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Friday, May 27, 2005

C2's the Choice For Off Strip Loft Living

It's been awhile since I first heard about this development, but yesterday I finally got the opportunity to preview the C2 Loft project and must say I was very impressed with what they are offering.

Although not a high-rise, this "true loft" project calls for a total of 100 units in 2 separate 5-story buildings which include raised 20-foot ceilings, open floorplans, floor-to-ceiling windows, and garage access with 2 reserved parking spaces. A retail component is planned as well. (which, as mentioned in a previous post, should not be overlooked). Construction will hopefully begin in July 2005 with move-ins anticipated for the fourth quarter 2006.

The 5 different floorplans range from 1,430 square feet for the "Lace" unit to over 2,705 for the "Suede" model with pricing from $515K to over $1 million and homeowner association fees costing approximately $350/month.

However, take note: this is not a project for investors, despite the fact that you'll most likely see significant appreciation in your unit over time. C2 is targeting owner-occupants for their lofts. In fact, according to the contract, you won't be able to sell your unit for 2 years after the close of escrow.

If you don't mind living off the Strip, you certainly can't go wrong with Summerlin, and C2's location pretty much assures that buyers will live close to a variety of conveniences, including immediate access to many recreational, restaurant, and entertainment venues the Summerlin area features. In fact, the project is located just west of where Station Casinos is currently building their well-anticipated Red Rock Resort, Summerlin's answer to the Green Valley Ranch in Henderson.

Plus, C2 has made it very easy for reserving a unit with a $20,000 refundable deposit at reservation signing along with 5% down at contract with another 5% thirty days afterwards. You'll be customizing your own unit, so they also require 50% down on design center options at contract as well.

If you're into loft living in Las Vegas, the C2 Loft project should certainly be on your list of options.

Although this is their first loft project, C2 Lofts is being built by Christopher Homes, who enjoys an excellent reputation here in town. As we've seen time and time again, the strength of the developer is one of the most important aspects of your purchasing decision so contact me (702-336-5554) if you'd like to register for this project or any other project in town.

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Soho Lofts Remains a High Rise Option

The downtown Soho Loft High Rise project has been completely sold out for some time now, however, insiders say there may be time to still secure a unit for those that missed out on the earlier sales phase.

An interesting aspect of the project is that the purchase contract is an assignable one - one of the few developments in town that offered that option.

Now the advantage of such a contract is coming to fruition. Soho expects approximately 30 units to become available in the next month or so, with north or south views ranging from the mid $600s to the high $700s depending on floor and premium attributes, such as corner units, size, etc. with completion date on the product anticipated to be late December / early January 2006.

If you have "lofty" goals in mind, let me know and I'll get you on this new interest list so you'll have the first crack at the new units going on the market.

Of course their are other loft projects in town, including Loft 5, Newport Lofts, and the newly introduced C2Lofts in Summerlin, but if you're looking for high rise loft living, this may be the project for you.

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Don't Neglect Retail Component of Las Vegas High Rises

With everyone and their brother putting up websites dedicated to Las Vegas high rise development, one aspect of the industry almost always goes un-noticed: the retail aspect.

The goal for most realtors and websites is to attract buyers for the individual condo units, but the retail component of these projects can be quite profitable as well.

All of the projects in town plan for some type of ground floor retail, including restaurants, coffee houses, drug stores, high end apparel shops, and office space. If you've ever thought of expanding your business or relocating it to a high-traffic environment, you owe it to yourself to explore this option.

Granted, rents most likely won't come cheap, but for those businesses who have no hope of Forum Shops or Wynn-type storefronts, you may be able to get into something similar with respect to the new towers going up over the next couple of years.

Don't discount this opportunity. Lucky for you, my office specializes in the commercial aspect of the high rise market as well, so contact me (702-492-6376) if you'd like to take your business to the next level, and I'll make it happen for you.

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Miami Beach's Fontainebleau Coming to Vegas

Miami swank meets Las Vegas glitz as the newly formed Fontainebleau Resorts announced plans to build a $1.5 billion, 4,000-room mega-resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

Jeffrey Soffer, founder and chairman of Fontainebleau Resorts, also is chief executive of property developer Turnberry Associates. The Las Vegas project will have a condominium element, thanks to the Fontainebleau-Turnberry alliance. Turnberry has sold more than $2 billion in condominium projects in Miami and Las Vegas in the last five years and has been a leader of the high-rise condo craze in Las Vegas.

The company's property, to be named after the legendary hotel in Miami, will be on the north end of the Strip, tucked between an old water park and the Riviera hotel-casino. Many of you who read this blog regularly will recognize that location as the site of the doomed Krystle Sands project. Somehow, we knew Turnberry had something up its sleeve when they purchased the property and created a legal nightmare for itself and those associated with Krystle Sands.

The project is scheduled to break ground next year and open in the second half of 2008.

Former Mandalay Resort Group President Glenn Schaeffer, who was introduced in Miami Beach on Wednesday, will help lead the Las Vegas-based company as chief executive and president. Schaeffer, 51, said about 30 former Mandalay executives would join Fontainebleau Resorts as it sought to bring its well-known brand to the competitive Strip.

Monday, May 23, 2005

Get your LOI Ready for ICON Now

The ICON high rise condo project is preparing for the release of their second tower on June 1st, 2005. Due to the overwhelming demand for their first tower, Icon is accepting "Letters of Interest" (LOI) from prospective buyers in advance of the release.

The LOI affords you the best opportunity to secure the unit of your choice in the second tower. Prices for one bedrooms will range from the low $500's to the low $700's. Two bedrooms will go anywhere between the low $700's to the low $900's, while three bedroom units will command prices of $800's to over $1 million.

If you're interested in securing a unit in this second tower (and if you're looking to purchase this as an owner-occupant rather than an investor, you should be), please let me know as soon as possible so I can get the LOI for you.

It is imperative that ICON receives the LOI before the release to give you the best opportunities and choices. So contact me now (702-336-5554) and don't let this deadline pass without taking action.

Remember ICON remains on my "Top 5" list of high rise condo projects in Las Vegas.

Friday, May 20, 2005

Vegas Not So Grand

In a previous post, I mentioned that you'll be seeing more and more lawsuits against high rise developers. Well, today comes word that some individuals who've purchased units in the Vegas Grand project are now suing the developer of the project, alleging breach of contract, breach of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, and violations of Nevada laws against deceptive trade practices.

If what they claim is true, Del American (the developer of Vegas Grand) notified buyers in April that their current reservations would be cancelled and were given options to re-purchase their same units at higher prices than the original reservation price. Otherwise, Del American would offer the units for sale to the public priced from $300K to more than $1 million.

Needless to say, this is a completely unfair practice by the developer, but based on the recent appreciation of the Las Vegas high rise condo market, you can see where Del American may be looking at the original reservation prices and saying "we could have gotten so much more". Either way, they've got a marketing nightmare on their hands right now, and I'll be curious to see what kind of spin they'll give this at their preview event this afternoon at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort Hotel.

Once again, it highlights the fact that while immensly profitable, you really have to do your homework in this market, and aligning yourself with a reputable and knowledgeable agent can save you both time and money in the long run.

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Meet me at the East Village

Las Vegas' newest development is being unveiled tonight from 6:00-9:00pm at 4813 S. Paradise Road, located on the northwest corner of Tropicana and Paradise, and I'll be there with martini in hand.

The "East Village" as it's being called, is a 960,000 square foot, multi-level commercial development on 44 acres slated to open in early 2007 with an emphasis on retail, restaurants and entertainment.

I don't know much about this project at this point, but tonight should be quite interesting. You can get more information and subscribe to their newsletter by visiting their website.

Monday, May 16, 2005

The Las Vegas High Rise Conference

Condos & Townhomes Magazine is presenting the Las Vegas Highrise Conference on Friday, June 10th at the Bellagio Hotel Casino Resort from 1pm to 5pm.

If you missed the last conference, now's your chance to meet the developers and the sales staff from The Curve, Liberty, Sandhurst, Boca Raton, Majestic, Sky, Allure, Soho Lofts, Newport Lofts , 2 new releases and more.

You'll get the latest information on this rapidly changing market straight from the developers and industry professionals leading the charge. Representatives from the BLM and the City of Las Vegas will be on hand to explain southern Nevada's growth plan and tell you why vertical development is the future of a "Manhattanized" Las Vegas.

The Vegas skyline you see today is rapidly changing. The conference will also feature a presentation mapping all the projects for sale along with an in-depth analysis of the Vegas housing market and the factors driving its upward growth.

The good part about the conference is that it allows you to compare projects side by side in the trade show area before the conference begins making it an excellent opportunity to help a client find their perfect unit.

This event is targeted for buyers, investors, and realtors alike and new towers will be released for sale at one-day-only conference pricing. At least, you'll get a good Las Vegas High Rise education, and at best, it'll be a perfect time to secure a unit of your own.

Tickets are $45 by May 31st and $60 afterward. I will be attending this event, so if you're out of state and can't attend but still interested in purchasing a unit, let me know and I'll make it happen for you.

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

June 8th's the Date for Turnberry Towers

Units in the second tower of Turnberry Towers are set to be released on June 8th. If you know anything about the High Rise Condo market in Las Vegas, you'll know that Turnberry has set the standard years ago with its Turnberry Place - one of the most respected addresses in all of town.

Out of all the high-rise projects in town, if you had to align yourself with one of them, Turnberry is it. They've already proved they can develop and maintain a top-notch project, plus they are also partners in the MGM Residences project, which you'd know if you read my blog, I recommend highly as well.

Don't miss out on this Turnberry opportunity. You must contact me to reserve your 1, 2, or 3 bedroom unit. Prices for the one bedrooms range from $500,000 - $665,000, two bedrooms go for $745,000 to $1,315,000 (some including dens as well), and three bedroom units are priced from $1,065,000 - $1,275,000.

While these prices may seem high, you'll be quite surprised in a good way how much they'll be worth in just a short period of time, judging from the appreciation people in Turnberry Place have seen. In addition, there are just too many amenities associated with Turnberry to list. Suffice to say that no one in town can do it better - and they've already proven it.

If you ever thought about owning a high rise condo unit in Las Vegas, the time is right now with this project. Don't let June 8th pass you by - call me at 702-336-5554 to reserve a unit in Turnberry Towers RIGHT NOW!

Do it! I cannot emphasize this situation enough.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Get Ready for ICON's High Rise Condo Tower 2

The Related Group has just received approval for its second ICON Tower, a 49 story tower featuring luxury guard gated residences located on Convention Center Drive, just a short walk from both the Fashion Show Mall and Steve Wynn's new Resort, Wynn Las Vegas.

ICON will feature 40,000 square feet of commercial space, and wall to wall floor to ceiling windows which will take full advantage of the Las Vegas Strip views. One, two, and three bedroom units are available with square footage of 970, 1400, and 1820 respectively, priced starting from the high $500K's and up.

Designed by renowned Arquitechtonica and featuring a lobby by The Rockwell Group, ICON amenities include 24/7 concierge, valet parking, high-speed elevators, sleek kitchens with granite counters, elegant bathrooms, Italian teak cabinetry, Bosch appliances and even an oasis in the desert - a luxury 6th floor pool deck featuring serene cabanas and views of the fabulous Las Vegas Strip.

With it's proximity to Wynn Las Vegas, and the proven ability of the Related Group to develop world class properties, the ICON project looks like a real winner. The ICON's first tower sold out in one day. Tower 2 is accepting reservations by requiring a $25,000 fully refundable deposit, with contract date in approximately 3 weeks. Time is definitely of the essence with this project so make sure you contact us NOW for priority placement.

This is definitely of the most exciting residential high rise condo projects in town.

Monday, May 09, 2005

"The Curve" takes "The District" to a New Level

Have you seen The District at Green Valley Ranch yet?

If you're impressed with the design and overall livability that the District provides, you'll want to check out The Curve, a 17.5 acre high rise condominium project to be located along the Las Vegas Beltway near Durango and Sunset Road. The project combines village amenities with 2 18-story high-rise condo towers with resort amenities, retail boutiques, restaurants, and inter-mixed office space. It's basically The District on steroids.

Besides the high rise towers, the first phase includes 12 buildings of both retail, restaurant, and commerical loft office space measuring over a combined 170,000 square feet. Buyers for the high rise condos can select from 6 floor plans, ranging from 1,078 to 2,046 square feet with prices starting in the $400,000s.

Amenities include swimming pools and spas, cabanas, and concierge services, as well as a village environment where residents can work, shop, dine, and play (which also happens to be their marketing tagline). Tile flooring and granite counter top options are available for each unit with standard Viking appliances.

The goal is to create a relaxing, self contained suburban village

While The Curve began taking reservations in March, construction on the $300 million first phase of the village is set for early 2006 with Klai Juba Architects and M.J. Dean Construction as the major players in its development and include long-time Las Vegas developers Dan Juba, Michael Dean, Randy Black Jr. and Michael Chernine as project partners.

If you're not interested in living in a high rise located "on the strip", then The Curve may be a project for you to look into further.

Friday, May 06, 2005

Palms Condo Project Selling Fast

Just a day after my latest post, the Las Vegas Review Journal posted an article about how quickly the Palms Place Condo Hotel is selling.

You can read it here, but remember you heard it at highrises.blogspot.com first...

Thursday, May 05, 2005

The Palms Getting into High Rise Market

Not to be outdone by their rival Hard Rock, the world famous Palms Casino Resort is developing Palms Place, which already looks like it may be the most exclusive high rise condo hotel in Las Vegas. Developed by the Maloofs, the project will feature fully furnished condos ranging from studio and one-bedroom suites to spectacular penthouses including balconies built around stunningly unique glass pools.

In addition to 30 acres of 24 hour entertainment, theatres, nightclubs and restaurants, the 49-story high rise designed by world renowned architect Jon Jerde will feature wide ranging panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and Spring Mountains with exquisitely designed interiors by internationally acclaimed Yabu Pushelberg.

604 square foot studio suites range from $475,000 to $750,000. The one bedrooms measure 1,151 square feet priced from $815,000 to $1,275,000 and two bedroom suites are available ranging from $1,290,000 to $2,025,000 for a 1,755 square foot unit. You can also splurge for a $4.5 million dollar 3,650 square foot penthouse suite if you'd like to live next to Jessica Simpson or any other of the high profile celebrities rumored already to have purchased units.

Amenities include private gated entrance with elegant porte cochere entry and 24 hour security and 24 hour room service, covered valet parking and doorman service, a world class pool and spa enclave, lush landscaping and gardens, a two-story conservatory, a business center, and a "sky-tube" elevated enclosed moving walkway connecting Palms Place to the Palms Casino Resort.

And if that's not enough, when you buy a place at the Palms, you automatically enter "The Inner Circle", an exclusive concierge service available only to Palms Place unit owners. Benefits of the Inner Circle include 24 hour concierge service, special invites to select events and activities at the Palms Casino Resort, special invites to "owners only" events, pre-sale ticket purchase notice for select concerts at the Palms new intimate 2,200 seat concert theatre, access to the Palms Casino Resort Spa and Fitness Center, access to in-room chefs, pre-arrival grocery shopping services, complimentary to/from airport chauffeured VIP limos, and even golf course access.

Needless to say, these units are going fast. You'll need a $25,000 refundable check to get started and 20% down at contract. I'm adding Palms Place to my "Top 5" hotel condo investment list in Las Vegas. Others on the list currently include the Residences at MGM Grand, Icon Las Vegas, Turnberry Place, and Sky Las Vegas. If you've been waiting to make a high rise condo hotel purchase, I urge you to contact me as soon as possible and investigate this Palms project or any other on my list now.

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

MGM Grand Begins Construction on Second Tower

Construction on the second tower of MGM Grand's "The Residences" Condo Hotel is underway at the northeast corner of the MGM's 116-acre property. The 40 story, 576 unit luxury condominium tower is currently 95% sold and appeals to those looking for a part-time or full-time residence providing access to some of the most coveted dining and entertainment not just in Las Vegas, but perhaps in the world. Combining the exclusivity of a condo community with the permier amenities of the MGM Grand Hotel including 5 outdoor pools, a 30 treatment room spa, and a fitness center, the developers of the project hope to create one of the most sought-after residential lifestyle opportunities in Las Vegas.

Besides HDTV's, high-speed internet connectivity, as well as an owner's lock out closet, these fully furnished units will feature amenities such as crown moldings, raised -panel wood doors, granite counter tops, imported Italian kitchen cabinetry, spa tubs, carpeted bedrooms, Sub-zero refrigeration and Meile appliances. In addition, Each of the development's three towers will have a fitness center, concierge, staffed lobby, swimming pool, and 24 hour security.

Sales began recently on the third tower of the project, offering studio, one, and two bedroom combo suites, ranging from 600 to 1,600 square feet and priced from $450,000 to more than $2 million. Contact me if you would like information on purchasing a unit in the third tower for yourself either as an investment or as an owner-occupant.

Allure of Las Vegas

Development is currently underway at the Allure Las Vegas, a high rise condominium project located at the northwest corner of Sahara and Fairfield Avenues, one block west of Las Vegas Boulevard. You'd never know it since their sales office is nicely hidden in the Fashion Show Mall, but Allure has already sold 90 percent of the first of its two 40-story towers.

The project is targeted to the end user looking to live in town, rather than rent their unit. Priced from the $300,000s, Allure offers 15 different floor plans. The studio, one, two, and three bedroom designs range from 671 to 4,400 square feet, with most averaging 1,168 square feet. A limited number of penthouse units with one and two story living spaces also are available.

The high rise condos feature 10-foot volume ceilings, floor to ceiling glass walls, balconies, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, Italian cabinetry, stone flooring, and balconies. In addition, the complex will feature a pool deck, 35 private cabanas, valet and concierge services, a 24-hour doorman, a club room with a catering kitchen, business center with wi-fi, a media room with conference facilities, a private wine cellar, and on-site management.

The project developer, Fifield Cos., has developed 50 buildings worth more than $3 billion since their inception in 1977. They have the experience, backgrounds, and financial strength to make this project a reality - so make sure you add tower 2 of this project to your list of potential high rise investments.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Celebrities buying Hard Rock High Rise Condos

Once again, the celebrity battleground otherwise known as Las Vegas takes center stage with the high stakes competition to see who can lure the biggest names to buy luxury high rise condo hotels.

Peter Morton unveiled his $1 billion Hard Rock Hotel expansion project on Saturday. In true marketing fanfare fashion, he picked this weekend because so many A-list celebrities were in town for the opening of Wynn Las Vegas. So far, rumor has it that Hard Rock condo purchasers include Claudia Schiffer, Joey Fatone, Tommy Lee, Sergei Fedorov and Wilmer Valderrama. Then, there's Britney Spears, who is upset both at Morton and her hubby Kevin Federline. She blames Morton for planting a story that included a quote from a Hard Rock representative that claimed Spears, who is five months pregnant, conceived during a stay there, and Federline for signing a cocktail napkin as a $50,000 downpayment on a Hard Rock Condo Hotel.

During his Saturday news conference, Morton said sales were cutt off after 3,000 units on the 24 acre site sold for $2.5 to $6 million each. The project includes 5 towers, an amphitheater-like pool setting for outdoor concerts, a spa, and 50,000 square feet of convention space.

Likewise, the Palms project is going after a similar market. They have announced that Eminem, Jessica Simpson and her husband Nick Lachey, and future hall of fame pitcher Roger Clemens are among those who have reserved units at the 49-story tower scheduled to open in 2007.

Can you imagine the stories you can tell with neighbors like that? Then again, how many bankers will accept your napkin as downpayment?