land . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . November 17, 2020.
  27. News: Murphy . James . Station Casinos Developing New Property At Intersection Of Durango Drive And 215 Beltway . May 15, 2021 . Sports Insider . November 17, 2020.
  28. News: Station Casinos Plans New Las Vegas Valley Casino . May 15, 2021 . Global Gaming Business News . November 22, 2020.
  29. News: Stutz . Howard . Red Rock looks at possible casino expansion even as four Las Vegas properties remain closed . May 15, 2021 . CDC Gaming Reports . February 16, 2021.
  30. News: Shoro . Mike . Red Rock Resorts to move forward with casino project . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 4, 2021.
  31. News: Segall . Eli . Station Casinos looks — again — to develop long-held property . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 8, 2021.
  32. News: McKee . David . Hail Caesars; Durango Station green-lit . May 15, 2021 . Las Vegas Advisor . May 5, 2021.
  33. News: Velotta . Richard N. . Station Casinos' planned Durango property has price tag: $750M . December 8, 2021 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . November 2, 2021.
  34. News: Stutz . Howard . Indy Gaming: Despite three closed properties, Red Rock expanding in Vegas . December 8, 2021 . The Nevada Independent . November 10, 2021.
  35. News: Stutz . Howard . Indy Gaming: Durango cost grows by $30 million as Red Rock considers next move . July 14, 2023 . The Nevada Independent . May 10, 2023.
  36. News: Velotta . Richard N. . Station Casinos celebrates launch of $750M project in SW Las Vegas . April 4, 2022 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . March 14, 2022.
  37. News: Durango Casino and Resort celebrates ceremonial groundbreaking . April 4, 2022 . KSNV . March 14, 2022.
  38. News: Segall . Eli . Station Casinos' next Las Vegas resort is active construction site . March 9, 2022 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . March 8, 2022.
  39. News: Segall . Eli . Station sells land next to Durango project for nearly $24M . February 11, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 6, 2022.
  40. News: McCarver . Katie Ann . Even as Station Casinos celebrates Durango Resort construction milestone, company eyes next project . October 20, 2022 . VegasInc . October 17, 2022.
  41. News: Durango Casino and Resort hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony, fireworks for grand opening . January 3, 2024 . KTNV . December 5, 2023.
  42. News: Ross . McKenna . Velotta . Richard N. . 'It's just beautiful': Durango opens doors in southwest valley . January 3, 2024 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 5, 2023.
  43. News: Durango's debut delights local residents . January 3, 2024 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 5, 2023.
  44. News: Velotta . Richard N. . Opening of Durango resort delayed in southwest valley . November 9, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . November 7, 2023.
  45. News: Wargo . Buck . Newest Las Vegas locals' property Durango Casino & Resort opens Tuesday morning . January 3, 2024 . CDC Gaming Reports . December 5, 2023.
  46. News: Underwood . Xóchitl . Loftis . Sasha . Station Casinos unveils images of new resort opening in the southwest valley . October 7, 2021 . KLAS . October 6, 2021.
  47. News: Kachelriess . Rob . Initial impressions of the stunning new Durango Casino & Resort . January 3, 2024 . Las Vegas Weekly . December 14, 2023.
  48. News: Curtis . Anthony . Las Vegas Advisor: New Durango casino targets affluent crowd . January 3, 2024 . Honolulu Star-Advertiser . December 17, 2023.
  49. News: Casper . Ashley . Take a look at Station Casinos' newest property, Durango . October 7, 2021 . KVVU . October 6, 2021.
  50. News: Brewer . Ray . Station breaks ground on Durango Resort . April 4, 2022 . VegasInc . March 11, 2022.
  51. News: Wright . Johnathan L. . 1st look inside lavish sports lounge and restaurant at Durango casino . November 9, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . August 28, 2023.
  52. News: Radke . Brock . Station elevation: Durango Casino could help define southwest Las Vegas . November 9, 2023 . Las Vegas Weekly . October 19, 2023.
  53. News: Katsilometes . John . By George! Durango tavern welcomes food, fun, betting . January 3, 2024 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 6, 2023.
  54. News: Wright . Johnathan L. . Durango resort announces plans for Eat Your Heart Out food hall . February 11, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . February 8, 2023.
  55. Web site: Kachelriess . Rob . Durango Casino & Resort Is the Newest Impossible-to-Ignore Landmark in Las Vegas . Thrillist . January 3, 2024 . December 8, 2023.
  56. Web site: Karel . Janna . A Mexican Restaurant, Vibey Bar, and Poolside Lounge Will Open With the Durango Casino . Eater . July 14, 2023 . March 14, 2023.
  57. News: Wright . Johnathan L. . Durango resort reveals breezy California beach house restaurant . July 14, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 22, 2023.
  58. News: Horwath . Bryan . Station Casinos gets green light to build southwest valley resort . October 7, 2021 . Las Vegas Sun . October 6, 2021.
  59. News: Brewer . Ray . Station Casinos opens doors on Durango Resort, its next generation of luxury . December 5, 2023 . Las Vegas Sun . December 5, 2023.
  60. News: Shoro . Mike . Station Casinos' Durango project approved for southwest Las Vegas . October 7, 2021 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . October 6, 2021.
  61. News: Szydelko . Paul . Station's latest big bet: Durango Casino & Resort . November 9, 2023 . Travel Weekly . September 23, 2023.

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