Showcase Mall

Showcase Mall
The mall's facade as seen in 2009
Map
LocationParadise, Nevada, U.S.
Coordinates36°06′12″N 115°10′20″W / 36.10342°N 115.17236°W / 36.10342; -115.17236
Address3785 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Opening dateDecember 15, 1996; 27 years ago (December 15, 1996)
No. of floors4

Showcase Mall is a shopping center on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. It is known for its landmark facade, featuring a 100-foot (30 m) tall Coca-Cola bottle and a colossal bag of M&M's.[1][2]

History

[edit]
The facade of the mall's third phase in 2010, shortly after it opened.

After the 1989 announcement of plans for the MGM Grand hotel and casino,[3] attorney Bob Unger recognized the investment potential of an adjacent property where he was handling an eviction case.[4] Unger approached his friend, banker Barry Fieldman, for financing, and the two partnered to form Makena Development Corp. in 1992.[4][5] Makena purchased Island Plaza, a small shopping center on the site that would become the southern part of Showcase Mall.[5] They then beat out MGM in an effort to purchase two gas stations to the north of Island Plaza.[4][5]

Forest City Enterprises, a national real estate developer with interests in Las Vegas including the Galleria at Sunset mall, signed on to provide additional funding and expertise to the project,[5] taking a 20% ownership stake.[6]

The first business at the mall, the Official All Star Cafe, opened on December 15, 1996.[7] An eight-screen United Artists Theater opened in March 1997.[8]

Island Plaza was demolished in 1999 to make way for the second phase of Showcase Mall,[9] with 43,000 square feet (4,000 m2) of retail space and a $33-million budget.[10] The second phase, south of the original building, opened in 2000, featuring a gift shop with an interior designed to resemble the Grand Canyon.[11][12]

North of the original portion of the mall, a parcel occupied by a Denny's restaurant was earmarked for a third phase of construction. In 2003, Westgate Resorts announced a $180-million plan to build a 54-story tower with over 700 timeshare units on the Denny's site.[13][14] Facing strong opposition from MGM Grand and concerns from county officials about the size of the project,[15] the plan was scaled back to 42 stories,[16] but was ultimately rejected by the Clark County Commission.[17]

In 2005, the developers sold the first phase of the mall for $142 million, to a partnership of San Francisco-based City Center Retail and New York investment firm Angelo Gordon & Co.[18] The buyers also spent $30 million to acquire a leasehold interest in the Denny's site.[19]

The mall's third phase was built in 2009 with 97,400 square feet of space, anchored by a Hard Rock Cafe and a Ross Dress For Less store.[20] The City Center / Angelo Gordon partnership sold this portion of the mall in 2011 to Unilev Capital Corp., a California real estate investment company, for $93.5 million.[20]

In July 2014, City Center and Angelo Gordon sold the original center section of the mall for $145 million to a partnership between the Nakash family (founders of Jordache) and investor Eli Gindi.[21] The Nakashes and Gindi, along with home-curtains manufacturer Elyahu Cohen, then purchased the third, northern section of the mall from Unilev Capital for $139.5 million in January 2015.[22] The Nakashes and Gindi consolidated their control of the mall in December 2015, buying the southern portion from Fieldman for $82.9 million.[23]

A planned expansion of the mall was approved in September 2017. Earlier in the year, the Nakashes and Gindi had paid $59.5 million to purchase a building to the north of the mall, which had previously housed the Smith & Wollensky steakhouse. Plans called for the building to be demolished and replaced with a new four-story, 145,000-square-foot (13,500 m2) building.[24] It would be anchored by Target and Burlington department stores.[25][26] Both stores opened in 2020 in the new building.

Notable tenants

[edit]
Interior of the Grand Canyon Experience gift shop
  • Adidas Performance Center — A three-story store selling sports apparel.[27] Opened in 2004.[28]
  • Aerie — A two-story lingerie store, opened in 2018.[29]
  • BrewDog — A 30,000 sq ft (2,800 m2) rooftop brewpub, the largest location in the international chain.[30] Opened in 2022 in the mall's fourth phase, at a cost of $17 million.[31][32]
  • Burlington — A 50,000 sq ft (4,600 m2) discount department store. Opened in 2020 in the mall's fourth phase.[33][34][35]
  • Coca-Cola Store — A two-story gift shop. Opened in 1997 as the World of Coca-Cola, a four-story facility, with the upper two floors containing a museum showcasing the history of Coca-Cola.[36] The museum portion closed in 2000.[12][37]
  • FlyOver — A flying theater motion simulator attraction, located in the former movie theater space at the base of the mall's parking garage. Opened in 2021.[38][39]
  • Food court — Opened in 2003 with nine fast-food outlets.[40][41]
  • Hard Rock Cafe — A three-story facility including a restaurant, live music venue, and gift shop.[42] Opened in 2009.[42]
  • Lids — A two-story, 12,000 sq ft (1,100 m2) flagship store, the largest location for the sports apparel chain, opened in 2022.[43]
  • M&M's World — A four-story store selling M&M's candy and merchandise.[44] Opened in 1997.[45]
  • Olive Garden — Italian restaurant, opened in 2021 on the third floor of the mall's fourth phase.[46][47]
  • Raising Cane's — A two-story flagship location of the fast-food chicken finger chain, opened in 2022.[48][49]
  • T-Mobile — A two-story flagship store for the mobile phone provider.[50][51] Opened in 2018.[50]
  • Target — A 20,000 sq ft (1,900 m2) "small-format" location of the discount retail store chain. Opened in 2020 in the mall's fourth phase.[52]

Former tenants

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Jennifer Shubinski (February 28, 2005). "Expansion planned by new Showcase mall owner". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2015-07-18.
  2. ^ Hubble Smith (September 30, 2011). "Portion of Showcase mall sold for $93.5 million". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2015-07-18.
  3. ^ Jefferson, David J. (October 4, 1989). "MGM Grand expands its plan to build Las Vegas studio theme park and hotel". Wall Street Journal.  – via Factiva (subscription required)
  4. ^ a b c "It's the real thing: Coke in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Sun. July 7, 1997 – via NewsBank.
  5. ^ a b c d Tim Willert (April 23, 1997). "Developers show off glitzy Showcase". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  6. ^ Dave Berns (September 23, 1997). "Partners with panache". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  7. ^ Monica Caruso (December 14, 1996). "Showcase hopes to be real thing". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  8. ^ a b Carol Cling (March 7, 1997). "Strip gets its first multiplex with UA's Showcase 8". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  9. ^ Jeff Scheid (November 13, 1999). "Tumbling down". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  10. ^ "$33 million expansion to feature replica of Grand Canyon". Las Vegas Sun. September 27, 1999. Retrieved 2015-07-20.
  11. ^ "Showcase expansion tenant is revealed". Las Vegas Sun. July 26, 1999. Retrieved 2015-07-18.
  12. ^ a b c Phil Levine (May 22, 2000). "Strip retail centers tout expansion plans". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2015-07-18.
  13. ^ "Strip project planned". Las Vegas Sun. January 10, 2003. Retrieved 2015-07-21.
  14. ^ Hubble Smith (July 3, 2003). "County orders traffic study for time share tower". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  15. ^ Hubble Smith (April 10, 2003). "Westgate trims time-share plans". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  16. ^ "Scaled-down plan approved". Las Vegas Sun. May 13, 2003 – via NewsBank.
  17. ^ Hubble Smith (September 4, 2003). "Panel denies high-rise project". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  18. ^ Chris Jones (February 22, 2005). "Gaming Wire". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  19. ^ Jennifer Shubinski (February 28, 2005). "Expansion planned by new Showcase mall owner". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2015-07-20.
  20. ^ a b Hubble Smith (September 30, 2011). "Portion of Showcase mall sold for $93.5 million". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  21. ^ Eli Segall (July 2, 2014). "Sale of Showcase Mall a rarity among Las Vegas Strip properties". Vegas Inc. Retrieved 2015-07-18.
  22. ^ Eli Segall (January 15, 2015). "For $140 million, another portion of mall on Las Vegas Strip changes hands". Vegas Inc. Retrieved 2015-07-18.
  23. ^ Eli Segall (December 9, 2015). "Final part of Showcase Mall on Strip sold for $83 million". Vegas Inc. Retrieved 2015-12-09.
  24. ^ Eli Segall (September 20, 2017). "Showcase Mall on Las Vegas Strip plans to expand". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2017-09-21.
  25. ^ Wade Tyler Millward (August 1, 2018). "Target, Burlington to open stores on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-02-16.
  26. ^ Mick Akers (August 1, 2018). "Target opening Las Vegas Strip store at Showcase Mall". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-16.
  27. ^ Jennifer Shubinski (May 25, 2004). "Adidas attraction set for Strip". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2015-07-22.
  28. ^ "Adidas Performance Center store opens". Las Vegas Sun. July 23, 2004. Retrieved 2015-07-22.
  29. ^ a b Wade Tyler Millward (June 28, 2018). "American Eagle Outfitters, Aerie to open on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-01-17.
  30. ^ Scott Reid (October 13, 2022). "BrewDog set to open largest venue ever and first visitors could win a $1 million bar tab". The Scotsman. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  31. ^ Johnathan L. Wright (November 23, 2022). "A 1st look inside the $17M rooftop brewpub opening on the Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  32. ^ Kiko Miyasato (January 6, 2023). "World-renowned brand BrewDog sets up its first Las Vegas location". Las Vegas Magazine. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  33. ^ Wade Tyler Millward (August 1, 2018). "Target, Burlington to open stores on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  34. ^ Joe Gose (December 10, 2019). "On Las Vegas Strip, splashy stores elbow in alongside casinos". The New York Times. Retrieved 2020-08-26. (subscription required)
  35. ^ "Burlington reopens Las Vegas stores with steep discounts". KSNV-TV. May 22, 2020. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  36. ^ Carol Cling (July 6, 1997). "Museum in a bottle". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  37. ^ Richard N. Velotta; Phil Levine (February 25, 2000). "Coke, a symbol for LV, to close much of Strip attraction". Las Vegas Sun – via NewsBank.
  38. ^ Rich DeMuro (September 3, 2021). "I rode the new Las Vegas attraction that makes it feel like you're flying over popular landmarks". KTLA-TV. Retrieved 2021-11-14.
  39. ^ C. Moon Reed (November 11, 2021). "A former Disney Imagineer creates immersive flight ride FlyOver Las Vegas". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved 2021-11-14.
  40. ^ Liz Benston (September 9, 2003). "Wendy's has high hopes for new Strip locations". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
  41. ^ George Connor (May 16, 2003). "Strip retail projects evolving with times". Las Vegas Business Press – via NewsBank.
  42. ^ a b Amanda Finnegan (September 5, 2009). "Hard Rock opens second cafe in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2015-07-22.
  43. ^ Sean Hemmersmeier (September 16, 2022). "Lids opens its largest store ever on the Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2023-05-07.
  44. ^ Amanda Finnegan (June 25, 2010). "M&M's World store on Strip set for expansion". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2015-07-22.
  45. ^ John Gurzinski (October 9, 1997). "M&M heaven". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  46. ^ Eli Segall (December 17, 2020). "Olive Garden to open eatery on Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-11-14.
  47. ^ "Glorious Olive Garden opens on Las Vegas Strip, haters invited to suck it". Vital Vegas. September 18, 2021. Retrieved 2021-11-14.
  48. ^ Johnathan L. Wright (July 18, 2022). "Raising Cane's opens first-ever two-story restaurant on Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  49. ^ Caitlin Lilly (July 18, 2022). "Raising Canes to open 2-story location on Las Vegas Strip". Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  50. ^ a b Wade Tyler Millward (January 5, 2018). "T-Mobile opens its first ever 2-story store on the Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2018-01-24.
  51. ^ Mike Dano (October 5, 2017). "T-Mobile customer care czar: Calls per customer down 31% since 'Uncarrier' launch". FierceWireless. Retrieved 2018-01-24.
  52. ^ Eli Segall (August 12, 2020). "New Target store opens on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  53. ^ Janna Karel (December 21, 2018). "Customize your clothes at new American Eagle on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-01-17.
  54. ^ Jason Bracelin (December 10, 2021). "Arcadia Earth set to debut on the Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  55. ^ Amy Abdelsayed (January 8, 2022). "'Arcadia Earth,' interactive art exhibit coming to Las Vegas, makes climate education fun". KTNV-TV. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  56. ^ "Best Educational Attraction: Arcadia Earth". Las Vegas Weekly. June 16, 2022. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  57. ^ Suzette Parmley (June 2, 2017). "Las Vegas goes from gambling halls to shopping malls". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  58. ^ Wade Tyler Millward (March 14, 2017). "Shoe retailer DSW opening second Las Vegas location". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  59. ^ "Designer Shoe Warehouse opens store on the Las Vegas Strip" (Press release). DSW Inc. August 7, 2018. Retrieved 2018-08-17 – via PR Newswire.
  60. ^ Monica Caruso (April 10, 1997). "GameWorks to entertain at Showcase". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  61. ^ "It's time for the Fun Expo in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Sun. September 23, 1997. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  62. ^ Stapleton, Susan (16 October 2013). "Marshalls Pimps Out Its Strip Location, Opening Next Week". Racked Vegas.
  63. ^ Conor Shine (February 23, 2012). "After 15 years, GameWorks closing on Strip, looking for new location to serve locals". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  64. ^ Matt Guillermo (May 16, 2013). "Vegas GameWorks finds new life at Town Square". KVVU-TV. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  65. ^ Matthew Crowley (September 27, 1999). "The grand illusion". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  66. ^ Wade Tyler Millward (June 7, 2017). "Showcase Mall on Las Vegas Strip plans $1.16M in construction". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  67. ^ Bradley Martin (June 22, 2017). "Grand Canyon Experience revamps at Grand Bazaar Shops". Eater.com. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  68. ^ Michael Paskevich (December 13, 1996). "All Star Cafe latest player in the themed dining game". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  69. ^ a b "It's official: Strip's All Star Cafe to close". Las Vegas Sun. November 29, 1999. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  70. ^ "Aladdin to sell land for condos, hotel". Las Vegas Sun. November 6, 2000. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  71. ^ Mike Weatherford (October 22, 2002). "Discount ticket outlet hopes to attract more show patrons". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  72. ^ "Half-price tickets sold in Las Vegas". Daily News of Los Angeles. November 15, 2002 – via NewsBank.
  73. ^ Mike Weatherford (January 20, 2008). "Consumers winning ticket war". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  74. ^ Chris Kudialis (January 23, 2018). "Showcase Theater closes, leaving Strip without a movie house". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Showcase Mall.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Showcase_Mall&oldid=1253351573"