Miami
Fontainebleau Las Vegas finally opens in Las Vegas
By Roger Gros meets the
StriP
The Fontainebleau in Miami is an iconic property that has shone over South Beach for decades . Time wasn ’ t kind to the Fontainebleau , however , as it went through many owners , renovations and media mentions — positive and negative — over the years .
But when Jeffrey Soffer ’ s Turnberry Associates bought the property in 2005 , the Fontainebleau re-emerged as the most noted resort in Miami Beach . After Soffer split from Turnberry , his Fontainebleau Development now owns the hotel and several other luxury properties in Miami and Nashville , as well as continuing to develop luxury high-rise residences .
But it wasn ’ t until Soffer turned his eyes on Las Vegas that the company began to realize Fontainebleau ’ s full potential . Unfortunately , when the proposal to build Fontainebleau Las Vegas was first announced in 2005 , it was only a year away from the worst recession U . S . has experienced since the 1970s .
Nonetheless , construction began in 2007 and reached its full 67 stories two years later . While it was — and still is — Nevada ’ s tallest occupiable building , it was not the be occupied for another 15 years . In 2009 , the property entered bankruptcy , and it went through multiple owners until Soffer reacquired the property with Koch Real Estate Investments in 2021 , reinstated the original name , and resumed construction . When it opened in December 2023 , it seems the wait was well worth it .
“ For over 20 years , I ’ ve had this vision of seeing the Fontainebleau brand on the Strip ,” Soffer told GGB .
“ Regaining ownership of the property allowed us to fulfill that vision . Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a beacon of our future and a testament to turning unexpected challenges into resounding triumphs . We are carrying over an irresistible , luxury allure reminiscent of Fontainebleau Miami Beach . We ’ re looking to reintroduce luxury into
14 Global Gaming Business JANUARY 2024