Tuesday, July 5, 2011

SPECIAL: INSIDE THE PLAZA RENOVATION




Last week, I went on a hardhat tour of the Plaza as it nears the completion of a $35 million renovation. Along the way, I also asked CEO Tony Santo a number of questions that are on the minds of many, from the mechanics behind the Plaza's big Fontainebleau firesale buy. Santo and I also discussed the departure of Firefly, what constitutes a VIP/high-roller at a place like this, why the balconies will be closed and why they decided not to go back to calling the joint the Union Plaza.

I've tried a couple of things with this one. First, there's the Flickr slideshow above. Second, there are two versions of the edited audio in the podcast feed, one a normal MP3 playable on any device and the other an AAC version that will show pictures on iPods capable of displaying them as the interview/tour unfolds. You can right-click on the links in the prior sentence to download either or subscribe to the show (it's free!) in iTunes or Zune. (Aside: If anyone uses Zune, please let us know. Miles doesn't believe it.)

That's what I did on my holiday weekend. How was yours?

2 comments:

Jeff in OKC said...

Just an excellent interview about a property that I am very interest in. Thank you. I did think of a couple questions which maybe you heatrd an answer to in passing or maybe someone from the Plaza will read this and respond:
1. I recall that last year, the Plaza parent company was sued by the Fremont Street Experience for non-payment of their monthly dues. Have you heard anything about a possible settlement?
2. Is the escalator that was removed the one surrounded by the cut mirrored glass? I hope not. It was beautiful, IMO and was listed by some publication last year as one of the last (and free) examples of classic Vegas style?
3. Did they buy enough furnishings and materials to redo the Las Vegas Club with, as well? I think the Las Vegas Club is one of the unique and attractive exteriors downtown, (In fact, it is the main screen on my IPhone) and I hope that it gets reworked soon after the Plaza is done. I am also thankful that they went back to using the Las Vegas Club name, instead of the silly Vegas Club.
4. What's with the Take 5 by the Dave Brubeck Quartet playing in the middle of the interview? At first, I thought it was covering an edit, but now, I don't know.

I'll probably post more questions later. This is the best I've heard in months. Thanks!

C-Man said...

Wish They Could Change The Name Back To Union Plaza!!!!