One of the most expensive projects ever in the US’s hospitality industry got underway with groundbreaking of the $4.8 billion Echelon mega-resort, which will have 750,000 square feet of meeting space.
That makes it the fourth largest meeting space in Las Vegas.
The 87-acre property on the Las Vegas strip is the site of the former Stardust casino-hotel.
Boyd Gaming initially set the budget at $4.4 billion, which recently went higher, according to the company that is in a 50-50 joint venture with Morgans Hotel Group.
Hotels will include a Delano and Mondrian, priced at $950 million.
In addition to meeting space, the site will have 5,000 hotel rooms, two dining and nightlife venues and a 140,000 square foot casino. There will also be live entertainment.
The opening is planned for 2010.
Report by David Wilkening
