Clark County Approves 29-Story Heart-Shaped Resort at Former SkyVue Site on South Las Vegas Strip

Clark County commissioners unanimously approved plans for a new 752-room hotel-casino resort that will rise 29 stories at the long-vacant SkyVue site on the south Las Vegas Strip, a location that previously held an unfinished observation wheel across from Mandalay Bay. Developer Eli Applebaum through Kulik River Capital will convert the existing concrete support columns into an elevated sky venue restaurant while adding a distinctive heart-shaped glass facade featuring an LED display, along with a casino floor, multiple restaurants, retail space, a pool deck, entertainment venues, convention facilities, and structured parking.

Site History and Project Integration

The SkyVue parcel sat undeveloped for years after the observation wheel project stalled, leaving large concrete columns in place that now form the structural base for the new resort's signature elevated dining area. Commissioners reviewed updated renderings that showed how the heart-shaped facade will wrap the tower, creating a visual landmark visible from the Strip and surrounding roadways. The design keeps the columns intact rather than demolishing them, which reduces material costs and shortens the overall construction timeline while preserving the engineering work already completed on the site.

Height Adjustments and Federal Clearance

Project planners lowered the proposed height to secure Federal Aviation Administration clearance, a step required because the location sits along a major flight corridor serving Harry Reid International Airport. The FAA reviewed the revised plans and granted approval after confirming that the adjusted tower elevation would not interfere with aircraft operations. County records show the height reduction occurred during the final permitting phase, allowing the application to move forward without further delays.

Approval Process and County Review

Commissioners examined traffic studies, environmental assessments, and economic impact reports before granting unanimous approval. The process included public hearings where representatives from Kulik River Capital presented updated designs and addressed questions about construction phasing and operational plans. County staff confirmed that all zoning requirements and building codes had been met under the revised height parameters, clearing the way for building permits to be issued in the coming months.

Developer Background and Next Steps

Eli Applebaum, operating through Kulik River Capital, has moved the project from concept to approved status by incorporating feedback from both county planners and federal regulators. Construction timelines released during the approval meeting indicate site preparation will begin once permits are finalized, with the existing columns serving as the foundation for the upper-level restaurant structure. The heart-shaped facade and LED system will be installed as the tower rises, creating the exterior signature that distinguishes the resort from neighboring properties.

Conclusion

The unanimous vote marks the formal start of a new chapter for the long-dormant SkyVue parcel, converting an unfinished observation wheel foundation into a 752-room integrated resort with gaming, dining, and entertainment components. With FAA clearance secured and county approvals in place, the project now advances toward permitting and groundbreaking under the direction of Kulik River Capital.