Las Vegas Approves Heart-Shaped Casino on Failed SkyVue Wheel Site

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-07-23

Clark County commissioners have officially approved plans for a new casino resort on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. This project breathes life into a site that's been vacant for over a decade, where the unfinished SkyVue observation wheel left two massive concrete columns standing as a strange reminder of a failed dream. Developer Eli Applebaum, working through Kulik River Capital, is behind the proposal. The plan calls for a 29-story hotel-casino with 752 rooms, spread across nearly 12 acres right across from Mandalay Bay. But here's the twist that's got everyone talking: the central section of the tower will be shaped like a giant heart. ### A Failed Project Gets a Second Chance The SkyVue wheel was supposed to be a landmark attraction, but construction stalled years ago. All that remained were those two lonely concrete pillars. It became one of those weird Las Vegas stories that everyone knows but nobody talks about. Now, that eyesore is finally getting replaced. Commissioners voted to move forward, clearing the path for redevelopment. For locals, this feels like closure. For visitors, it means another destination on the Strip. The vote wasn't without some debate, but in the end, the economic potential won out. ### What Makes This Casino Different? It's not just the heart shape that's unusual. The location is prime real estate, sitting near the southern end of the Strip where foot traffic is heavy. The developer is betting that a unique design will draw crowds in a market that's already packed with options. - **752 rooms** across 29 stories - **Heart-shaped central tower** that could become an Instagram hotspot - **Direct access** to the Strip, across from Mandalay Bay - **12 acres** of space for gaming, dining, and entertainment Some analysts are calling it a bold move. Others are wondering if the heart shape is just a gimmick. But in Vegas, standing out is half the battle. ### The Economic Impact on Las Vegas This project is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs and hundreds more permanent positions once it opens. For a city that thrives on tourism, new resorts mean more visitors and more spending. The approval came with conditions, including traffic studies and environmental reviews, but the green light is a win for developers. It's also a signal that the Strip is still growing. Even with competition from other entertainment hubs, Las Vegas remains a top destination for gamblers and tourists alike. This resort could help solidify that status. ### What Happens Next? Construction timelines haven't been announced yet, but the approval process is the biggest hurdle. Once ground breaks, the project will likely take a couple of years to complete. The developer will need to secure financing and finalize design details. For now, Las Vegas gets a new chapter in its ever-evolving story. The heart-shaped casino is more than just a building. It's a symbol of how the city keeps reinventing itself, turning failures into opportunities.