Low Budget Megaplex in Las Vegas

In 2007 Boyd Gaming changed the Las Vegas strip. They put an end to the Stardust and planned to replace it with a megaplex called Echelon Place. Complex on the complex was flying last year as there were plans for multiple hotels, a theater, shopping and more. The idea wasn’t too different than that of CityCenter. As of last week it looks as if those plans are on hold temporarily or forever.

When Boyd Gaming reported earnings on October 27 they mentioned that Echelon, which had already had construction suspended, would be on hold for 3-5 years. At the same time they said that they still remained interested in buying all or part of Station Casinos’ assets.

The economy may turn around, but it will likely take more than a few years for it to get back to where it was two years ago. If Boyd ends up obtaining some or all of Station’s casinos then I don’t know that there will be a desire to have a brand new, upscale asset as part of their portfolio. If they do complete it they may have to find different partners to be involved.

I just had a fun mental picture of what a low budget megaplex may include if Boyd decides to built the complex, but switch focus. I’m not an artist, but here’s my rendering since I can’t upload the file for some reason.

For a full timeline of events with Echelon, head over to Vegas Today and Tomorrow.