Wynn Philadelphia gave a presentation at the Pennsylvania Gaming
Congress at the Loews Hotel in Philadelphia. They were represented by Gamal Aziz.
Gamal Aziz has been appointed president and COO of Steve Wynn’s new company, Wynn Resorts Development LLC. Aziz has known Wynn for decades and helped Wynn open the Bellagio as that hotel’s senior vice president, a post he held from 1998-2000.
Mr. Aziz joined MGM Resorts International in 1998 as Senior Vice President at Bellagio and played an integral role in the resort's opening and early success. In 2001, he was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM Grand, where he has overseen a multi-year evolution in the resort's offerings that has led the property to debut more than 36 major new venues since 2001. He also has held executive positions at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the Plaza in New York, the Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C., and the St. Francis in San Francisco.
He has expertise in the developing of new sites and plans to oversee the
proposed projects here in Philadelphia and Boston. At the conclusion of
the Pennsylvania Gaming Congress in Philadelphia last week, I was able
to ask Mr. Aziz several questions regarding Wynn Philadelphia and other
gaming related issues.
Mr Aziz started his presentation with the following quote. "We dream up
a wondrous place and then have a wonderful time bringing them to life."
- Steve Wynn
1). Will Wynn Philadelphia be developed in phases? Mr. Aziz - "This entire
project will be completed in one phase. Financing is in place where incremental development will not be necessary."
2). Would Wynn Philadelphia be comparable to the casino hotels in Las Vegas and Atlantic City? Mr. Aziz - "Yes. It will have over 300 rooms, fine dining, a nightclub and other amenities. Wynn Resorts is the leading casino resort operator in the world. Wynn Philadelphia would reflect that."
3). Would you look at this property as a destination? If so, what is the hook for the local guy? Mr. Aziz - We will target tourists and affluent customers.
We will also appeal to the residents of Philadelphia by building a 22 acre park and opening up the riverfront for public access."
4). Would Wynn Philadelphia cannibalize the current casino market?
Mr. Aziz - "No. We will grow the market. We would compliment what is
presently available."
presently available."
5). Wynn Resorts are currently bidding for the site in Boston. If successful,
how will that effect Wynn Philadelphia? Mr. Aziz - "Building two properties at approximately the same time will not diminish our efforts. The two destinations will not take away from each other. The designs will be similar but the details entirely different. The amenities will be inspired by the cities they are located."
6). What is consistent about the properties you develop? Mr. Aziz - "We believe in
blended space. We mesh outdoor and indoor environments in all of our
restaurants and spas."
7). New Jersey is embarking in the area of online gaming. How do you think they will do? Mr. Aziz - "I believe they will do very well."
The following are an site renderings of what Wynn Philadelphia will look
like.
Compare the rendering above to the following Las Vegas Hotel.
Look familiar?
I want to thank Mr. Aziz for taking time for my questions. I also want to thank Sarah Lindsay and Braithwaite Communications for making this possible. Additional information about Wynn Philadelphia can be obtain by
contacting Sarah at slindsay@gobraithwaite.com.
Correction. In my original post, It was implied that 60% of the revenue from Wynn Philadelphia would come from non - gaming amenities. This is consistent with Las Vegas properties. This was not the projection associated with this project. When that information is available, I will post an update.
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