FOCAL POINT OF THE LINQ, CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT’S $550 MILLION CENTER-STRIP DEVELOPMENT, MEETS MAJOR CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE
The Las Vegas High Roller reached new heights this week as the observation wheel’s first passenger cabin was rotated to the highest point on the wheel’s rim. At 550 feet, the rotation of the cabin to the mid-center point of the rim officially makes the High Roller the world’s tallest observation wheel. As the focal point of The LINQ, Caesars Entertainment’s $550 million outdoor retail, dining and entertainment district, today’s feat marks a major milestone for the Las Vegas Strip attraction.
The first passenger cabin is rotated to the top of the Las Vegas High Roller, officially making it the world’s tallest observation wheel at 550 feet. Photo Credit: Denise Truscello
“This was a significant step for us. The level of technical precision and detailed planning to attach a 22-ton passenger cabin to the rim is tremendous,” said David Codiga, executive project director for The LINQ. “Seeing the cabin rotate to the top of wheel is not only very satisfying for our team, who has spent years working very hard to get to this point; but it also signifies we’re just that much closer to becoming operational. We’re all very eager to welcome passengers to the tallest and most advanced wheel in the world and this gets us one step closer.”
The High Roller observation wheel is the focal point of The LINQ, an open-air retail, dining and entertainment district, that will soon redefine the iconic Las Vegas skyline.
The High Roller will top out at 550 feet making it the largest observation wheel in the world. In addition to its great height, the High Roller will offer an immersive pre-ride experience for its passengers on their journey from ticketing through the wheel house complete with a lounge, to the wheel ride which features unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip.
Technical precision and detailed planning go into attaching the first passenger cabin to the rim of the Las Vegas High Roller observation wheel. Photo Credit: Denise Truscello
The wheel structure will boast 7.2 million pounds of steel and 112 cable, with each cable measuring approximately 225 feet, for a combined total of 25,256 feet. The High Roller will feature 28 spherical cabins that will each hold 40 guests. Each cabin weighs approximately 44,000 pounds and includes 300 square feet of glass. The cabin windows are doubly curved and fabricated from four sheets of laminated glass.
The cabins will also feature dynamic video and music shows that will fade away seamlessly to show the most impressive views of the Las Vegas valley.
The first passenger cabin of the Las Vegas High Roller observation wheel is transferred to the wheel site early Monday, Nov. 4. Photo Credit: Denise Truscello
Fabrication of the wheel began in late 2011 and took place in several locations across the globe including China, Japan, France, Sweden, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Colorado, California and Las Vegas. The High Roller will travel at one foot per second and take roughly 30 minutes to make one full revolution. The wheel will be lit with more than 2,000 LED lights to create a customizable and visually stunning display.
Ahead of the first center-point rotation, the 44,000-pound, spherical, glass-enclosed cabin had to travel to the wheel site from its assembly warehouse. Transferred via police escort provided by the Nevada Highway Patrol, it took approximately three hours to travel the cabin 10 miles. In total, the High Roller will feature 28 cabins that will each hold 40 passengers. The process to attach the additional cabins to the wheel will take place over the course of the next two months.
The LINQ is an open-air retail, dining and entertainment district, anchored by the world’s tallest observation wheel, known as the High Roller. Located at the heart of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and surrounded by approximately 10,000 hotel rooms, The LINQ is situated between The Quad Resort & Casino and Flamingo Las Vegas, directly facing Caesars Palace. An estimated 20.4 million visitors pass by this coveted space each year. The LINQ will span more than 300,000 square feet and feature more than 30 unique retail, dining, nightlife and entertainment venues (70 percent restaurants and bars, 30 percent retail and entertainment). The LINQ is planned to appeal to the region’s growing Gen X and Gen Y clientele – ages 21 to 46 – whose market share is estimated to grow to 52 percent of Las Vegas visitor spending by 2015.
As a first for The Strip, The LINQ will be a pedestrian-friendly district with a true neighborhood vibe. Common area programming, live entertainment and al fresco dining will create an energy unlike any other in Las Vegas.
Tenants already confirmed for The Linq includes the following (with more to be signed as the project progresses):
12A.M. Run
12A.M. Run is a premier sneaker boutique offering a wide array of limited edition shoes for men, women and toddlers. Street and sport-inspired fashion will also be available for both men and women. Featured brands will include Nike Sportswear, Jordan Brand, Diamond Supply, Young & Reckless, Stance and Mitchell & Ness. Co-owned by hip-hop legend Nas, 12A.M. Run will provide the customer with an elevated shopping experience with music, fashion and art all under the same roof. Located in the heart of The Las Vegas Strip, 12A.M. Run seeks to become the hub of sneaker and street culture for the Las Vegas local and tourist alike.
Bella Scarpa
An incredibly unique footwear boutique sure to satiate the passions of shoe hounds from around the world. A stunning collection of platforms and heels, wedges and ballets, boots and sneakers – adorned, embellished and all about fun. And, it’s not just shoes – handbags, accessories and very special apparel collections make this shopping experience over-the-top.
Brooklyn Bowl
“One of the most incredible places on earth,” according to Rolling Stone Magazine, and ranked the number one music venue in New York City three years in a row by Zagat, Brooklyn Bowl redefines the destination entertainment experience. The Las Vegas location – the brand’s first outside of Brooklyn – will thrill its guests with its 2,000-plus person performance area, rockin’ comfort food by world-renowned Bromberg Bros. Blue Ribbon Restaurants and 32 lanes of bowling which provide the best seat in the house to experience it all. The multi-dimensional venue will be one of the largest in America, and offer programing throughout the day and night. From all-ages Family Bowl and watching sports during the day, to nightly live performances and a nightclub that goes into the afterhours, the Bowl is the future of entertainment
Chayo Cocina
Chayo Cocina is an upscale casual restaurant that transitions into a wildly intoxicating environment with multiple bars, private dining rooms and indoor/outdoor seating for parties of all sizes. Chayo Cocina is serious about their food and everything is prepared with authentic Mexican ingredients designed by Executive Chef Carlos Garcia Rios. Whether you’re enjoying guacamole made tableside; handmade, fresh every day tortillas; lobster Vera Cruz; or anything in between, you can be assured it’s truly Mexican and made using only the best ingredients.
Chayo Cocina also believes it’s important to throw a great party and that every time you visit you leave feeling like the party was designed especially for you. Whether you enjoy partying outside, or in, their highly entertaining bar staff is ready to help you keep your party going. If that’s not enough, you can always hop up on the mechanical bull and show the entire room how serious you are about having an evening to remember. Chayo Cocina DJ’s interact with the bull like nowhere else and play everything from salsa, house, hip hop and top 40.
Chilli Beans
Chilli Beans, a Brazilian eyewear and watch brand, founded by rock ‘n’ roller turned entrepreneur Caito Maia, focuses on bringing fun, fast fashions through their brand-exclusive points of sale. With their strong variety, competitive pricing, and innovative business model, they have become the largest eyewear brand in Latin America. The LINQ location is a flagship store in the United States, and one of only a few outside of Southern California.
F.A.M.E.
Food, Art, Music and Entertainment combined to recreate a culinary bazaar of the best of Asian Night Markets. Combining the great street foods of Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong and Tai Pei in a unique setting that incorporates pop art, Gangnam-style beats and live Asian-inspired entertainment, F.A.M.E. is a true experience for the five senses.
Flour & Barley Offers guests a unique spin on a pizzeria eatery. The creative menu includes individual Brick Oven-style pizzas with wood-fired crusts made with double 00 flour, fresh mozzarella and house-made toppings, Panini’s and salads. Pizza and craft beer will get equal thought at this sexy, rock-influenced pizzeria, which will offer an extensive beer program and seasonal beers on draft. Décor will include natural wood and brick interior, a marble bar top and red and white-checkered tabletops, complimented by vintage rock posters and classic black and white sports photography
Billy Richardson, his chef/partner Anthony Meidenbauer and their company, Block 16 Hospitality, are the food geniuses behind this innovative new concept. Other concepts of their creation include – The Barrymore, LBS: A Burger Joint, Holsteins, Public House and Patty Wagon food truck.
Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop
Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop is the perfect destination to experience decadent chocolate and irresistible World Famous Hot Fudge Sundaes topped with freshly homemade hot fudge. While at a Ghirardelli Ice Cream Shop, you can also indulge in unforgettable fountain treats including shakes, floats, malts and other delectable fountain creations. There is also a tempting assortment of delicious chocolate confections and beautifully wrapped gifts. With the perfect balance of chocolate intensity and rich ingredients, you’ll find only the best quality at Ghirardelli. Visitors will enjoy the unique Ghirardelli Chocolate experience at The LINQ.
Goorin Bros.
When Cassel Goorin began his tradition of hat making in 1895, friendly neighborhood hat shops were commonplace and visited regularly. Goorin Bros. is bringing this piece of history back today with their neighborhood Hat Shops, where buying a hat is as personal and special an experience as it was in Cassel’s time. Goorin Bros. features many styles for men and women from classic to modern including ball caps, fedoras, bowlers, knit caps and more. All of Goorin Bros. hats are designed at their headquarters in San Francisco. The LINQ location will feature Mahogany cabinetry and reclaimed wood flooring, tin ceilings and 24-karat gold gilded windows.
KOTO
The trend store remains a foreign concept to the typical U.S. shopper and to most emerging international shoppers. KOTO offers a fun lifestyle trend store where visitors can find the unique gifts showcased on the trendsetting blogs at varied price points. With an ever changing product line, KOTO offers shoppers a chance to enjoy fun objects, clever designs, interesting decorations and art in a hip, vibrant, and trendy environment that is never intimidating. KOTO offers shoppers a hands-on, fun “a-ha, come look at this” experience that allows them to discover their unique product line. The vibe makes you want to enter for an experience and then take a piece of the store home with you.
Off the Strip
Off the Strip Bistro, a local favorite among Las Vegans, is a comfortable, inviting Italian restaurant designed to make every customer feel like a regular. Conceived by former N9NE Group partner Andrew Belmonti, Off the Strip features steaks, pastas, chicken and fish dishes along with traditional American comfort food. Off the Strip brings a true neighborhood experience to the middle of the Las Vegas Strip.
Polaroid Fotobar
Polaroid Fotobar is the first of its kind, a fun and experiential retail destination that is changing the paradigm of how people “liberate” their photos and turn them into innovative and memorable products. The two-level Las Vegas location will encompass 8,500 square feet and feature a first floor retail environment as well as the Polaroid Museum on the second floor which will also serve as a vibrant event space for corporate and private functions of up to 300 people. Customers will have the ability to instantly print their pictures – wherever they may reside – utilizing the Polaroid Classic Border Logo in five different sizes. In addition, customers can turn their favorite photos into an extensive selection of custom and unique photo products from a variety of materials including canvas, stone, metal, bamboo and more.
Ruby Blue
True to its name, Ruby Blue is luxuriously designed with sparkling red walls with royal blue upholstered insets evoking the feel of a burlesque dressing room. Ruby Blue is the ultimate women’s accessories store with the hottest trends in costume jewelry, novelty legwear and hats and boasts a stunning inventory of lingerie and bustiers as well as a variety of provocative novelty games and toys. Ruby Blue carries a large selection of costume jewelry for every style – from the casual dresser to the blinged-out diva.
Miscellaneous accessories like fashion key chains, compacts, lipstick holders and tech accessories will please even the woman who has everything. The fun doesn’t stop at accessorizing but continues with a wide selection of special attire and gifts to spice up the bedroom. Ruby Blue’s lingerie ranges from glamorous and whimsical to kinky and naughty. Shoppers will also enjoy Ruby Blue’s collection of sexy games and toys, not for the bashful.
Sprinkles Cupcakes and Ice Cream Flagship
Sprinkles Cupcakes opened “the world’s first cupcake bakery” in Beverly Hills, as reported by the Food Network, and is credited by the Los Angeles Times as “the progenitor of the haute cupcake craze.” Baked fresh in small batches throughout the day, Sprinkles Cupcakes are handcrafted from the finest ingredients and contain no preservatives, trans fats or artificial flavors. Sprinkles Cupcakes at The LINQ, the brand’s first flagship property outside of Los Angeles, will be the first Sprinkles location to feature the wildly popular cupcakes along with artisan ice cream flavors and crisp red velvet ice cream cones, as well as the cupcake ATM concept all in one location.
The Stomping Grape, a Food & Wine Experience
At The Stomping Grape, a Food & Wine Experience, guests may sample an extensive selection of wines while enjoying contemporary Californian cuisine that offers a lighter and healthier approach to comfort fare. The casual lounge will feature multiple levels of seating all offering full views of an open chef’s counter that provides aroma, activity and interest to the restaurant. A long rectangular copper bar featured in the main entrance creates a sense of community and action for the diners, who will feel right at home at The Stomping Grape.
The Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery
The Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery is a sports pub that pays homage to the old public houses of England, Scotland, Ireland and America. It is uniquely different than other sports bars because of its theme that combines Celtic décor, humorous and slightly bawdy limericks and sexy cast members with great food, drinks and a fun entertaining atmosphere. The Tilted Kilt Girl cast members wear mini-kilts made of the Tilted Kilt’s own registered tartan plaid, a starched camp shirt, sporran, stockings and flashings.
The architectural features at every location are a classy dark mahogany wood that fills the Pub and adds to the overall charm. Combined with pool tables, dart boards and large plasma TVs, the Tilted Kilt is the best place to watch sports and hang out with friends. This is a modern sports pub that carries out the traditions of old-world pubs, one burger and one beer at a time. The Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery at The LINQ will be owned and operated by the concept’s original founder and feature a chef-driven menu.
Vanity Style Lounge
Vanity Style Lounge will offer ladies a chance to gear up for an evening out in the nightlife capital of the world. From blow outs to hair extensions and braids, Vanity Style Lounge will offer hairstyles that look effortless and trendy. Guests may also take advantage of great cosmetic services including make-up applications, manicures and pedicures and spray tans.
Yard House
Yard House is an upscale, casual eatery known for great food, classic rock music and an endless fleet of tap handles featuring craft, imported and specialty ales and lagers. The extensive menu of contemporary American cuisine features a diverse offering including: appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, street tacos, grilled burgers, individual-size pizzas, seafood, steaks and ribs. The LINQ location will be the largest location in the Yard House brand and house a massive, two-level outdoor patio and beer garden space adjacent to the Las Vegas High Roller.
The LINQ was master-planned and designed by Washington D.C.-based firm David M. Schwarz Architects; the architect of record is Las Vegas-based Klai Juba Architects. Las Vegas-based W.A. Richardson Builders will serve as the project’s general contractor. The Quad Resort & Casino façade was designed by Los Angeles-based Hetzel Design.
The Strip-facing entrance of The LINQ is marked by The Vortex, a visually stunning architectural element created by Hetzel Design. The curvature of The Vortex canopy and the dancing colors of its intricately embedded LED-lights are meant to complement the development’s crown jewel, the 550 foot High Roller observation wheel located at the rear of the property.
Caruso Affiliated, nationally renowned for creating award-winning open-air retail destinations including The Grove in Los Angeles, will act as the exclusive leasing agent, provide advisory services on the project development and assist with sponsorship procurement. Construction on the fully funded project began in November 2011 and will open in phases beginning in late 2013. Caesars Entertainment officials estimate The LINQ will create approximately 3,000 construction-related jobs and 1,500 full-time positions.
In addition to the development of The LINQ, Caesars Entertainment is making simultaneous upgrades to three, large mid-Strip resorts and will add a boutique hotel to the area. On The LINQ’s north side, an engaging guest walk path will lead from the Carnaval Court outdoor plaza at Harrah’s Las Vegas through The Quad Resort & Casino to The LINQ. A pedestrian connection will also be built from The LINQ into Flamingo Las Vegas on the south. Additional enhancements will completely transform the façade, porte cochere, casino and hotel reception areas of The Quad Resort & Casino. Improvements to resort guest service areas will be introduced in phases. Caesars Entertainment is also developing a boutique luxury hotel in the former Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon located on the south side of Flamingo Las Vegas.
The LINQ will open in phases beginning in late 2013. For more information on the High Roller visit www.TheLINQ.com.
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