North Strip's Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino is itching to break ground on the $373 million, 203-room boutique hotel and 19,000-square-foot casino project that will display lush red glass exteriors and Asian-inspired interiors. And current signs indicate the first built from scratch local casino since the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is raring to go.
Located next to project co-developer Andrew Fonfa's own Allure residential building, according to his self-declared golfing "buddy" Councilman Bob Coffin, multiple trips to China and and usage of the "Green Card" promising EB-5 foreign investor program has started to pay off financially for Fonfa and his team.
Appearing before the City Council, a representative from EV&A Architects, creators of the project's stunning renderings, explained the last few hurdles for design approval are being addressed. This week they gained approval to create a "meandering eight to ten foot wide sidewalk" in front of the hotel that will snake around immovable power installations. The new pathway has been incorporated into the deign.
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Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino
New details were uncovered when Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman inquired about the apparent absence of a pool at the resort. Hidden in the expansive renderings, the pool was pointed out on the ground floor, on the side closest to the Golden Steer steakhouse. The check-in desk is being purposely located to provide direct views of the outdoor pool scene, home to its own "private bar."
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Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino
Initial plans for Lucky Dragon called for five restaurants, four bars and lounges. New information reveals the "high-end" restaurants will be located on the second floor and the cut-out window shown in the renderings is a balcony for guests to enjoy views of the South Strip, SLS Las Vegas and the forthcoming MGM Resorts Festival Grounds directly across Sahara Avenue.
Dining opportunities proposed to potential investors include "Dim Sum," "noodle bars" and "fine dining — northern and southern Chinese food," from "notable international chef partners."
Also for guests, "tea and traditional herbal remedies" will be on property, while shoppers can purchase "jewelry and unique Asian artifacts" and "cutting edge fashion sourced from boutiques throughout Asia."
An optimistic 2016 completion date has been touted in recent months, but despite nudges from the City Council, no new construction timetable was offered.
