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Behind the new fences at the corner of Paradise and Harmon, workers continue to revamp the former Hard Rock Hotel, transforming the 26-acre resort into the Virgin Hotels within a daunting 250 days.
President and CEO Richard Bosworth confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that despite the lock down of other nonessential services, construction has not faltered on the $200 million project, still on target to meet its self-imposed deadline of Monday, Dec. 21.
The resort promises 12 future dining venues, and filed paperwork earlier this month to begin the expansion of Hard Rock steakhouse holdover MB Steak, allocating an estimated $1.5 million to increase the size of its bar and main dining room.
Two other former Hard Rock tenants will be returning — the fast-casual Pizza Forte, plus local fixture Nobu, planning to double the size of its bar.
Chef Todd English is making his own return to Las Vegas and reviving Todd English’s Olives on the property, a favorite at the Bellagio until its shutter in 2018. Moving into the old home of 35 Steaks + Martinis, English described his updated restaurant as “fun, casual and modern. It will reflect the energy of the property.”
Virgin Hotels’ own in-house restaurant and lounge Commons Club will be located close to the main entrance, designed with an outdoor space and offering seating around a central fireplace.
Funny Library Coffee Shop, described as a “communal work space” and stocked with “an assortment of whimsical yet inspirational books,” will feature grab-and-go bites and coffee blends from actor Hugh Jackman’s Laughing Man company.
And yet to be confirmed, an unannounced Thai restaurant from Los Angeles is also on the way.
Work on the 1,504 rooms, dubbed chambers; the lobby; new porte cochère; five-acre pool and event lawn; and the 60,000-square-foot casino floor have all been ongoing since last year.
• Todd English’s Olives Returns to Las Vegas This Fall [ELV]
