VEGAS INC Magazine - Latest Las Vegas business news, features and commentaries about gaming, tourism, real estate and more
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DOWNTOWN TOURISM FINALISTS NAMED TO FILL VACANCY ON TOURISM COMMISSION By Richard N. Velott asenior staff writer The recently revamped Nevada Tourism Commission has sent the names of three finalists for its vacant director's position to Gov. Brian Sandoval. The commission unanimously recommended forwarding the names of: ■ Larry Friedman, acting director of the Tourism NEW LOOK: The casino fl oor at the Plaza was overhauled as a part of the downtown property's $35 million renovation. Plaza Goes Uptown By Delen Goldbergstaff writer No walls were knocked down, no towers went up, but the Plaza has an entirely new look. The resort's yearlong, $35 million overhaul is complete. "This is the only major renovation the Plaza has had since being built in 1971 and having the dome added," spokeswoman Amy Maier said. "They've had mini-makeovers, but nothing this extensive." Rooms were redesigned, restaurants rebranded and the casino refurbished. And there are more changes on the way. Here's a look at what has come and what has gone: RENOVATED ROOMS They're more upscale-Strip than old-school downtown. The Plaza's 1,000-plus guest rooms now feature flat-screen TVs, sleek glass tables and leather furniture in modern earth tones with pops of color — a far cry from the hotel's old, smoke-soaked linens and wood-laminate accessories. Marble, tile and granite replaced bathroom fiberglass. Owner Tamares Las Vegas Properties scored most of the furnishings and materials from the stalled Fontainebleau project. The company SEE PLAZA PAGE 8 NOW SERVING LAS VEGAS NEW & PRE-OWNED Save up to 60% off MSRP! TOP RATED SHOWROOM IN LAS VEGAS | DELIVERY & INSTALLATION AVAILABLE | 26 SEPTEMBER 2011 | 95 Vegas then VEGASinc2021 Gate keeper American dream ? ? ? ? ? ! The innovator FortuneCookie $ Grilled The Survivor 1.800.952.8807 | www.offi ce-furniture-concepts.com | 4325 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, 89103 | Open: M–F 9am – 6pm; Sat 11–4; Closed Sunday 7 Moonlighting NEW CASINO FLOOR The 80,000-square-foot casino fl oor got a complete redo, with new carpet, paint and fi xtures. It includes 28 table games and 800 slot and video poker machines. Although the hotel was closed for almost a year, the casino shut its doors for only about two months. Pick 'Em Get smart Power Lunch CLICK THIS .com For the complete version of this story, including a look at coming renovations, go to vegasinc.com. Buy high Sell low VEGASINCmag The Numbers Commission, where he has been employed for 20 years. He has managed international and domestic sales efforts, representing the state at trade and domestic shows and led tours of Nevada. ■ Frank Nocera, who served as a senior executive at Visit Florida, a nonprofit group that promoted SEE FINALISTS PAGE 8 COURTS Power tweets THIRD SUIT FILED OVER DOTTY'S BUSINESS MODEL Overheard Done Deal Sin City Media By Steve Greensenior staff writer A third lawsuit has been filed over efforts by Chatter We hear Executive class adopted rules requiring small bar-like gaming operators to have a permanent bar with seating for at least nine customers and a restaurant with seating for at least 20 people, among other things. YOUR AD HERE Read this! The Pitch is back SEE DOTTY'S PAGE 8 regulators to rein in the Dotty's slot machine parlor business model in Nevada. The Nevada Gaming Commission on Aug. 25 S E RVING SOUTHE RN NEVADA S INC E 1 9 9 8 JUSTIN M. BOWEN