This week Wynn Resorts announced a huge $1.5 billion expansion to their Las Vegas property with the addition of a new hotel tower, new dining and meeting spaces and a 38 acre lagoon that will replace part of the golf course that sits directly behind the property.

Among the proposed additions are:

• 260,000 square feet of premium meeting space
• Expansion of the current Country Club restaurant and a variety of new restaurants
• A small casino
• 1,000 room hotel tower
• 38 acre lagoon

As of now this project is awaiting approval by the board of directors and if approved could open as soon as 2020.

Lagoon

One of the most interesting aspects of this proposed addition is the 38 acre lagoon which will be a venue used for both daytime and night time activities. Located directly behind the current property, the lagoon will be quite the attraction when finished.

The proposed lagoon will be lined by a pristine white sand beach and boardwalk and feature an array of daytime activities including water skiing, paddle boarding and parasailing.  At night, the space will transform with an elaborate fireworks display that is launched from the 120 ft. center island and surrounding areas.

Wynn Plaza Mall

Wynn Las Vegas will also be opening up 75,000 square feet of luxury retail space in 2017. Called Wynn Plaza, this new mall will augment their already substantial luxury shopping venues. Wynn Plaza will be located with Las Vegas Strip frontage, meaning the stores should see higher foot traffic and will be more easily accessible for pedestrians.

Bottom Line

At a cost of $1.5 billion, Paradise Park and the new tower and meeting space represent a huge investment in Wynn’s Las Vegas property. Las Vegas as a city is redefining itself and evolving by embracing non-gaming revenue streams and unique entertainment venues. Paradise Park and the other announced additions seem to be a perfect example of that.

What do you think? Is this a gimmick or a great use of the land?