VegasChatter

This design homage is to a time when Eastern downtown districts were filled with warehouses. The "Warehouse Era," they are calling it. Calling it an era is, just for the record, an entirely specious invention by the company. Nevertheless, we wondered if there's a kind of an Atlantic City Boardwalk Empire approach at work. They are building an Empire Room, complete with bar.

What we've actually seen makes it look, at first glance, like a less fussy exterior of New York-New York (shown above). An early 20th century city block. With lots of faux antique and vintage details. The dome on top of the East Tower has enough ornate wrought iron to choke Monsieur Eiffel. Fake signage for food and retail will include nods to old Vegas traders and gives the idea that an old saloon and casino lie inside. Treated brickwork is painted to look weathered and goose-neck lamps will illuminate the setting.

While we're waiting to happily discover examples of a "new standard for luxury, sophistication and style" as further promised by the owners, (although this is the same company that refers to the Gold Spike as a "boutique resort") our current research has encountered what we feel is a muddled design. We're particularly un-fond of the current fonts. Yep, fonts. The sign over the porte cochere is dreadfully weak.

We'll reveal much more details in future posts. And, also discuss the importance of Downtown Grand's crucial role in creating a new "corridor" that consolidates this section east of Fremont. Whatever the look, Downtown Grand has been overlooked as an integral component in the area's future. Far more than than a fire-breathing praying mantis.

(PHOTOS: VegasChatter, Fifth Street Gaming, New York, New York)