The first phase will include 50 acres of resort and casino development and an additional 20 acres featuring a retail and entertainment destination. The project is scheduled to break ground in fall 2006 and open its first phase in summer 2008. It will be the first major casino-resort travelers will see when entering the Las Vegas Valley from California.

Goett says the plan is to attract both tourists and locals including residents of surrounding residential communities, which include Southern Highlands, Silverado Ranch, Anthem, Seven Hills and Green Valley. "Increased population growth and market demand have made the South Strip the next area of resort development," he says.

The $750-million initial phase will include a 610-room hotel; a casino; a spa, fitness center and salon facility; a large-scale convention and meeting facility; a dozen restaurants; a multi-level entertainment venue; and a retail center. A company source tells GlobeSt.com that future phases will add as many as 1,800 additional hotel rooms.