Updating the Big Tropicana Plans for Robert Irvine

The Tropicana Las Vegas is investing big, really big, on the 2017 arrival of celebrity chef Robert Irvine, who is already promising via Twitter his first Nevada restaurant and bar "will be the BEST in Vegas."

The resort is on track to begin work this summer on a 28,200-square-foot showcase addition to their northwest corner. Located not far from the registration desk, the project will create two dining levels, a private basement and an outdoor terrace.

To make way for the project, the Tropicana’s current race and sports book will be demolished. There have been no hints where it will move within the casino.

Featuring no outdoor entryways and accessible only via the casino floor, the 12,385-square-foot ground floor will feature a dining room, "restaurants," a bar and also a "small stage."

Upstairs is expected to be dedicated to Irvine’s yet-to-be named passion project, which will fill the 3,833-square-foot space with a bar, main restaurant and dining room, plus an outdoor dining patio with clear glass walls and views of the very busy intersection of Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard.

The 48-foot tall addition will be covered in gray metal panels and some porcelain tiles to help it stand-out from the Trop’s brilliant white facade.

No exact timetable for the arrival next year, or details of other tenants have been announced, but by the time it debuts, a long-awaited, multi-million dollar overhaul of the pedestrian bridges, escalators and elevators right outside the resort will also have been completed.