Security Breach: Construction Site at the Monte Carlo Hotel

We were anxious to get a look at the construction going on at Monte Carlo, part of a $100 million development project bound to dramatically change the look of the Las Vegas Strip. Unfortunately, the construction is behind tall, draped fences.

Deep sigh.
Deep sigh.

Next door, New York-New York is kind enough to put holes in its construction walls, making it easier to get a look. No such luck at Monte Carlo.

Time to get creative. We put our camera on a monopod and extended it over the fence for a bird’s eye peek at the work-in-progress. If it were a really low-flying bird. With a digital camera.

Don't try to thwart this Las Vegas blog. We are unthwartable.
Don’t try to thwart this Las Vegas blog. We are unthwartable.

Existing structures and walkways are being removed to make way for, among other things, new restaurants and bars, including 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria (pizzas in a minute) and Double Barrel, an “old-world rustic barn saloon,” which certainly clears up any confusion about the name, doesn’t it?

Stop pushing dirt around and build something!
Stop acting like this is a sandbox and build something!

The outdoor plaza project is being done in conjunction with a planned 20,000-seat arena behind New York-New York and Monte Carlo. The arena is expected to cost $400 million, a cost which will be recouped by the sale of stale pretzels and possibly cotton candy. Unless we just made that last part up.

One of the construction guys is apparently in a 12-step program.
One of the construction guys is apparently in a 12-step program.

The park-line dining and retail plaza is expected to open in phases, between 2014 and 2016. Translation: There’s room to fudge it if there are construction delays.

This has to be one of the neatest construction sites, ever.
This has to be one of the neatest construction sites, ever.

MGM Resorts says the development project will “encourage social interaction and people-watching” and “enliven one of the city’s most exciting intersections.” Because, in our book, if anything says “Las Vegas excitement,” it’s an intersection. An enlivened intersection, even better.

We can't wait to socially interact here!
We can’t wait to socially interact here!

Stay tuned for updates about the construction at Monte Carlo and other Las Vegas newness on the way.