County OKs new retail project on Strip

By Eli Segall | Originally published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal | Aug. 20th, 2021


Clark County commissioners approved plans this week for a four-story retail project at CityCenter, clearing a hurdle for a local developer to put up more shopping space on the Strip.

County leaders on Wednesday gave the green light for developer Brett Torino’s plan to build a retail complex at the southwest corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue, next to luxury mall Shops at Crystals.

According to county documents, the project is expected to span 228,278 square feet, feature 21 leasable spaces, and include outdoor dining and drinking areas on the fourth floor.

The casino-choked Strip is already crammed with places to shop and eat, though Torino told the Review-Journal this week that his property is in a pedestrian-filled corridor and that more than half of the project is leased.

He aims to start vertical construction within 60 days and to open the complex — which, at least for now, is called Project63 — by October 2022.

Torino and project partner Flag Luxury Group, a New York developer, teamed up to acquire the 2-acre site for around $80 million. As measured by price per acre, the sky-high valuation exceeded land deals on Las Vegas Boulevard even during the frenzied mid-2000s real estate bubble.

Their parcel was home to the never-finished Harmon hotel, a structurally flawed project that sparked massive litigation and was ultimately dismantled several years ago.

The sale to Torino’s group — by casino giant MGM Resorts International and its partner in the sprawling CityCenter project, government-owned holding company Dubai World – was announced in April and closed in June.

Torino’s new site is across the intersection from Harmon Corner, a three-story retail complex that he and Flag Luxury developed about a decade ago.

Contact Eli Segall at [email protected] or 702-383-0342. Follow @eli_segall on Twitter.

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A September Moment with the Founder
In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are immensely proud of our longstanding partnership of over two decades with @nvccf. Together, we have diligently championed the cause of raising awareness about this illness and have been dedicated to advancing services provided to the children and their families. Over the years, our collaborative efforts have resulted in the development of educational services for children undergoing treatments and the establishment of a refuge through the summer camps at Torino Ranch, where cherished memories are created, offering a respite from the challenges faced by these young fighters. @kariofmanycolors @celenahaas1
School starts on Aug. 7 and the @bretttorinofoundation Education Services of @nvccf is there every step of the way. This program gives diagnosed children the opportunity to continue their education while in treatment, recovery, and post treatment with Brett Torino Foundation Learning Pod at @nvccf, Brett Torino Foundation “Heart of Education” Scholarship, School Re-Entry Team, Advocacy, Back to School in Style, C.A.P.S. PROGRAM, and more.

Please call Mrs. K at NVCCF at 702.735.8434 or email her at nicki@nvccf.org for more information and education support. This program is available to critically ill children (K-12) diagnosed with life threatening illnesses including cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, renal, blood, and immunologic diseases, their siblings, as well as to children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer and registered with The Caring Place Program.
🎉 Congratulations to @nvccf Jeff, Stephanie, and the entire team! What a remarkable honor, and we couldn't be more proud to collaborate with you on Camp Cartwheel and the BTF educational services and programs throughout the year. Your dedication to the children and the Las Vegas Community is truly commendable. Thank you, NVCCF, for making a positive impact on so many lives! 🙌🏼 #givingback
A round of applause for another captivating camp experience with @sunshinenevadaorg! Immerse yourself in the world of camp I AM and TLC through this informative video, capturing the essence of camp life. While camp may be seen as a typical experience for some children, for those living with autism, it is an extraordinary and transformative journey. From engaging activities to forming meaningful connections with others and nature, both the campers and volunteers have created countless cherished memories. Stay connected with us throughout the year for captivating camp images on our social media, pages and website.
ICYMI: Proud to partner with @saveredrock and other local groups @centennial_subaru @republic_services and more for Lovell Canyon clean up with nearly 100 volunteers. We are committed to the continuous preservation and beauty of our nature lands.
Thrilled to host @Sunshinenevadaorg summer camp at Torino Ranch helping those living with autism, we have waited more than 3 years to see all these smiling faces of the children. Can’t wait to host you all again next year! #givingback
It takes a village to support children with critical illnesses, to wrap services around them, and ensure that they and their families feel deeply supported. Summer camp fun not only brings joy but also instills strength and courage within them, empowering them to face medical challenges throughout the year. Together, we form a close-knit family, united in our dedication to their well-being. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ @nvccf @8newsnow @8newsnowkirsten @kirsten.joyce
Last week, Brett Torino Foundation and @nvccf Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation held the 27th annual Camp Cartwheel Summer Camp at Torino Ranch for critically ill children diagnosed with cancer, or other life-threatening illnesses. Over the decades many thousands of children have experienced the ranch since 1999, the foundation is committed to those we serve.
It’s beginning to look a lot like 🎄at the ranch. 
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
#happyholidays #glitteringlights #night #winter #wonderland #holidaylights
Have you visited Lovell Canyon? 🏔

Our team has worked for years with a specialized task force to make this area safe and environmentally healthy. We’re incredibly proud of the clean up and preservation work we’ve achieved. 

Come see this natural wonder!
Hoping your plates and hearts are bountiful today. Happy Thanksgiving 🍁
Now is the time of year for gratitude. What are you grateful for? 
🙏🌻🍁
Be kind to one another, the environment, and all living creatures. 🙏