$7 Million Budget for Momofuku and Milk Bar

Earlier this month the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas revised the projected arrival date to "early 2107" for the very eagerly anticipated arrival of chef David Chang’s Momofuku. Days later, the resort changed its mind and is back to feeling confident the furthest west expansion for Chang’s culinary empire will indeed arrive in "late 2016," opening in conjunction with the adjacent Milk Bar from chef Christina Tosi.

Part of the updated timeline might be the result of new construction paperwork filed by local construction stars Forté Specialty Contractors. To convert the former corner retail spot, Forté is working with a very impressive estimated construction budget of $7,121,141.

The 8,275-square-foot project will ultimately provide enough room for a maximum of 290 guests across both restaurants and the build-out will be adding new kitchens, dining rooms and bar areas.

Forté is much admired for its restaurant work on the Strip, including Carbone and Bardot Brasserie at Aria, Nobu at Caesars Palace and Gordon Ramsay BurGR at Planet Hollywood Resort.

While Momofuku has moved up its arrival date, one floor up, Japanese restaurant Zuma is still slated to keep its recently updated "early 2017" schedule. Once it arrives, neighbor Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill will begin a transformation into the Blue Ribbon Brasserie from Eric and Bruce Bromberg.

Also on the way, a new Identity players club lounge replacing a casino floor bar. The 2,482-square-foot switcheroo has another weighty estimated budget of $1.8 million. The lounge will extend from the gaming floor and include an office and a public restroom. A timetable for its completion has not been announced.