Random Vegas

The Fountains of Bellagio are not the first dancing fountains to exist in Las Vegas. The original debuted in 1955 at the Royal Nevada. They were simply called the Dancing Water’s and consisted of 4,000 jet streams and lights revolving and swaying in sync with waltz music. They could accomplish heights has high as 50 foot. The attraction was universally liked however the Royal Nevada thought they could offer this show instead of headliners. The property struggled and closed 3 years after it opened. (The Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream)

TwitPic of the week

What’s so great about this picture by @Summacorp is the collection of properties long gone. Here we see the Landmark tower to the left and the Thunderbird pretty prominently. What you don’t realize you're looking at is a bungalow at the original El Rancho in the foreground. You even get a glimpse of the Riviera to the far right. None of these properties exist today. In fact, from this perspective, today the only thing you would see would be Fontainebleau. The rest is a convention center expansion, a parking lot and a concert festival grounds. I’m grateful for both the original Thunderbird Neon Bird marquee as well as the revised frontage of the property. This picture isn’t going to dazzle you but it’s a welcome addition to our collection.

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Random Vegas

In 1968, Las Vegas could lay claim to the 3 tallest electric signs in the world. The Dunes at 180, the Frontier at 184 and the Stardust at 188 feet tall

TwitPic of the week

How can you not be proud of that collection of properties? Specifically, it feels like MGM treats @LuxorLV and Excalibur like unwanted commodities. Which is funny because they bought Mandalay Resorts, one of the most profitable gaming companies in history, with a portfolio that primarily catered to the middle class. Since then they’ve sold off Circus Circus and threatened redevelopment to both Luxor and Excalibur. Instead they should feel psyched that in that string of properties, you make up virtually every demographic you want to attract to Las Vegas. Not to mention, you are in prime real estate to attract ALL those who attend events at Allegiant and the current wave of sports in Vegas. Here’s some million dollar advice for free MGM. Leave Luxor and Excalibur alone. Sure, update and take care of them inside but leave the architecture alone. You found this company attractive for a reason. Stop trying to fix it.

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