Las Vegas is one step closer to getting a bold new landmark on the south Strip. Clark County officials have approved key permits for a heart-shaped Las Vegas hotel and casino planned for the long-vacant SkyVue site, signaling real momentum for a project that could finally transform one of the Strip’s most overlooked properties.
The proposed Las Vegas hotel will rise on roughly 12 acres at the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Mandalay Bay Road, directly across from Mandalay Bay. The announcement comes on the heels of the news that a new immersive Mike Tyson experience is going to open at Flamingo. Sin City is also trying to end its tourism decline.
For more than a decade, this site has been known for its unfinished past. Two massive concrete pillars—often called “matchsticks”—were originally built for the failed SkyVue observation wheel project. That development stalled in the early 2010s due to financial issues, leaving the structures as a reminder of what never came to be.
Now, those same pillars are set to become a centerpiece instead of an eyesore.
What Is Planned for the New Las Vegas Hotel and Casino?
Developer Eli Applebaum of High Desert Investment Group purchased the site in 2026 for $70 million and is leading plans for a new Las Vegas casino resort designed to stand out in a crowded market.
The project centers on an approximately 874-room hotel tower shaped like a heart, wrapped in a massive LED exterior. This design is intended to create a highly visible, social media-friendly attraction that can double as a digital advertising platform—something increasingly valuable on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Las Vegas hotel and casino will also include:
- A rooftop pool and spa
- Convention and meeting space
- Multiple restaurants and entertainment venues
- Retail and tenant spaces
- A large parking structure
One of the most unique elements is the plan to repurpose the existing SkyVue pillars into a 265-foot elevated “sky restaurant” or midair experience. Instead of demolishing the structures, the project turns them into a signature feature that could offer panoramic views of the Strip.
Unique Features of the New Las Vegas Casino Resort
In addition to the resort itself, the development includes a pedestrian-friendly plaza with a canopy similar to the Fremont Street Experience. This space is expected to host live entertainment, digital displays, and high foot traffic, adding another interactive layer to the Las Vegas casino environment.
The total development is expected to exceed 1.7 million square feet, making it a major addition to the south Strip corridor.
This Las Vegas hotel sits in a strategic location near Mandalay Bay, Allegiant Stadium, and the future Athletics baseball stadium. That proximity to major sports and entertainment venues could drive steady visitor traffic year-round.
However, the site is also close to Harry Reid International Airport, which places height restrictions on the project. Current plans cap the tower at around 406 feet, shaping both its design and overall footprint.
What Happens Next for the Las Vegas Casino Project
While zoning and key approvals are now in place, the project is still in its early stages. Developers must finalize financing, complete detailed designs, and secure licensing from the Nevada Gaming Control Board before construction can begin.
Like many large-scale Las Vegas casino projects, timelines remain uncertain. Groundbreaking has not yet been announced, and factors such as market conditions and investment backing will play a major role in how quickly the project moves forward.
A Broader Strip Trend
This development reflects a larger trend across Las Vegas. Long-stalled or underused sites are being revived as tourism rebounds and major sports investments reshape the city’s appeal.
If completed as planned, this heart-shaped Las Vegas hotel and casino could turn a long-forgotten corner of the Strip into a new focal point—blending bold design, entertainment, and modern resort amenities into one highly visible destination.
For now, the approval marks a critical first step in what could become one of the most talked-about Las Vegas casino projects in the coming years.
