Clark County Approves Heart-Shaped Casino Resort on Former SkyVue Site

Clark County commissioners have given unanimous approval to a 752-room, 29-story casino resort that features a distinctive heart-shaped glass facade with integrated LED displays, and the project now moves forward on the long-vacant south Las Vegas Strip parcel once earmarked for the failed SkyVue observation wheel. Developer Eli Applebaum, operating through Kulik River Capital, will incorporate the existing concrete support columns from the earlier project into an elevated sky venue restaurant while adding a full casino floor, multiple restaurants, retail outlets, a pool deck, entertainment zones, convention space, and structured parking.

Site History and Project Reuse

The parcel sat dormant after the SkyVue wheel project stalled in 2012, leaving behind substantial concrete foundations that Applebaum's team has now integrated into the new design, and this approach reduces both construction time and material costs while satisfying county requirements for adaptive reuse of prior infrastructure. The heart-shaped facade will rise 29 stories with LED lighting capable of dynamic displays, creating a visual landmark visible from multiple points along the Strip corridor.

Key Design Elements and Amenities

Plans call for the sky venue restaurant to sit atop the reused columns, offering elevated dining with panoramic views, while the ground and lower levels house the casino floor, additional dining options, retail shops, and entertainment venues. A resort pool, convention facilities, and multi-level parking structures complete the program, and the total room count reaches 752 across the 29 floors. Height adjustments secured FAA clearance after initial reviews flagged potential aviation concerns, allowing the project to proceed without further delays.

Regulatory Approvals and Timeline

County commissioners reviewed the full package during a public hearing and voted unanimously in favor, clearing the way for permitting and groundbreaking phases, according to coverage on World Casino Directory. The FAA sign-off followed submission of revised elevation data that brought the structure within accepted airspace limits, and project documents indicate construction could begin later this year with an eye toward a multi-year build schedule. Observers note that the reuse of 2012-era foundations aligns with broader county goals for sustainable development on underutilized Strip parcels.

Developer Background and Next Steps

Eli Applebaum has positioned the resort as a fresh addition to the southern Strip gateway, capitalizing on the site's high visibility and existing infrastructure, while Kulik River Capital handles financing and development oversight. County staff confirmed that all zoning variances and design standards have been met, and the project now enters the detailed engineering and procurement stage. Additional details on interior layouts and operator partnerships remain forthcoming as the team advances toward construction milestones.

Conclusion

The approval marks a concrete step forward for a site that has lingered vacant for more than a decade, bringing renewed activity to the southern Strip through a combination of adaptive reuse, modern design, and standard regulatory clearances. Further updates will track permitting progress and any refinements to the heart-shaped facade or amenity mix as the project moves from concept to reality.