- SummerSouth Insider
- Posts
- 🛣 New I-15 Tropicana On-Ramp Construction Progresses as Part of Major Infrastructure Overhaul
🛣 New I-15 Tropicana On-Ramp Construction Progresses as Part of Major Infrastructure Overhaul
Issue #263 - August 26, 2024
John Wu
26 Aug
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
🚀Exciting News Ahead & We Need Your Support!🌟
Hello, amazing subscribers! We're gearing up for some thrilling developments and can't wait to share them with you! But here's the thing – we need a little boost from our most valued members: You! 🙌
Here's How You Can Make a Huge Impact:
💌Spread the Word: If you love our daily newsletter, why not share it? Whether it's family, friends, neighbors, or the friendly faces running local businesses – if you think they'll enjoy our content as much as you do, let them know! Your recommendation means the world to us and helps our community grow.
👍 Join Us on Facebook: Ready for more engaging content? Simply visit our Facebook page at SummerSouth Insider and hit that 'Like'
and ‘Follow’ button! It's a click away but makes a massive difference. Plus, you'll be in the loop for exclusive updates and conversations!
Your support is the backbone of our journey. Together, let's build a community where everyone benefits from insightful, daily content. Thank you for being a part of our exciting path forward! 🌈💪
Funeral Advantage Plan
There’s a new low cost final expense insurance plan available for seniors between 50-85. This plan can cover all of your final expenses:
✅burial
✅cremation
✅flowers
✅viewing
✅caskets
✅urns, and so much more.
To learn more, watch this short video presentation here.
Apply NOW to lock in your low rate. Rates will go up as you age. The sooner you act, the sooner you'll save!
📆 Weekly Local Events for August 2024
Regular weekly events in or near Summerlin, Las Vegas are listed below.
Visit here to lookup specific venue information or for upcoming and/or non-weekly events on Meetup.
Monday
Monday Classes At Latin Blendz: (Every week on Monday @ 10AM)
Socially Vegas - Monday Night Bowling @ The Orleans Bowling Center: Must arrive/check-in before 7pm; 7 - 10pm (Every week on Monday); COST (CASH Only) $10 for 2 games (includes shoes) COST: $12 for 3 games (includes shoes)
Monday Night TRIVIA at ReBAR, 1225 S Main St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Monday @ 7PM)
Tuesday
Terrific Tuesday Fun Pickleball @ Police Memorial, Bring a Chair: (Every week on Tuesday @ 2PM)
Sand Volleyball Intermediate, Rusty and Old Time Players @ Aloha Shores Park (NW), Cheyenne & Buffalo, 7550 Sauer St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8 PM)
Run Drink Las Vegas - Weekly Tuesday Run @ Frankie’s Uptown patio: 6:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/Thursday)
Wednesday
Business Leads Group - Networking Breakfast @ Summit Restaurant, Eagle Crest Golf Course, 2215 Thomas W Ryan Blvd, Las Vegas: Cost $20 cash, 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Early Risers Toastmasters Meeting (In-Person - Summerlin Egg Works / Online Event: 7 - 8 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Wednesday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Speakers & Leaders of Summerlin Toastmasters Meeting, Summerlin Egg Works, 2025 Village Center Cir, Las Vegas: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Live Music Yoga w/ Cheryl Slader @ Blue Sky Yoga: (Suggested Donation $12); 5:30 - 6:45 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Country Crossroads Dance, Rhythms Dance Studio & Event Center, 4545 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas: $15 Drop-in Rate / $50 for the whole month: 8 - 9 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Thursday
Abundance Business Networking Group Online Event: 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Thursday). Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for networking. Steps to access our BNI Online™ Virtual Chapter Meeting, visit website.
Las Vegas Real Estate Investors Association - Weekly Power Lunch For Real Estate Investors: 11 AM - 1 PM (Every week on Thursday). Request to join here.
Free Salsa Classes @ Feel The Music Dance Studio: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Thursday). Visit the website to register online.
Summerlin Bitcoin Happy Hour, SG Bar, 9580 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas: 6:30 PM (Every week on Thursday)
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/Thursday)
Friday
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Flow & Yin W / Noé Hilyard @ Yoga Sanctuary: 6 - 7:15 PM (Every week on Friday) View Yoga Sanctuary's full schedule.
Swing Dancing in Las Vegas Vintage and Modern Swing Dances @ The Mint Tavern: 7:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Friday)
Saturday
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Saturday Morning Meditation with Practitioner Selina Kelly @ Yoga Kandy, LLC. Cost: Love Donation $5-$10 suggested. 11 - 11:45 AM (Every week on Saturday)
Sunday
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Sunday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Sunday)
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Level 1 West Coast Swing @ 2580 N Rancho Dr, North Las Vegas: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Tuesday); Drop in Rate is $15, Monthly pass is $50; Register online.
⛽ Las Vegas Gas Prices
🛣 New I-15 Tropicana On-Ramp Construction Progresses as Part of Major Infrastructure Overhaul
If you've recently driven along Interstate 15 near Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas, you've likely noticed the massive structure rising along the southbound lanes. This new construction is part of a significant infrastructure project designed to improve traffic flow in one of the city's busiest areas. The structure in question is a new on-ramp that will eventually connect Tropicana Avenue to I-15 southbound, a key element of the $305 million I-15-Tropicana project that has been underway for several years.
Key Features of the New On-Ramp
The on-ramp, which will span half a mile in length once completed, is a critical component of the Nevada Department of Transportation’s (NDOT) broader efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure in the area. According to NDOT spokeswoman Kelsey McFarland, the on-ramp will include a bridge portion measuring 650 feet in length and standing 16.5 feet above the road below. This elevated section is designed to facilitate smoother traffic flow by allowing vehicles to bypass the current signalized intersection at Tropicana and Dean Martin Drive.
The new on-ramp will initially feature three lanes at the entrance, which will merge into a single lane after passing a ramp meter. This meter is part of a collector-distributor road system that helps manage traffic moving from less congested roads to more heavily trafficked arterial routes. In addition to providing access to I-15, this collector-distributor road will offer a direct connection to the 215 Beltway, further enhancing mobility for drivers in the area.
Improved Access to Allegiant Stadium and Surrounding Areas
One of the key benefits of the new on-ramp is its role in reconfiguring Dean Martin Drive, which will run beneath the elevated ramp. This design change eliminates the need for left turns at the Tropicana and Dean Martin intersection, simplifying the route for westbound Tropicana travelers heading south on Dean Martin toward Allegiant Stadium. The reconfiguration is expected to improve traffic flow significantly, especially during events at the stadium, by allowing drivers to avoid the current stoplight and continue smoothly to their destinations.
Despite these changes, Dean Martin Drive will retain its current capacity of two lanes in each direction, ensuring that traffic can continue to move efficiently through the area.
Complementary Infrastructure Enhancements
The new on-ramp is just one part of the larger I-15-Tropicana project, which includes several other significant infrastructure improvements. The recently completed I-15 Harmon Avenue half interchange, for example, now provides motorists traveling northbound on I-15 with direct access to either Dean Martin Drive to the west or the Las Vegas Strip to the east. This interchange also offers an alternative route for accessing the freeway from Allegiant Stadium or the resort corridor, easing congestion during peak times.
As part of the ongoing project, NDOT is also reconstructing and raising the Tropicana interchange. This involves widening the bridge over I-15 and enhancing the on-and-off-ramps to accommodate increased traffic volumes. The southbound I-15 to eastbound Tropicana flyover ramp has been partially reconstructed, and further work will see the I-15 northbound off-ramp to Arena Drive widened. These improvements will include better pedestrian access to both T-Mobile Arena and Dean Martin Drive, further integrating the transportation network in this vital area of Las Vegas.
Project Timeline and Future Outlook
Work on the new Tropicana to I-15 on-ramp is expected to continue into the next year, with the ramp slated to open to traffic by the end of February, according to NDOT's project schedule. As the I-15-Tropicana project progresses, these enhancements will not only alleviate current traffic issues but also support the area's continued growth and the increasing demands on its infrastructure.
Once completed, these upgrades are expected to provide long-term benefits for residents, commuters, and visitors alike, enhancing connectivity and reducing congestion in one of Las Vegas's most crucial traffic corridors.
🏀 A’ja Wilson’s Buzzer-Beater Lifts Aces Over Sky in Thrilling 77-75 Victory
Chennedy Carter may have earned her nickname “Hollywood” for making dramatic plays, but it was A’ja Wilson who stole the spotlight in the Las Vegas Aces’ heart-stopping 77-75 win over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena on Sunday.
In the final moments of the game, Carter hit a stunning 3-pointer with just 1.1 seconds left, tying the score and setting the stage for a dramatic finish. The Aces, however, had one more play up their sleeve. Coach Becky Hammon called a timeout, and point guard Chelsea Gray inbounded the ball with a precise pass to Wilson, who was set up by a crucial screen from Kelsey Plum. The screen left Wilson with a favorable matchup against Lindsay Allen, and she wasted no time, catching the ball and immediately putting up a shot over Allen that sank as the buzzer sounded.
Wilson’s clutch shot capped off a challenging game for the star forward, who had struggled offensively, making just 8 of 28 shots from the field. Despite her shooting woes, Wilson finished with a team-high 20 points and 18 rebounds, underlining her importance to the Aces in both scoring and rebounding.
“This is what we’re supposed to do. This is the game. This is the entertainment. This is what you guys came to see,” Wilson said, reflecting on the dramatic win.
A Game of Highs and Lows
The game was marked by Wilson’s early struggles, as she managed only 3 of 13 shooting in the first quarter, scoring eight points while Tiffany Hayes was the only other Aces player to score during the period. The Aces trailed 17-12 at the end of the quarter.
Wilson’s frustration continued into the third quarter, missing open shots and jokingly blaming the “basketball gods” for her misfortune. Despite these challenges, the Aces managed to stay competitive, thanks in part to contributions from Plum, who scored 18 points, and center Megan Gustafson, who added 13 points in her first start for the team.
Chicago, led by Carter’s 25 points, proved to be a formidable opponent. Rookie Angel Reese also had a standout performance with 11 points and a season-high 22 rebounds, tying WNBA legend Tina Charles for the most double-doubles by a rookie in league history. Reese made history by becoming the first player in WNBA history to grab at least 20 rebounds in three consecutive games.
Gustafson’s Impactful Start
Hammon’s decision to start Gustafson next to the Aces’ “Core Four” of Wilson, Gray, Plum, and Jackie Young paid off. Gustafson, who has reinvented her game since her collegiate days at Iowa, made three of five 3-point attempts, including two crucial 3s in the third quarter that gave the Aces a 40-34 lead. Her shooting provided a much-needed spark for the Aces, who struggled overall from the field, shooting 38 percent (31 of 81) and just 25 percent from beyond the arc (6 of 24).
Hammon acknowledged that the Aces were fortunate to escape with the win, noting that Plum’s technical foul late in the third quarter and a separate technical on Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon early in the fourth added to the tense atmosphere. Despite leading by as many as 13 points in the final quarter, the Sky’s late surge tied the game, but Hammon wasn’t overly concerned.
“You can’t take away everything,” Hammon said. “We’re willing to live with Chennedy Carter shooting 3s. It’s better than her getting in the paint, finishing and drawing contact and doing what she does.”
Looking Ahead
The Aces, now 18-11, will wrap up their three-game road trip with a matchup against the Dallas Wings on Tuesday before returning home to face the Atlanta Dream on Friday. Reflecting on the win, Wilson emphasized the team’s determination and resilience.
“I think this game showed our hunger and our relentlessness,” Wilson said. “We needed this win, and I’m glad we got it done.”
With their eyes set on maintaining momentum, the Aces will look to build on this hard-fought victory as they continue their push toward the playoffs.
❎ Kamala Harris's DNC Speech Falls Short of Inspiring Undecided Voters
Vice President Kamala Harris had a significant opportunity to make a strong case for her leadership at the Democratic National Convention, but the moment fell short. Drawing from her late mother’s advice, "Never do anything half-assed," Harris aimed to rally support but ultimately didn’t deliver a compelling vision for how she would improve America. Instead of energizing undecided voters with clear policy proposals, her speech lacked the persuasive power needed to solidify her platform.
Harris’s remarks included a list of ideas but failed to passionately advocate for them, missing the chance to claim a voter mandate for change. The speech seemed more focused on contrasting herself with former President Donald Trump rather than laying out a detailed plan for America’s future. This was underscored by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s warning about Trump, which echoed throughout the event but didn’t add to Harris’s own message.
Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta tried to paint a positive picture of a Harris presidency, suggesting that allies would cheer and enemies would fear her leadership. However, Harris’s critique of Trump’s foreign policy missteps didn’t address some of the more pressing concerns, such as the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan under the Biden administration, which had significant geopolitical repercussions, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Hamas attack on Israel.
While Harris reaffirmed support for Israel, her push for a ceasefire seemed to undercut the strength of that commitment. The convention’s theme, "A Fight for Our Freedoms," was muddled by varying interpretations of what freedom means, with speeches from figures like Barack Obama and AFL-CIO President Liz Schuler expanding the definition of freedom in ways that could be seen as overly broad.
Trump’s response to Harris’s speech was to question why she hadn’t accomplished the things she criticized, highlighting the gap between her rhetoric and the actions of the current administration. In the end, Harris’s chance to convince voters of her vision was missed. Instead of outlining how she would lead the nation, she focused on being a better alternative to Trump, leaving a key opportunity to connect with voters unfulfilled.
🏢 Las Vegas Valley Sees Rising Office Vacancy Rates Amid New Space Additions, But Experts Remain Optimistic
The office space vacancy rate in the Las Vegas Valley has been steadily increasing over the past three quarters, yet local industry experts remain optimistic about the market's future. According to Taber Thill, Executive Vice President with Colliers International, the rise in vacancies is largely due to the influx of new office space coming onto the market, rather than a decline in demand.
New Office Space Driving Vacancy Rates
Thill explained that when new office buildings are completed, they often hit the market with a significant amount of unleased space, contributing to the rising vacancy rates. "The rise in vacancy is because there’s new office space that’s been delivered," Thill said. "So when buildings are delivered, sometimes they’ve got pre-lease activity, but a lot of the time they are released with a lot of vacancy."
In the second quarter of 2024 alone, 188 million square feet of new office space was added to the market, following a period of no new deliveries in the previous two quarters. However, construction has slowed down considerably, with only 98 million square feet being built in the last quarter, a significant drop from the 262 million square feet constructed in the first quarter of 2024, according to Colliers’ second-quarter office market report for Southern Nevada.
Rising Vacancy and Rents
The office space vacancy rate in the valley has climbed from just above 11 percent in the second quarter of 2023 to 12 percent by the end of the second quarter of 2024. Concurrently, asking rents have increased, reaching $2.65 per square foot, up from $2.50 per square foot a year earlier.
While the Colliers report characterizes the local office market as hitting a “rough patch,” Thill attributes the rise in asking rents to the high demand for newly constructed, high-end office spaces. These newer buildings, which command the highest rents, are pulling the overall rent statistics upward. However, Thill anticipates a potential slight dip in asking rents as these spaces are leased, leaving less high-end inventory on the market.
“The newer buildings are achieving the highest rents, and as those spaces get leased, we could see a slight dip in overall asking rents,” Thill noted. “It’s only because there is less space available in the new buildings compared to the overall market.”
Las Vegas’ Unique Market Position
Despite the challenges, Las Vegas’ office market is somewhat insulated compared to other major U.S. cities due to its relatively low total office space. Las Vegas ranks 51st in the country with 46.6 million square feet of office space, far behind leaders like Manhattan, which boasts 539 million square feet.
John Stater, a research manager for Colliers, highlighted that while Las Vegas had been shielded from the national downturn for some time, the effects are now starting to be felt locally. The national office market has been grappling with several adverse trends, particularly in mega-markets like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. These trends have now begun impacting the Las Vegas market.
“It took a couple of years before we started seeing these headwinds in Las Vegas, but they do appear to be hitting us now,” Stater said.
The local market experienced a significant downturn with a 300,960 square foot drop in net absorption in 2024, marking its worst performance since mid-2010. This decline followed a period of recovery in 2021 and growth in 2022-23, which had initially suggested that Southern Nevada might be immune to the broader national trends affecting office space.
Impact of Technology and Remote Work
One of the driving forces behind the changing office space dynamics has been the rise of technology, which has facilitated remote work—a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Stater explained that while advances in computing and the internet initially benefited office landlords by enabling business expansion, these same technologies have since led to a reduction in the need for physical office space as companies consolidate their operations.
“The rise of computing and the internet was at first a boon for office landlords, as it made it possible for firms to do things they hadn’t been able to afford in the past, and thus expand their operations,” Stater said. “Over time, though, computers and the internet have meant companies could also do more with less, which means consolidation of space needs and thus a headwind to office demand.”
Challenges in the Market
Las Vegas has not been immune to the struggles seen in office spaces nationwide. The city’s most iconic office park, The Hughes Center, recently went into court-ordered receivership after its owner defaulted on a $325 million loan. New York-based investment firm Blackstone stopped making payments on the loan for the 1.4 million-square-foot complex last year, highlighting the challenges facing even well-known properties in the current economic climate.
Despite these challenges, experts like Thill remain cautiously optimistic about the future of Las Vegas’ office market. As the market adjusts to the influx of new space and navigates the evolving demands of the modern workplace, the long-term outlook will depend on how well it can adapt to these changes and capitalize on the unique opportunities that the Las Vegas Valley offers.
Summerlin South, NV Demographics
What is the population of Summerlin South?
What are the employment statistics in Summerlin South?
How many households are there in Summerlin South?
What are the median and average incomes in Summerlin South?
How many homeowners and renters are there in Summerlin South?
What is the level of education in Summerlin South?
What is the marital status of Summerlin South residents?
What are the most common means of transportation in Summerlin South?
Methodology & Disclaimers
Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release, the 2022 American Community Survey. The information is updated yearly, as soon as new data is made available by the US Census Bureau.
No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information modified or aggregated for specific neighborhoods and/or zip codes.
Zip codes included in this demographic data: 89135
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: August 23, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌 🏠 Summerlin South - July 2024
*Median Sold Price By Bedroom Count
This is the middle price for which all homes in the area were sold based on the number of bedrooms. Half of all the homes sold were below this price, and half were above.
Visit here to see the entire report.
📌 ✅ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!
Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Summerlin South area residents in an upcoming issue of SummerSouth Insider?
We ❤️ Local Businesses!
We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "SummerSouth Insider" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Summerlin South together!
👇Select an option below:
✅Own a local Business? Apply to be featured.
📌 ✅ We Want Your Feedback!
We read your emails, comments, and poll replies daily.
Hit reply and tell us what you want more of!
Until next time, John Wu.