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[Renderings: MGM Resorts International]
A European and New York City style park experience will collide with the Strip in $100 million remodel of the Monte Carlo and New York-New York resorts. The themed frontage will ultimately create a gateway to a 20,000-seat arena that MGM Resorts hopes to create behind the properties. And within the new plazas, guests will be able to receive their first Strip fix of Shake Shack, Sambalatte, and new SBE created ventures.
In addition to a bevy of casual bars, food vendors and retail, the known name brands have already kicked up a fuss.
At New York-New York, Hershey's Chocolate World will be bringing chocolate retail and a two-story "interactive, experiential destination," directly across the street from the long established World of Coca-Cola and M&M's World attractions. Renderings suggest the chocolate world's brash coloring and design will become a dominant focal point for the property.
Next door, as first reported by Eater Vegas, ongoing patio changes at Nine Fine Irishmen will be integrated into this new look. The artist's impressions imply the current Brooklyn Bridge motif will be toned down to allow a more open pedestrian area.
Between New York-New York and the Monte Carlo, on a space currently housing a former CityCenter real estate sales pavilion, Shack Shack will build a stand alone restaurant. Shake Shack previously denied they were coming to the Strip, after plans leaked to Eater Vegas indicated Union Square Hospitality Group were well advanced in designing a 4,081-square-foot restaurant close to Harrah's Las Vegas. The jump from Caesars Entertainment to MGM has resulted in a space not confined by a casino and will allow for its own identity separate from a resort.
The front of the Monte Carlo will receive a more thorough overhaul. Diablo's Cantina will remain in place, joined by Boca Park's Sambalatte Torrefazione, making their much rumored expansion to the Strip to offer an upscale coffee fix. They'll be joining three new upscale Starbucks recently created at the adjacent CityCenter.
As first reveled by Eater Vegas, The Double Barrel, an almost 9,000-square-foot restaurant featuring live entertainment, will anchor the new wing of the Monte Carlo. 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, will create flash prepared pizza in about a minute, via an 800-degree wood-burning oven. More tenants and partners will be announced over the coming months.
While construction on the area around the Double Barrel and Nine Fine Irishmen has already begun, completion on the Strip facing elements of the park are not expected until early 2014.
In a dramatic week for MGM Resorts International, today also marks the opening night of their five level, $150 million plus Hakkasan complex with a performance by Deadmau5. The restaurant portion opens May 3.
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