Jacobs Entertainment unveiled the new name for the Sands today, “J Resort” which was one of my guesses (S Resort was the other) based on trademark filings. Jacobs is billing the resort as ‘Nevada's first art and entertainment-themed resort property.” In addition to the sculptures on display along Reno's Neon Line, they will also highlight over $100 million of paintings and sculptures throughout the J Resort property. J Resort will join several the ranks of several prominent Southern Nevada casinos in displaying art/fine art on their property, including The Palms, Bellagio and Resorts World.
J Resort is in the midst of a $300,000,000 renovation of the former Sands property.
In the middle of February Jacobs submitted two permits for a large brand new 39,000 sf addition to the hotel casino, which includes a rooftop pool and spa.
The Permit Reads:
CASINO ADDITION. 39000 NEW SQ FT SITE IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED NORTH EXPANSION PROJECT. THIS WILL BE ADDITIONAL SF FOR NEW ENTRY PORTE COCHERE, LOBBY, GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT SPACE. SECOND FLOOR TO FEATURE FITNESS, SPA, POOL AND RELATED POOL AMENITIES. THIS DESIGN PACKAGE AND SUBMITTAL IS THE SITE WORK, FOUNDATION, AND CASINO ADDITION - T.I TO FOLLOW. INTERIOR FINISHES AND FIT OUT WILL BE A FUTURE SEPARATE PACKAGE.
Phase One of the J Resort development will be completed in June, however Jacobs Entertainment officials have decided to open half of the casino floor, along with 500 newly remodeled rooms effective immediately.
Phase One J Resort amenities will be completed and open in June, and will include:
● A completely remodeled casino, including over 600 new gaming positions
● Over 1,000 surface parking spaces for both valet and self-parking
● Hanna's Table - a new three-meal restaurant featuring a seasonal outdoor dining area
● J Paul's Italian Steakhouse
● Additional artwork
● Afterglow Lounge
● America's first 24/7 outdoor digital art wall. This 65 x 65 foot viewing screen will display cutting-edge digital art videos. For over a year, Jacobs Entertainment officials have been working with digital artists from around the world, creating visual content that can only be described as a “Must-See.”
Later this summer, Jacobs Entertainment will begin a $100 million Phase Two of the property. Phase Two of J Resort will include:
● A 400-position high ceiling extension of the gaming area
● Rooftop indoor/outdoor swimming pool and spa
● Asian food and gaming venue
● Sports themed lounge
● Additional art — including a sculpture currently being shaped for J Resort in Italy by world-renowned sculptor Richard Erdman.
After phase two is completed, Jacobs Entertainment will focus on some of the other components envisioned in the multi-year J Resort master plan. These components include a 6,500-seat Mountain View outdoor amphitheater, a large outdoor day pool, a 3,500-seat Vegas-style indoor showroom, a 400 seat dinner theater, a zip line 150 feet over Reno's Neon Line, over 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art conference space, additional enclosed parking, and over 1,200 additional resort guest rooms.
In addition to the hotel/casino renovations, The Glow Plaza is also now complete. Festivals and special events featured at The Glow Plaza Festival Grounds this year include the annual Reno Cinco De Mayo festival — projected to attract 20,000+ patrons over 3 days; Abbey Road — a two-day celebration of the Beatles; Pride Pre Parade Party — expected to attract an attendance of over 1,000; and Reno Latinfest. Additionally, the site will host a country and western-themed festival, a Reno Jazz Orchestra event, several festivals promoted by regional promoter BASS Camp, and many fundraising events including A Night Under the Stars, benefiting the Reno Rodeo Foundation Rhythm and Rawhide. The Glow Plaza Festival Grounds will host over 50 event days this year, with a vision to create over 100 event days.
I wasn’t able to attend the press event today due to a work emergency, so I’m not sure if there were also updates on the remainder of the Neon Line, including the residential project on the corner of Arlington Ave and 2nd Street.
