Xanadu Las Vegas

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  • The Mirage is one of the most iconic landmarks in Las Vegas

    The Mirage is one of the most iconic landmarks in Las Vegas

    The Mirage: A Landmark in Las Vegas Resort History

    Opened in 1989, The Mirage Hotel and Casino forever altered the landscape of Las Vegas. Under the visionary leadership of Steve Wynn, this $630 million resort introduced a new standard in luxury and entertainment, blending lavish accommodations with innovative attractions. The Mirage’s opening marked the beginning of a transformation in Las Vegas, turning the city into the glittering entertainment capital it is today.

    A Bold New Vision for Las Vegas

    In the mid-1980s, Las Vegas was experiencing a period of stagnation. After the construction of the original MGM Grand in 1973, the Strip had seen few new developments. The casino industry was facing mounting competition from Atlantic City and newly legalized casinos in neighboring states. Additionally, the city had not recovered from the tragic fire at the MGM Grand in 1980, which killed 87 people and left a lasting scar on the public’s perception of Las Vegas.

    Steve Wynn, who had previously gained success at the Golden Nugget, was determined to revitalize the Strip. Partnering with financier Michael Milken, Wynn set out to build a resort that would not only redefine the standards for luxury but would also offer an entirely new kind of guest experience. The result was The Mirage, which, at the time, was the largest hotel in the world with 3,044 rooms. The resort was designed to be much more than a place to gamble—it was to be an all-encompassing destination where guests could enjoy entertainment, fine dining, shopping, and unique attractions.

    The Architecture and Design

    The Mirage’s design was nothing short of revolutionary. Architects Joel Bergman and his team created a striking property with a tropical Polynesian theme. The Mirage’s most famous feature was the outdoor volcano, which erupted nightly, spewing flames and smoke to the delight of crowds gathered on the Strip. This spectacle quickly became one of Las Vegas’ signature attractions. The resort’s exterior also featured lush landscaping, lagoons, and waterfalls, creating an oasis in the middle of the desert. The entrance was set back from the street, encouraging visitors to take a leisurely stroll through the resort’s impressive surroundings, setting the stage for an immersive experience.

    The Mirage’s interior was just as groundbreaking. A giant atrium greeted guests upon entry, with vibrant colors, towering palm trees, and a lush tropical garden. This emphasis on natural beauty and exotic design was a departure from the traditional, opulent interior designs that were common in Las Vegas casinos at the time. Wynn’s aim was to create an environment that would transport visitors into a different world, providing an escape from the bustling city.

    In terms of functionality, The Mirage also set new standards for the resort industry. The Y-shaped hotel tower minimized the walking distance from the elevator core to guest rooms, improving the overall guest experience. Additionally, the hotel was one of the first to incorporate advanced technology to track service quality, such as a baggage handling system that used automated alerts to ensure quick delivery of guest luggage.

    Innovative Attractions and Entertainment

    Beyond the volcano, The Mirage became famous for its other unique attractions, particularly the Siegfried & Roy Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. This attraction, which allowed guests to observe exotic animals, including white tigers and dolphins, was one of the first of its kind in Las Vegas. Siegfried & Roy, the famed German illusionists, brought their show to The Mirage in 1990, performing a legendary residency that would continue for over a decade. Their magic act, which included spectacular illusions and majestic white tigers, became a staple of the resort’s entertainment offerings.

    Additionally, The Mirage became home to Cirque du Soleil’s LOVE, a tribute to The Beatles, which premiered in 2006 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. LOVE became one of the longest-running shows in Las Vegas and continues to attract tourists to the property to this day.

    The Mirage’s commitment to entertainment extended beyond its theatrical offerings. The resort also featured multiple high-end restaurants, lounges, and bars, as well as a sprawling casino. Wynn’s goal was to provide an integrated experience that appealed to both gamblers and non-gamblers alike. This holistic approach to resort design was revolutionary at the time and paved the way for the many integrated resorts that followed.

    A New Era for Las Vegas

    The success of The Mirage signified a pivotal moment in Las Vegas’ history. The resort was a game-changer, bringing in visitors from across the world who were looking for more than just a place to gamble. It set the tone for the future of Las Vegas resorts, where gaming, entertainment, luxury, and themed experiences were blended seamlessly into one cohesive product.

    The Mirage’s success also had a ripple effect on other Strip developments. Wynn’s emphasis on guest experience and his commitment to providing a full-service resort experience led to the creation of other high-end properties, including the Bellagio (opened in 1998), which carried forward the emphasis on luxury and entertainment. Over time, the principles behind The Mirage, particularly the focus on creating a destination experience, would influence the development of other major resorts such as The Venetian, Mandalay Bay, and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

    The Mirage was also the first of its kind to be built with the notion that Las Vegas could be more than just a haven for gamblers. With its exotic theme and family-friendly offerings, it broadened the city’s appeal to a wider range of tourists, including those seeking luxury, relaxation, and high-class entertainment.

    The Legacy of The Mirage

    The Mirage’s impact on Las Vegas is undeniable. It not only redefined what a resort could be but also set the stage for the city’s transformation into the entertainment capital of the world. Steve Wynn’s vision brought forward a new era for Las Vegas, where resorts would become immersive experiences that blended gaming, luxury, and non-stop entertainment.

    The Mirage continued to operate as one of the most popular properties on the Strip for over three decades. However, in 2021, MGM Resorts International, which had acquired The Mirage in 2000, announced that it would sell the property to Hard Rock International for $1.075 billion. In 2024, Hard Rock began transforming the iconic Mirage into a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, complete with a new, larger-than-life guitar-shaped hotel tower, marking the end of an era for one of the most significant resorts in Las Vegas history.

    Despite the changes, The Mirage’s legacy remains intact. It was the first resort to successfully combine luxury, entertainment, and spectacle, setting the blueprint for future developments in Las Vegas. From the spectacular volcano to the innovative use of technology, The Mirage was a pioneer, and its influence can still be felt in the design and operation of modern resorts today.

    The Mirage was more than just a hotel and casino—it was an experience. It brought visitors into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred, and where every detail was carefully designed to transport guests to an exotic paradise. While the Hard Rock transformation signals the end of one chapter, The Mirage will always be remembered as the resort that reinvented Las Vegas and set the stage for the evolution of the city into the entertainment mecca it is today.

  • The name Xanadu

    The name Xanadu

    The name Xanadu in Las Vegas is most famously associated with the proposed Xanadu Hotel and Casino project, which was never built. However, there were other projects and concepts associated with the name Xanadu that emerged over time, though they also often faded before becoming fully realized. The name Xanadu itself evokes imagery of grandeur and extravagance, which may explain why it was an appealing moniker for several other Las Vegas development efforts.

     

    1. Xanadu Hotel and Casino (Original Concept)

    As discussed earlier, the original Xanadu Hotel and Casino was proposed in 1975 for a 48.6-acre plot located on Las Vegas Boulevard South. This ambitious $150 million development was to feature a 1,755-room hotel and casino, designed by architects Berton Charles Severson and Brian Walter Webb. Despite being approved by county commissioners and garnering significant attention, the project was ultimately abandoned due to economic instability and market conditions in the mid-1970s. The land remained vacant for many years, only to be developed later into the Excalibur Hotel and Casino in 1990.

    2. Xanadu Theme and Design Influences in Other Las Vegas Resorts

    While the original Xanadu project was never realized, its bold pyramid design and grand atrium concept did influence other landmark resorts in Las Vegas. The most notable of these is the Luxor Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1993. The Luxor’s striking pyramid shape and expansive interior spaces owe much to the initial vision for the Xanadu, particularly its idea of an open, awe-inspiring atrium and pyramid structure.

    Another example is The Mirage, which opened in 1989. Though it does not directly borrow from the Xanadu pyramid design, its expansive public spaces and dramatic architecture reflect the kind of grandeur that was envisioned for Xanadu. Many of the design elements proposed for Xanadu were later incorporated into other resorts as Las Vegas evolved into a more family-friendly and visually impressive city.

    3. Xanadu Name in Pop Culture and Other Developments

    Beyond the original hotel project, the name Xanadu has also been used in other Las Vegas-themed projects or businesses, particularly in media and entertainment. For example, the name Xanadu appeared in various shows and films related to Las Vegas and its hyperreal environment of fantasy and extravagance, often invoking the idea of an opulent, almost mythical destination. However, these instances are not tied to actual physical developments in the city.

    While the original Xanadu Hotel and Casino project remains one of the most famous unbuilt resorts in Las Vegas, its legacy lives on through the architectural and conceptual influence it left on the Strip. Other resorts, most notably the Luxor, adopted similar elements from Xanadu’s design, such as the pyramid shape and expansive interiors. Though the name Xanadu itself was not used for other major Las Vegas resorts, its association with grandeur and innovation has left an indelible mark on the city’s ever-changing landscape.

    If you’re interested in more in-depth information about the Xanadu Hotel’s proposed design, its architects, and how it influenced other Las Vegas projects, resources such as the UNLV Special Collections can offer detailed archival material.

  • The Xanadu Hotel and Casino: A Vision of Grandeur That Never Came to Life

    The Xanadu Hotel and Casino: A Vision of Grandeur That Never Came to Life

    In the history of Las Vegas’ iconic development, few projects are as captivating as the Xanadu Hotel and Casino. Despite being one of the most ambitious plans for a new resort in the mid-1970s, Xanadu never made it off the drawing board, yet its proposed design and legacy have continued to shape the city’s evolution. The Xanadu was to rise at 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South, the exact location where the Excalibur Hotel and Casino stands today. This proposed 1,755-room hotel and casino was designed to revolutionize the southern part of the Las Vegas Strip, offering a futuristic aesthetic with an impressive pyramid and atrium design.

    While Xanadu itself was never built, it remains an important part of Las Vegas’ architectural history. In this article, we will explore the vision behind Xanadu, its designers, and the architectural elements that influenced future resort developments on the Strip.

    The Vision for Xanadu

    The Xanadu Hotel and Casino was conceived as a large-scale, $150-million development that would cater to both high rollers and families, combining lavish accommodations with world-class entertainment. This proposed resort would have been a hallmark of the rapidly changing landscape of Las Vegas in the 1970s. At the time, Las Vegas was expanding beyond its roots as a haven for gambling and adult entertainment into a more family-friendly and glamorous destination for a wide range of tourists. This transformation was part of a broader effort by developers to diversify the city’s offerings and attract a new type of visitor.

    The Xanadu Hotel was designed to stand out with a striking visual aesthetic. Its location on Las Vegas Boulevard, in the southern part of the Strip, made it a prime piece of real estate for ambitious development. The area was still considered underdeveloped when the project was proposed, making it the perfect opportunity to capitalize on the Strip’s potential for growth. The Xanadu would have been positioned to fill this void with cutting-edge architecture and large-scale amenities, offering a blend of luxury and futuristic design that would have made it one of the most recognizable hotels on the Strip.

    The Architects: Berton Charles Severson and Brian Walter Webb

    The conceptual rendering of the Xanadu’s exterior, drawn on parchment, is one of the key artifacts associated with the proposed resort. The architects behind the vision of Xanadu were Berton Charles Severson and Brian Walter Webb, both of whom were well-regarded figures in the field of architectural design. They brought their expertise and a shared vision for something truly innovative to the project. The design they created was bold and modern, with elements that had never been seen before in Las Vegas, such as the expansive atrium and the eye-catching pyramid structure.

    Severson and Webb’s design for Xanadu combined traditional luxury with an avant-garde flair, drawing inspiration from contemporary trends in architecture while also pushing boundaries. The pyramid, a major element of the design, was meant to symbolize the grandeur of the resort and would have housed the hotel’s rooms and other facilities, making it both a visual and practical centerpiece. The atrium concept was another groundbreaking feature, serving as the resort’s central space, where guests could experience the hotel and casino in an open, expansive environment.

    The two architects sought to create a space that was not only functional but also visually spectacular, one that would resonate with the modern spirit of the 1970s while setting new standards for the resort and casino industry. Their efforts reflected an understanding of Las Vegas’ future direction: a city that needed to evolve from a gambling mecca into an entertainment capital capable of attracting a broader audience.

    Why Xanadu Was Never Built

    Despite the grandeur of the Xanadu design and the excitement surrounding its proposal, construction never began. There were multiple factors that contributed to the failure of the Xanadu project, with the economic environment of the 1970s playing a significant role. During the 1970s, Las Vegas was going through a period of economic fluctuations, which included an oil crisis and a slowing of tourism growth. Financing for large-scale development projects became more difficult to secure, and investors were often reluctant to commit to untested or risky ventures.

    The Xanadu project also faced stiff competition from other developments on the Strip. Developers were scrambling to build large, flashy resorts that would capture the attention of both tourists and media outlets. The hotel and casino industry was maturing, and the market was becoming saturated with new resorts that were being constructed at a rapid pace. These factors likely made it difficult for Xanadu’s backers to secure the necessary financial support to move forward with construction.

    In the end, the land on which Xanadu was to be built remained vacant for many years, and in 1990, the Excalibur Hotel and Casino was constructed on the same site. The Excalibur, which opened to great fanfare, borrowed elements of the Xanadu design, albeit in a much more commercially viable form. The theme of a grand, larger-than-life resort remained central to the development, but the design changed drastically from what was originally envisioned for Xanadu. The Excalibur, with its medieval castle theme, symbolized a shift in Las Vegas resort design, which continued to evolve in the years following the failed Xanadu project.

    The Influence of Xanadu on Future Las Vegas Designs

    While Xanadu was never built, its conceptual design had a lasting impact on Las Vegas resort architecture. Many of the ideas that Severson and Webb proposed for Xanadu can be seen in the designs of later developments on the Strip, most notably the Luxor Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1993. The Luxor, designed by architect Veldon Simpson, features the same iconic pyramid shape that was central to Xanadu’s vision. The Luxor’s design, with its massive pyramid and dramatic interior spaces, echoes the original grandeur of Xanadu’s proposed look.

    Additionally, the concept of large, open atriums would also find a home in subsequent resorts. The Mirage, which opened in 1989, featured a grand atrium as part of its design, and the notion of expansive public spaces became a signature element of many future developments in Las Vegas. While these projects diverged in theme and execution, the foundational ideas that Severson and Webb explored in the Xanadu project—such as bold, eye-catching architectural forms and large, open interior spaces—shaped the development of the modern Las Vegas resort.

    The Xanadu Hotel and Casino may never have been built, but its legacy endures as an important part of Las Vegas’ architectural history. The vision for the Xanadu, with its bold pyramid design and expansive atrium, set the stage for future developments that would reshape the city’s skyline. Although economic conditions and market factors prevented the Xanadu project from becoming a reality, the ideas it introduced can still be seen in many of the iconic resorts that followed. As a result, the Xanadu remains a tantalizing “what might have been” in the ongoing story of Las Vegas’ rise as a global resort and entertainment destination.

    For anyone interested in delving deeper into the history of Xanadu and its place in Las Vegas’ architectural evolution, the conceptual renderings and archives are available through collections such as those at UNLV Special Collections【9†source】【11†source】.

  • The Xanadu Resort Casino: A Vision That Never Came to Be

    In the mid-1970s, Las Vegas was experiencing a period of explosive growth, driven by the development of new casinos, lavish resorts, and innovative entertainment. One of the most ambitious projects proposed during this time was the Xanadu Resort Casino, a $150-million, 1,755-room resort that promised to reshape the southern end of the famed Las Vegas Strip. Its groundbreaking design, visionary scale, and the sheer ambition behind the project made it one of the most eagerly anticipated developments of the era. Yet, despite its lofty goals and extensive planning, Xanadu never materialized. The site where it was supposed to rise would eventually become home to the Excalibur, but the echoes of the Xanadu project can still be seen in the designs of future Las Vegas landmarks.

    The Vision: A Monumental Resort Casino

    The Xanadu Resort Casino was conceived as a grand, cutting-edge development to be situated at the southwest corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard—prime real estate that was ripe for development in 1975. The location was pivotal in the context of the Strip’s expansion. At that time, the southern part of the Strip was seen as an underdeveloped area compared to the more bustling northern stretch. With vast, open spaces and the potential to attract major resort traffic, the Xanadu project was set to capitalize on this opportunity to redefine the Las Vegas experience.

    The proposed resort was nothing short of extraordinary. With an estimated cost of $150 million, Xanadu was to feature a massive 1,755-room hotel and casino, a monumental size for its time. Its bold design concept set it apart from other resort developments, with visionary architects and designers aiming to create a space that was both modern and opulent, a fusion of high-end luxury and entertainment innovation.

    The Role of Howard Downes and the Land Deal

    The land on which Xanadu was to be built was owned by Howard Downes, a Florida-based real estate investor. Downes purchased the 48.6-acre parcel of land, which had previously been earmarked for a twin hotel to the Tropicana by county commissioners in 1973. The county’s approval for such a development helped to pave the way for Xanadu’s early ambitions, as it offered a ready-made opportunity to build something of significant scale.

    Though the parcel of land had already been secured, the Xanadu project was far from guaranteed. The Las Vegas real estate market was competitive, and other developers were vying for prime spots on the Strip. However, the Xanadu developers were able to push ahead, thanks in part to the backing of Howard Downes and the strategic location of the property. The vision was set in motion, with detailed plans drawn up to begin construction as soon as possible.

    The Architectural Design: The Pyramid and Atrium Concept

    One of the most striking aspects of the Xanadu Resort Casino was its bold, futuristic architectural design. The project was led by architect Martin Stern Jr., a highly regarded figure in the world of casino and hotel design in Las Vegas. Stern’s work on the Xanadu project was inspired by some of the most cutting-edge design trends of the 1970s. The resort was to feature a distinctive pyramid-shaped structure and a grand atrium, combining futuristic, space-age aesthetics with the opulence that defined Las Vegas at the time.

    The design was a marvel, with plans for a towering pyramid at the center of the resort. The pyramid concept was an early example of the grandeur and larger-than-life ambition that would characterize future Las Vegas landmarks. Stern envisioned the pyramid as a bold symbol for the resort, a dramatic statement of both luxury and entertainment that would draw visitors from around the world.

    The atrium was another key feature of the design. It was planned to be a sprawling, open space that would serve as the central gathering point of the casino and hotel. The atrium concept was in keeping with the open, expansive designs that were gaining popularity during the 1970s. Stern’s design would have created an airy, inviting environment where guests could move freely from one area of the resort to another while taking in the lavish surroundings.

    A Futuristic Dream with No Foundation

    Despite the grand plans, the Xanadu Resort Casino project never broke ground. Multiple factors contributed to the project’s cancellation, but perhaps the most significant was the changing financial climate and the competitive nature of the Las Vegas real estate market. As the 1970s drew to a close, a series of economic pressures and shifts in market demand forced many ambitious development projects to be reevaluated or abandoned altogether.

    For the Xanadu project, these challenges proved insurmountable. Although the land had been secured and the designs approved, the financial backing needed to bring such an ambitious resort to life was ultimately not realized. By the early 1980s, the project was officially scrapped, and the land remained vacant for years.

    Legacy: Echoes of Xanadu in Las Vegas

    Though Xanadu itself was never built, elements of its groundbreaking design would go on to inspire some of Las Vegas’s most iconic resorts. Many of the concepts first explored in the Xanadu project would later be adapted and realized in other major casino resorts that followed.

    The pyramid shape, which was to be the centerpiece of Xanadu, found its home in the Luxor Hotel, which opened in 1993. The Luxor’s design, featuring a massive pyramid that houses the hotel’s rooms and casino, echoes the original vision of Xanadu. Additionally, the concept of a grand atrium, central to the Xanadu project, would be echoed in the design of The Mirage, which opened in 1989, and the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, which debuted in 1990.

    The grand, open spaces and innovative architecture that were central to the Xanadu project influenced the way future resorts were designed in Las Vegas. Casinos and hotels in the decades that followed embraced similar large-scale, immersive design philosophies, combining visual grandeur with a sense of openness and accessibility.

    The Xanadu Resort Casino stands as a testament to the ambitious spirit that has always defined Las Vegas. Though it never came to fruition, the project captured the imagination of developers, architects, and the public alike. The vision of a massive pyramid-shaped resort with a grand atrium was a bold statement about the direction the city was heading—one that was defined by larger-than-life projects and an ever-growing appetite for innovation.

    While Xanadu itself may have never been built, its legacy lives on in the design of some of the most iconic resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. The cancellation of the Xanadu project did not mark the end of grand visions for Las Vegas—it simply served as a reminder of the city’s ability to dream big, whether those dreams ultimately come to life or not. The Xanadu project remains a fascinating chapter in the history of Las Vegas development, a reminder of the ambitions and possibilities of a city that is always looking forward to the next great adventure.

  • The Excalibur Hotel and Casino: A Vegas Landmark of Medieval Fantasy

    The Excalibur Hotel and Casino: A Vegas Landmark of Medieval Fantasy

    When it comes to the Las Vegas Strip, the Excalibur Hotel and Casino stands out not just for its size and location, but for its whimsical, medieval theme. This colossal resort, known for its fairy-tale castle design and family-friendly atmosphere, has been a fixture of the Las Vegas landscape for over three decades. Since its opening in 1990, the Excalibur has captured the imaginations of visitors from around the world with its bold, colorful spires, lavish accommodations, and wide array of entertainment options.

    The Origins of Excalibur

    The Excalibur Hotel and Casino was the brainchild of MGM Resorts (formerly MGM Grand). Its creation was part of a broader trend in the late 1980s and early 1990s, in which many Las Vegas casinos adopted distinctive, highly themed designs in an effort to stand out and attract a larger variety of visitors. Themed hotels and resorts were becoming a major trend in the tourism industry, and MGM wanted to capitalize on this with an ambitious concept that would cater to families, tourists, and gamblers alike.

    The Excalibur was designed by architect Joel Bergman and his firm, and its medieval theme was inspired by the legendary stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The resort’s design is dominated by its towering castle-like structure, with turrets and battlements evoking the feeling of a grand fortress from the Middle Ages. The hotel’s exterior features a bold color scheme, with blue, red, and yellow spires giving the illusion of a magical kingdom.

    In many ways, Excalibur’s opening signified the increasing move towards entertainment and theming in Las Vegas, a trend that would continue with the eventual opening of other highly themed resorts like the Luxor, the Venetian, and the Paris Las Vegas.

    Excalibur’s Family-Friendly Appeal

    When it opened, Excalibur made a name for itself as a family-friendly resort, a departure from the adult-oriented, gambling-heavy properties that had dominated the Las Vegas Strip. The resort was designed with both children and adults in mind, providing a safe and exciting place for families to stay. It offered a range of activities and amenities tailored toward younger guests, including an arcade, a medieval-style dinner theater, and themed restaurants.

    The Tournament of Kings, one of the most popular attractions at Excalibur, was an interactive dinner show that featured knights on horseback, jousting tournaments, and a medieval feast served without utensils. The show, which began shortly after the hotel’s opening, became a hallmark of Excalibur’s family appeal and helped attract both tourists and locals to the property.

    Additionally, Excalibur offered a variety of other entertainment options, including a large arcade that was particularly popular with children, and numerous themed dining options like the Roundtable Buffet. These features helped cement Excalibur as a go-to destination for families visiting Las Vegas.

    The Casino Experience

    Despite its family-friendly atmosphere, Excalibur still offered a full casino experience for adult guests. The casino at Excalibur spans over 100,000 square feet and has a wide variety of gaming options, including slots, table games, and a poker room. The casino is designed in a medieval style, with lavish, old-world details such as tapestries and stone archways creating a unique atmosphere.

    Excalibur’s casino has always been known for its affordability compared to other major resorts on the Strip, and it quickly gained a reputation as a more budget-friendly option. This accessibility helped Excalibur appeal to a wide range of tourists, including those looking for a lower-cost gambling experience without sacrificing the quality of their stay.

    Over the years, the Excalibur Casino has undergone several updates and renovations, with a focus on keeping up with the changing preferences of the Las Vegas visitor. While the resort’s medieval theme remains central to its identity, it has continually adapted to stay relevant in an ever-evolving gaming market.

    The Excalibur’s Transformation and Renovations

    As the Las Vegas Strip evolved, so did the Excalibur. In 2005, MGM Resorts acquired the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, which would eventually lead to a significant shift in the Excalibur’s direction. Over the next decade, Excalibur saw a number of renovations designed to modernize the property while still maintaining its iconic theme.

    In 2006, Excalibur underwent a major rebranding of its hotel rooms, offering new and updated accommodations with more contemporary features. The medieval design elements were maintained, but the rooms were renovated with an emphasis on comfort and modern amenities. In addition, Excalibur made upgrades to its public areas, including new lighting, carpeting, and signage to improve the guest experience.

    By the early 2010s, Excalibur was beginning to feel the effects of competition from newer, more upscale resorts on the Strip. To stay competitive, the hotel began offering more adult-oriented entertainment, such as the introduction of the Thunder From Down Under male revue show, which replaced some of the more family-focused offerings of the past.

    Despite these changes, Excalibur has continued to hold on to its unique place in the Las Vegas market as a fun, relatively affordable destination with a distinctive theme. The hotel’s proximity to other major properties, including the Luxor and the MGM Grand, ensures that it remains a popular choice for visitors looking for both affordability and entertainment.

    Excalibur’s Role in the Las Vegas Strip

    Excalibur’s role in the development of the Las Vegas Strip is undeniable. While its medieval theme might seem a bit nostalgic compared to the sleek, modern resorts that dominate the Strip today, Excalibur remains a key player in the city’s ever-changing landscape. It helped pave the way for the success of themed resorts, which would become a hallmark of the Strip in the following decades. The property also played a role in opening up the Las Vegas market to families, a demographic that had been underrepresented in the city’s early days.

    For over 30 years, Excalibur has remained a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Its affordability, family-friendly attractions, and unique medieval design make it stand out in a city that thrives on extravagance and opulence. Though it has undergone numerous changes, the resort continues to hold onto its identity as a nostalgic tribute to the past while evolving to meet the needs of a modern, diverse audience.

    A Lasting Legacy

    Today, the Excalibur Hotel and Casino remains one of the most recognizable and enduring properties on the Las Vegas Strip. While some of its more family-oriented attractions have been phased out over time, it still appeals to those looking for an affordable, fun experience in a resort that blends the fantasy of a medieval castle with the excitement of Las Vegas.

    With its towering spires, vibrant color scheme, and iconic reputation, Excalibur continues to be a place where visitors from around the world can experience the magic of Las Vegas while indulging in the fantasy of the Middle Ages. Though its role in the city’s development may be less pronounced in recent years, it remains an integral part of the Las Vegas story—a testament to the city’s ability to blend the old and the new, the classic and the contemporary.

  • The Xanadu Hotel: A Las Vegas Dream That Never Came True

    The Xanadu Hotel: A Las Vegas Dream That Never Came True

    The Xanadu Hotel and Casino, a proposed resort in Las Vegas, stands as one of the most ambitious projects in the city’s history that never came to fruition. Though the project was never built, it has remained a significant piece of Las Vegas lore, embodying the city’s daring approach to large-scale developments and bold architectural concepts. The Xanadu, conceived in the 1970s, was intended to become a signature destination on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, but despite all its potential, it was abandoned before construction even began. In this article, we will dive into the story behind Xanadu, from its conception to its eventual cancellation, and its lingering influence on future developments in the city.

    The Vision for XanaduAdd New Post

    In 1975, the idea of Xanadu was born when developers sought to capitalize on a 48.6-acre plot of land at 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South, a location that today is home to the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. The area was considered prime real estate, poised for major development at the time. The Xanadu project was set to feature a $150-million, 1,755-room hotel and casino, making it one of the largest resorts on the Strip at the time. Its design and scale signaled the ambition to push Las Vegas into a new era of grandeur and excess.

    The architectural vision behind Xanadu was spearheaded by Berton Charles Severson and Brian Walter Webb, two architects who were tasked with creating something that would rival the Strip’s existing landmarks. Their design for the Xanadu was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a massive pyramid structure that would house the hotel rooms. At its core was a grand atrium, a concept that would later become a hallmark of many Las Vegas resorts. This open, expansive interior space was meant to be a visual and functional centerpiece, linking the hotel with the casino and other amenities, and creating a sense of openness and scale.

    The Xanadu was to be more than just another hotel and casino—it was to be a statement of luxury and modernity. The resort was expected to cater to a wide variety of guests, including both high rollers and families, offering upscale accommodations, entertainment, and dining experiences. It was part of the growing trend in Las Vegas to move beyond its gambling roots and into a more diversified entertainment and hospitality hub, appealing to a broader audience.

    The Architects and Design

    The design of the Xanadu was groundbreaking. The pyramid shape was a symbol of grandeur, something that would later become a hallmark of other resorts on the Strip, most notably the Luxor Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1993. The use of an atrium as the central feature of the resort was another innovative concept. This design element aimed to create a sense of space, both functional and dramatic, with guests being able to walk through vast open areas, admiring the resort’s scale.

    Severson and Webb’s vision also included detailed considerations for the site’s landscaping and the overall ambiance of the resort. It was designed to make a powerful statement about the future of Las Vegas, a city that was moving away from its gritty, old-school image to something more refined and forward-thinking. The project’s original material—parchment sketches and detailed renderings—highlighted the grandiosity and attention to detail that the architects envisioned for Xanadu.

    Why Xanadu Was Never Built

    Despite its bold design and the excitement surrounding the project, Xanadu was never built. A combination of economic and financial factors led to the project’s abandonment. In the mid-1970s, Las Vegas was still in the midst of a period of economic instability, influenced by the energy crisis and a slowdown in tourism. These economic conditions made it difficult to secure financing for large-scale developments, and the Xanadu project struggled to find the financial backing needed to move forward.

    Another factor in the project’s demise was the changing landscape of the Las Vegas Strip. By the time Xanadu was proposed, the market was already saturated with large resorts that had been built in the previous decade. The MGM Grand Hotel and the Caesars Palace, both iconic properties, were already drawing significant crowds. Additionally, developers were focusing on different types of themes and concepts that resonated more with tourists, such as the fantasy world of Excalibur, the ancient Egyptian grandeur of the Luxor, and the tropical paradise of The Mirage. As a result, Xanadu’s vision seemed to be an idea ahead of its time, or perhaps simply not a commercially viable one, given the market’s direction.

    By the late 1980s, the land on which Xanadu was supposed to rise had remained undeveloped. In 1990, the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, with its medieval castle theme, opened on the site, replacing Xanadu’s ambitious pyramid design with a more whimsical but still large-scale vision. The Excalibur, with its own extravagant architecture and massive size, became a defining landmark of the southern Strip, although it took a different thematic approach than what was originally planned for Xanadu.

    The Influence of Xanadu

    Though Xanadu never saw the light of day, its conceptual design had a profound influence on future developments in Las Vegas. The pyramid shape that was so central to Xanadu’s design would later become a key feature of the Luxor Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1993 and remains one of the most iconic structures on the Strip. The Luxor’s design directly echoed the Xanadu vision, with its soaring pyramid structure and bold use of space.

    Moreover, the idea of the atrium as the central feature of a resort became a recurring theme in many subsequent Las Vegas developments. The Mirage, which opened in 1989, featured an expansive atrium as part of its design, further popularizing the concept of open, airy spaces that allowed guests to experience the full grandeur of a resort without feeling confined.

    In many ways, while Xanadu never materialized, the design ideas proposed in its conceptual sketches—especially the dramatic use of architecture to create awe and wonder—found new life in the projects that followed. Its vision of a massive, open resort that would serve as both a hotel and entertainment center set the stage for Las Vegas to continue its evolution as a global resort destination.

    The Xanadu Hotel and Casino is one of the great “what might have been” stories of Las Vegas development. Despite its failure to materialize, the project represents the daring spirit of the city’s architectural history and its constant drive for innovation. The boldness of its design, coupled with its ambition to redefine the Las Vegas Strip, left an indelible mark on the city’s development, influencing future resorts and shaping the direction of the Strip for years to come. Although Xanadu will forever be remembered as a vision that never reached its full potential, its legacy lives on in the iconic designs that followed it. The grandeur of the Xanadu, from its pyramid and atrium to its audacious scope, remains a fascinating part of the story of Las Vegas.

    For those intrigued by the original vision for Xanadu, conceptual renderings and design documents are housed at the UNLV Special Collections, offering a glimpse into a Las Vegas dream that almost was.

  • The Influence of Xanadu on Las Vegas

    Though the Xanadu Hotel and Casino was never realized, its bold, visionary design left an indelible mark on the architectural direction of Las Vegas, influencing the development of some of the city’s most iconic resorts. Conceived in the mid-1970s, the project promised to be a game-changer for Las Vegas, combining a lavish pyramid design with innovative, open-air spaces. While it never broke ground, elements of the Xanadu project were absorbed into later developments, contributing to the transformation of the Strip into a destination for both entertainment and luxury. This article explores how the Xanadu Hotel’s conceptual vision impacted Las Vegas resort architecture, inspiring some of the most famous resorts on the Strip and helping to shape the future of the city.

    Xanadu: The Visionary Hotel That Wasn’t

    The Xanadu Hotel and Casino was conceived by developer Howard Downes in 1975 and was proposed to occupy 48.6 acres of prime real estate on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. The design called for a $150 million investment and featured a colossal 1,755-room hotel, a grand casino, and extensive recreational facilities. Architects Berton Charles Severson and Brian Walter Webb imagined a futuristic resort, with a striking pyramid structure at its core, housing the hotel’s rooms, while a vast, open atrium served as the centerpiece of the complex. The design would have dramatically reshaped the aesthetic of Las Vegas, offering a bold new type of hotel that combined spectacle with luxury.

    Unfortunately, Xanadu was never built. Economic factors, the energy crisis of the 1970s, and competition from other developments led to the project’s cancellation, and by the time the land was finally developed, it was repurposed for a completely different theme: the medieval castle of the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1990. Despite its failure to materialize, the Xanadu concept remains a significant part of Las Vegas history and has influenced future architectural trends in the city.

    Direct Architectural Influences of Xanadu

    While the Xanadu Hotel was never constructed, many of the elements envisioned in its design found their way into other projects on the Las Vegas Strip, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. These elements—most notably the grand pyramid structure, expansive atrium designs, and an emphasis on larger-than-life, visually impactful spaces—became central to the development of several iconic resorts.

    Luxor Hotel and Casino: A Direct Descendant

    The most direct descendant of Xanadu’s design is the Luxor Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1993 on the southern Strip. Designed by architect Veldon Simpson, the Luxor is a bold reflection of the pyramid concept first proposed for Xanadu. With its towering 30-story pyramid structure and massive glass atrium, the Luxor embodies the same sense of awe and grandeur that was central to the Xanadu design. The Luxor’s pyramid became one of the most recognizable structures on the Strip, becoming a symbol of the city’s commitment to innovative, attention-grabbing architecture.

    In fact, many observers argue that the success of the Luxor in capturing the dramatic, high-impact design that Xanadu had imagined helped shape the future direction of Las Vegas resort architecture. The Luxor’s design, particularly the emphasis on the pyramid shape and expansive interior spaces, became a key feature for later developments on the Strip, influencing the design philosophies behind resorts such as The Mirage, Caesars Palace, and others. Even after the opening of the Luxor, the idea of creating massive, visually-stunning structures with unique architectural identities became central to how Las Vegas resorts were marketed and developed.

    The Mirage: Theatrical Design and Open Spaces

    While not directly borrowing the pyramid concept, The Mirage, which opened in 1989, embraced the spirit of openness and scale that was central to Xanadu’s design. The Mirage, designed by architect Joel Bergman, featured a vast atrium space with a tropical rainforest, complete with waterfalls and exotic flora, a striking visual centerpiece that captured the sense of grandeur that Xanadu aimed for. In many ways, The Mirage helped set the stage for a new kind of resort in Las Vegas: one that integrated lavish public spaces into the resort’s overall design to create an experience rather than just a place to stay.

    The Mirage, with its vast, open design and focus on spectacle, was emblematic of the evolution of Las Vegas resorts into fully immersive, theme-based destinations. In this sense, while the pyramid design of Xanadu did not manifest in The Mirage, its spirit of innovation—particularly the use of large public spaces, themed interiors, and the focus on entertainment and spectacle—can be traced back to the abandoned Xanadu project. These same principles would carry forward in many subsequent resorts.

    Excalibur Hotel and Casino: The Site of Xanadu’s Unbuilt Dream

    The Excalibur Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1990, was built on the very land where the Xanadu project was proposed. Although Excalibur took a radically different direction with its medieval castle theme, it still carried forward the idea of a massive, visually impressive resort that prioritized spectacle and accessibility. Excalibur’s sheer size, whimsical architecture, and emphasis on family-friendly entertainment echoed the original vision for Xanadu, even if it took a more fantastical approach.

    Excalibur’s design reflects the direction Las Vegas would take in the 1990s—where large-scale, family-oriented resorts became the norm. Like Xanadu, Excalibur aimed to create an immersive experience, offering guests not just a place to gamble, but an entire world to explore. The focus on broad appeal, including family and tourist-friendly amenities, was in line with Xanadu’s ambition to be more than just a casino.

    Wider Influence on Las Vegas Resort Development

    Xanadu’s conceptual design, particularly its emphasis on grandiosity and scale, helped pave the way for the development of larger, more complex resorts in Las Vegas. Over time, the city’s resorts became less about gambling and more about creating experiences. The success of these larger-than-life resorts, fueled by design ideas similar to those of Xanadu, transformed Las Vegas into a global entertainment destination.

    For instance, the iconic Caesars Palace Forum Shops, which opened in 1992, brought the idea of integrating immersive, theme-driven experiences into Las Vegas resorts. The Forum Shops’ Roman architecture and sprawling layout offered a combination of high-end shopping and entertainment, establishing an even stronger bond between leisure, luxury, and spectacle. Similarly, Paris Las Vegas and The Venetian Resort relied heavily on immersive, grand-scale architectural designs—ideas that could trace their roots back to the original Xanadu vision.

    Even in later years, developments like CityCenter (opened in 2009) continued to embrace large-scale, multifunctional designs. The vast public spaces, integrated shopping, and entertainment experiences found in places like the Aria Hotel and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas show how the principles of grandeur, scale, and thematic experience first explored in Xanadu became staples of Las Vegas resort development.

    Conclusion: Xanadu’s Enduring Legacy

    Though the Xanadu Hotel and Casino was never built, its conceptual designs had a lasting impact on the architectural landscape of Las Vegas. The bold pyramid shapes, grand atriums, and emphasis on spectacle that were central to Xanadu’s vision influenced some of the most iconic developments on the Strip, most notably the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Furthermore, the idea of creating massive, immersive resorts that offered more than just gambling was an ethos that helped shape the development of Las Vegas into the entertainment capital of the world.

    The Xanadu project may have been abandoned, but its legacy lives on in the modern architecture of Las Vegas. The bold vision that the Xanadu project embodied helped to inspire the resort designs of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, solidifying Las Vegas as a city defined by its commitment to opulence, spectacle, and architectural innovation.

    For those curious about the full scope of Xanadu’s original design and its influences, materials from the original plans and renderings are housed at the UNLV Special Collections, offering a unique glimpse into a Las Vegas dream that never came to life.

  • The Xanadu project was proposed in 1975

    The Xanadu project, which was proposed in 1975 for a prime location on the Las Vegas Strip, never came to fruition but remains an intriguing chapter in the city’s resort history. The ambitious plan for this $150-million, 1755-room resort casino was to be located at the southwest corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, an area considered ripe for development at the time. The property, spanning 48.6 acres, had previously been earmarked for a twin hotel to the Tropicana in 1973, which added to the site’s initial appeal.

    The Xanadu project was championed by Howard Downes, a Florida-based developer, who owned the land. It involved the expertise of Martin Stern Jr., a prominent architect whose previous work had shaped several iconic Las Vegas landmarks. Stern was tasked with designing the resort’s striking hotel and casino, which featured an ambitious pyramid and atrium design. Though this design did not materialize for Xanadu, elements of it would later appear in other notable projects, such as the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, the Mirage, and the Luxor in Las Vegas

    Despite having received approval from county commissioners and being situated on an open, prime site, construction on Xanadu never began. Factors contributing to the abandonment of the project are not entirely clear, but such ambitious ventures in Las Vegas often faced challenges, including financing hurdles and shifting market conditions. The plot where Xanadu was supposed to rise eventually became home to the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1990.

    The Xanadu proposal was part of a larger trend in the 1970s where Las Vegas sought to reinvent itself, shifting from a city known primarily for its mob ties and gaming to a family-friendly resort destination with large, themed hotels and entertainment options. While Xanadu itself did not come to life, its vision played a role in shaping the direction for the iconic structures that followed. The design ideas for the pyramid shape, the atrium space, and the massive scale were later incorporated into Las Vegas projects, especially in the designs of the Luxor and Mirage, two resorts that revolutionized the Strip.

    The Xanadu project remains a fascinating example of how architectural and development trends shape the Las Vegas landscape. Though it never materialized, the ideas that defined Xanadu had a lasting influence, shaping not just the Strip but the broader landscape of large resort casinos in the U.S. For those interested in a deeper dive into the proposed Xanadu project and the cultural context of Las Vegas resort design, the Dreaming the Skyline collection at UNLV Special Collections offers a wealth of archival material.