Wynn Resorts’ Vegas Expansion Project Is Still Alive

A crucial decision by the Clark County Zoning Commission should significantly benefit Wynn Resorts’ Las Vegas ambitions. The Commission voted on Tuesday to extend the previously approved development plans for a new resort tower on the Strip, keeping the operator’s vision for a third tower alive amidst evolving regulations and competitive pressures.

The Third Tower Will Expand Wynn’s Vegas Presence

The Commission’s vote allows Wynn Resorts to proceed with its plans to build a sprawling 1,100-room resort. This ambitious project includes a 28,000-square-foot casino and an extensive 85,000 square feet of convention space. The development targets a 34.6-acre site across Wynn’s primary campus, on the land where the New Frontier hotel once stood before its 2007 closure.

This location has been immensely popular with operators. 2015 saw a project for an Alon Las Vegas resort, which didn’t get off the ground. Wynn Resorts acquired the property and some adjacent land in 2017 for $336 million. The company hoped to leverage the site’s proximity to bolster its luxury portfolio with another high-profile resort.

Wynn’s ability to secure this extension provides a buffer, allowing the company to strategically plan and execute its vision without immediate pressure to break ground. With new projects continually emerging, the company has secured additional time to reevaluate its plans and adapt to the ever-shifting hospitality and gaming industry trends.

Wynn Remains Committed to the Project

Clark County staff had previously recommended against the extension due to changes in building regulations since the original plans were approved. Opponents also noted that Wynn lacked the updated studies or building permits for the site to comply with these new requirements. Wynn indicated in county documents that the company was prioritizing other projects within its portfolio.

During the County Commission meeting, a representative for Wynn Resorts affirmed the company’s commitment to developing the land. The extension granted by the commission pushes the construction start deadline to April 2026. Despite this extension, the timeline for when construction might truly begin remains uncertain. The company noted that it had no concrete development schedule.

Wynn’s hesitation to commit to its Vegas plans likely hinges on the company’s priorities currently focusing on its Al Marjan island project, which should generate nearly $1.4 billion in annual gross gaming revenue. However, that project should open to the public in early 2027, which raises questions about whether Clark County’s extension will be enough for the third Strip Tower.