Just a week or so ago Cosmopolitan was the focus of discussions between Deutsche Bank, the current owner of the troubled resort, and MGM Mirage over the Las Vegas casino developer's potential involvement in managing it, possibly even becoming a part owner. These talks collapsed, though. But it didn't take long for a new party to emerge with a genuine interest in the project.
Hilton Hotels Corp. is currently busy at work on plans to launch a new hotel brand called Denizen Hotels. The product is going to be conveniently modern with global appeal that is complimented with a local accent. "Each property will be smart in design, cultural in character and sensitive in service delivery," according to their website.
With that in mind, Denizen Hotels has its eye on the Cosmopolitan and would predictably rename it, hoist the Denizen name plate on the roof. At this point, the ownership structure appears to be wide open. Supposedly company executives have been working onsite for some time already and they are openly talking about their involvement. Cosmopolitan on the other hand stays tight-lipped about this scenario, although it's widely known that Deutsche Bank does want unload it whenever something reasonable can be worked out.
The under-construction project sitting between MGM Mirage's CityCenter and the Bellagio includes over 2,000 condominium hotel units in the current blueprint. If a hotel operator takes over, the condo component may be history and could be, for instance, turned into nice suites. The Las Vegas real estate market is going through a painful correction and these high-rise units would likely have very little demand. Mortgage funds are almost non-existent and buyers scarce. Scrapping them, therefore, seems to be the realistic way to go.
For the sake of Sin City's currently somewhat battered image it would be a welcome boost to get the project finished and operated by an upscale hotelier.
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Provided by:
Esko Kiuru
Mortgage and real estate market commentator
www.BluefoxToday.com - syndicated mortgage and real estate blog
eskokiuru@gmail.com
My cell: 702-499-1006
Esko I remember you blog on this, and it is good that someone came along quickly. Sometimes there are silver linings in those dark clouds.
George,
To get a legitimate owner for Cosmopolitan is important for the whole city. Gives it confidence.
The major problem is that the infrastructure(roads, airport) can't handle the present glut of rooms let alone all the new rooms coming onto the market from CityCenter, Palazzo and Cosmo. As a result the purchasers of the Cosmo will continue to see the value of their Units fall. I was just in Vegas and despite the downturn the roads and airport are insufficient. There should be a moratorium on all building until the infrastructure catches up, and than you will see an increase in value of the Units.
Craig,
That's a valid observation. CityCenter, for instance, at full occupancy would severely strain the current road grid around it.