Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc., a Las Vegas-based corporation that owns a string of hotel casinos, (including Circus Circus), is planning to construct a 12-story, 4,000-room resort hotel and casino, replacing the Hacienda Hotel and casino that was razed in Las Vegas as a New Year's Eve spectacle. "Project Paradise," as it is tentatively named, began construction in February, and plans to open its doors in the fall of 1998. All project team members, including Landscape Architects, are from Circus CIrcus Development, a subsidiary of Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc. "Project Paradise" will feature a 10-acre tropical centerpiece which will hold a swim-up shark exhibit and a surfing beach along with other features, all located behind the hotel. Taken from the culture of the ancient South Seas, the design concept will invite all tourists, visitors, and gamblers into a paradise of gardens, waterfalls, and mythical statuary. Restaurants will be situated around richly developed landscape atmospheres, including one that resembles a swan island. On the roof above a microbrewery, (which is themed as a sugar refinery), rain will fall on and off throughout the day and night. A Masterplan Mile in development will run from Tropicana Boulevard to Russel Road along the Strip (See LASN, July 1996, "Strip Tease"). This created environment will be expanded upon to become the most prominent resort in size, space and visibility to visitors entering Las Vegas. Four Seasons Hotel is also joining in on the action by positioning its own 400- room, five-star luxury hotel in front of "Project Paradise." An upscale retail walkway will be constructed as a connector between both hotels. Log onto www.landscapearchitect.com and check out the February "Resort Development" issue in digital format! PICTURED IS A RENDERING OF THE PLANNED "PROJECT PARADISE", WHICH WILL BE SURROUNDED BY LUSH, EYE-CATCHING LANDSCAPE DESIGN. THE CORPORATION ANTICIPATES A FINAL BUDGET WILL BE ANNOUNCED WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND LASN WILL KEEP YOU APPRISED OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS. Illustration provided courtesy of Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc.