NEIGHBORS MOVING IN

The SLS Las Vegas is no longer an island. New neighbors are moving into the old neighborhood at the northern end of the Strip.

The old Sahara’s location at a somewhat desolate intersection at Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue was a disadvantage, SBE Entertainment CEO Sam Nazarian said.

Nazarian said the reopening will revitalize the location. Also, the property has additional security measures to protect resort patrons.

“We always planned on being a destination, and the area is now building up around us,” he said.

When it closed, the Sahara’s nearest neighbors on three sides were a large vacant lots and a boarded-up standalone casino building. The nearby shuttered Fontainebleau Las Vegas project loomed over the old resort, a ghost of the bust.

Now the area is showing signs of life. Just north of the SLS, a large Walgreen’s store and pharmacy is taking shape. Across the Strip, on 33 now-vacant acres, MGM Resorts International plans an open-air, yearround concert venue.

Just south along the Strip, Malaysiabased Genting Berhad soon will start construction of the $4 billion Resorts World Las Vegas, and Australian billionaire James Packer bought majority ownership in the old New Frontier site with plans to build a new hotel-casino there.

Even across Paradise Road behind the SLS, the former Las Vegas Hilton/ LVH Las Vegas has been given new life through its purchase by Westgate Resorts.

“A lot has changed,” Nazarian said. “We’re in a great spot.” HOWARD STUTZ/

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

The same low-cost-but-high-concept approach is seen in the casino, where the ceiling is now exposed to allow for artistic designs and features.

The center bar features a five-sided, three-dimensional entertainment experience with images created by a South Korean firm.

After eight years on the Strip, Nazarian is ready for the next chapter.

“We’ve learned from the market,” Nazarian said. “We will offer value. Our prices will be approachable.” Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal. com or 702-477-3871. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.