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  • 🛣 Interstate 15-Tropicana Project Costs Rise to $385M, Completion Pushed to 2025

🛣 Interstate 15-Tropicana Project Costs Rise to $385M, Completion Pushed to 2025

Issue #389 - December 30 2024

 

Dear SummerSouth Insiders!

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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:

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📆 Weekly Local Events for December 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

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: 7PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES

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)

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.

🌤 Summerlin South, Las Vegas Weather Forecast

Las Vegas Gas Prices

 

🛣 Interstate 15-Tropicana Project Costs Rise to $385M, Completion Pushed to 2025

As the new year approaches, the Interstate 15-Tropicana Avenue project—a significant infrastructure endeavor aimed at modernizing one of Las Vegas’ busiest traffic corridors—continues into 2025 with an increased budget and extended timeline. Originally projected to cost $305 million, the project’s budget has risen to $385 million, reflecting a 26% increase due to additional change orders and unforeseen challenges.

Cost Increase Explained

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) attributed the budget escalation to "change orders," which involve modifications to the original scope of work. According to NDOT spokesperson Kelsey McFarland, these changes were necessary to address unforeseen needs and new priorities that emerged during construction. Enhancements include updated utility work, expanded roadway configurations, and other infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving traffic flow and long-term usability.

The project is financed through a combination of state and federal funding, including a $50 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant awarded in 2020.

Timeline Adjustments

Initially, impacts on mainline Interstate 15 were expected to be resolved by the end of 2024. However, due to a series of delays, the timeline has shifted, with significant work now scheduled to conclude by March 2025. McFarland cited utility coordination complexities and interruptions caused by major Las Vegas events, such as Formula 1 and the Super Bowl, as key factors contributing to the delays.

Remaining Work on I-15

The next stages of the project include critical improvements to I-15 and surrounding infrastructure. Key tasks include:

  • Bridge Reconstruction: Completing the reconstruction of bridges over I-15, Frank Sinatra Drive, and Dean Martin Drive.

  • Northbound Off-Ramp Construction: Building the I-15 northbound off-ramp to Tropicana/Frank Sinatra Drive, a major route for fans attending events at T-Mobile Arena.

  • Southbound Flyover Ramp: Finalizing the I-15 southbound flyover ramp to Tropicana eastbound, which has been closed since the project began in 2022.

  • Tropicana Widening: Widening the southern section of Tropicana over I-15 to accommodate increased traffic flow.

  • Additional Work: Installing elevated sidewalks, completing sewer and drainage systems, painting, lighting enhancements, and aesthetic improvements.

Dean Martin Drive and Joey Bishop Drive Reconfiguration

The Tropicana Avenue and Dean Martin Drive intersection will undergo a major transformation starting in January 2025. A new portion of the roadway, named Joey Bishop Drive, will be constructed to maintain access to Dean Martin Drive during the reconfiguration. Traffic will be rerouted onto Joey Bishop Drive early next year while construction progresses.

Key changes include:

  • Dean Martin Underpass: Dean Martin Drive will run underneath Tropicana Avenue, eliminating the need for vehicles to navigate through the intersection near In-N-Out Burger.

  • Median Addition: A median will replace the current signalized intersection at Dean Martin/Tropicana, improving traffic flow and safety.

  • Joey Bishop Extension: Joey Bishop Drive will serve as the primary north-south connection for drivers traveling to and from Allegiant Stadium.

Upcoming Tropicana Avenue Improvements

Starting in February, Tropicana Avenue will be widened between Polaris Avenue and Valley View Drive. This phase of construction is expected to last through fall 2025. Once completed, the Tropicana bridge over I-15 will no longer feature the diverging diamond interchange configuration, which has been in place for two years during the construction process.

Project Completion Timeline

The entire project is slated for completion by late 2025, marking approximately 3.5 years of construction. When finished, the revamped infrastructure will enhance traffic flow, improve access to major landmarks like Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena, and provide a safer, more efficient roadway system for both residents and visitors.

🏒 Knights' December to Remember: 10 Wins, Stellar Defense, and Dominant Goaltending

The best team in hockey kept its momentum rolling Sunday night, as the Vegas Golden Knights delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over divisional opponent Calgary at T-Mobile Arena. The win marked the Knights’ sixth consecutive triumph and capped a December performance that can only be described as stellar.

The Golden Knights have been on a tear, now sitting at 10-1-0 in December, and they’ve surged to the top of the NHL in points percentage. With contributions coming from every part of the lineup, they’ve proven why they’re considered one of the most dominant teams in the league. Their December dominance will conclude with a home matchup against Montreal on Tuesday, offering a chance to further solidify their lead in the standings.

Winning in Every Aspect

Success this month has stemmed from an all-around team effort. Brett Howden, who has been a key contributor, highlighted the Knights’ ability to maintain their focus regardless of the schedule. After grinding through a road-heavy early season, the team has capitalized on home ice in December, building confidence and consistency.

The Knights have benefited from stellar defense, depth scoring, and exceptional goaltending. Adin Hill, after a shaky start to the season, has been a rock in net, going 7-1-1 in his last nine starts with a .926 save percentage and a 2.09 goals-against average. Complementing him is Ilya Samsonov, who delivered a 31-save shutout on Sunday, his first of the season. Samsonov has been nearly unbeatable this month, going 4-0 with a sparkling 1.25 goals-against average.

Depth scoring has been another critical factor in the Knights’ success. Howden has netted a career-high 15 goals, while Keegan Kolesar has already surpassed his previous best with nine goals. This balanced offensive production ensures the Knights are dangerous across all lines, making it difficult for opponents to focus their defensive efforts.

Elite Defensive Play

The Knights’ defense has been a standout feature of their current run. Coach Bruce Cassidy praised the team’s structure in the defensive zone, noting improvements in key areas such as rebound control, rush defense, and stick positioning. Opponents are finding it increasingly difficult to generate high-danger scoring chances, as the Knights have tightened their coverage and minimized opportunities from the slot.

Their penalty kill has also been a cornerstone of their success, operating at an elite 87.5% efficiency over the past month. This improvement has bolstered the team’s ability to control games, especially against teams relying on special teams to create momentum.

The Importance of the Schedule

While the Knights’ winning streak has included victories against weaker Pacific Division teams like Vancouver, Seattle, Anaheim, and San Jose, they’ve made the most of their opportunities. Great teams don’t just win big games—they handle business against every opponent, and that’s exactly what the Knights have done.

Looking Ahead

The Knights are in an enviable position heading into January, with six of their next seven games at home. This schedule provides an excellent opportunity to further separate themselves from the competition atop the division. With their defensive structure solidified and offensive depth firing on all cylinders, the Knights look poised to keep racking up points and establishing themselves as a true Stanley Cup contender.

Coach Cassidy emphasized the importance of their defensive improvements, noting that the team has come a long way since the start of the season. By cleaning up their play in their own end, the Knights have reduced the need for their goalies to bail them out with high-danger saves. This comprehensive approach to the game has been the foundation of their success and sets them up for continued dominance.

As the Golden Knights prepare for January, they’re proving why they’re the best team in hockey right now. With a favorable schedule and all facets of their game clicking, there’s no telling how far this team can go.

🎰 Top Las Vegas Casino Suites for an Unforgettable Bachelor or Bachelorette Party

Few destinations rival Las Vegas as the ultimate location for hosting a bachelor or bachelorette party. Whether the plan is an all-out, over-the-top bash or a more refined, intimate gathering, the city delivers an unmatched combination of luxury, entertainment, and extravagance. With its array of iconic casino hotels, world-class nightlife, gourmet dining, and indulgent suites designed for groups, Las Vegas has earned its reputation as the go-to spot for celebrating one of life’s biggest milestones.

What truly sets Las Vegas apart from other party destinations is its wide range of accommodations tailored to large groups. From lavish penthouses on the Strip to exclusive boutique suites downtown, there’s a perfect space for every budget and style. Here’s a closer look at some of the city’s most sought-after casino hotel suites for unforgettable bachelor or bachelorette parties:

Palms Casino Resort

The Palms Casino Resort is legendary for its party-ready suites. Known as the backdrop for MTV’s The Real World in 2002, the Palms offers some of the most unique spaces in Las Vegas.

The Kingpin Suite, for example, epitomizes what it means to party in style. Spanning 4,240 square feet, the suite features two full-size bowling alleys, a pool table, a DJ booth, 12 flat-screen televisions, and a fully stocked bar. Guests also enjoy 24-hour butler service and, during pool season, access to a private cabana with a dedicated server and exclusive drink specials.

The Kingpin Suite can accommodate up to 10 guests, making it a prime choice for a lively bachelor or bachelorette party.

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

For a more elegant and upscale celebration, the Three-Bedroom Duplex at Encore offers unmatched luxury. This 5,829-square-foot, multi-story suite features three bedrooms, each outfitted with Wynn Dream Beds draped in 507-thread-count linens. The suite includes a spacious living and dining area that can seat up to eight people, and round-the-clock butler services elevate the experience even further.

Guests staying in the Three-Bedroom Duplex also gain access to an exclusive entrance and priority reservations for dining, entertainment, and spa services. This suite is perfect for groups seeking sophistication and style, accommodating up to six guests.

Circa Resort & Casino

Located in downtown Las Vegas, Circa Resort & Casino is an adults-only retreat that caters perfectly to bachelor and bachelorette parties. Known for the world’s largest sportsbook and the vibrant Stadium Swim complex with six heated pools and a massive outdoor screen, Circa combines fun and sophistication.

The Hospitality Suites offer ample space for over a dozen guests, featuring banquet tables and a bar, while the Bunk Suites—available in 700-square-foot and 1,300-square-foot layouts—are designed for overnight stays and sleep up to eight people.

For groups looking to keep the party going, Circa’s rooftop Legacy Club offers stunning panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline, while Barry’s Downtown Prime steakhouse provides a perfect venue for private dinners.

Caesars Palace

As one of the most iconic names on the Strip, Caesars Palace is a perennial favorite for partygoers. The Flavian Sky Suites, located in the recently renovated Colosseum Tower, deliver on all fronts.

These 3,000-square-foot suites feature two bedrooms with the option to add two connecting rooms. The suites include a dining room, pool table, dual 75-inch televisions, and Bluetooth surround sound systems. Guests enjoy sweeping views of the Strip through floor-to-ceiling windows. Butler service is also available, ensuring a truly VIP experience.

The Flavian Sky Suites can accommodate larger groups, making them an ideal choice for bachelor or bachelorette parties.

Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace

For an even more exclusive experience, the Nobu Penthouse Suite combines Japanese-inspired design with modern luxury. Ranging from 2,200 to 4,350 square feet, this suite can connect up to five bedrooms, making it ideal for larger parties.

Signature features include a curved staircase leading to a second-story terrace, a stone hearth wall, plush leather seating, a billiard table, and a 90-inch flat-screen TV. The suite’s serene aesthetic offers a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for groups seeking both style and comfort.

Aria Resort & Casino

The Aria Sky Suites offer residential-style luxury in the heart of the Strip. These two-bedroom penthouses are designed for ultimate indulgence, featuring king-sized beds, living rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and dining areas complete with a bar.

Recently awarded five stars by Forbes Travel Guide, the Aria Sky Suites are perfect for groups seeking a blend of opulence and convenience. The suite can accommodate up to six guests and provides easy access to Aria’s world-class dining and entertainment options.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Since its opening in 2010, The Cosmopolitan has been a top destination for party enthusiasts. With venues like Marquee nightclub, Ghost Donkey, and The Chandelier bar, it’s no wonder the property is synonymous with nightlife.

What sets The Cosmopolitan apart is its Boulevard Penthouses, which range from 2,300 to 5,000 square feet. These luxurious suites feature private terraces offering breathtaking views of the Strip, pool tables, spacious living areas, and dining rooms. Butler service is included, and the penthouses can sleep up to six guests.

Why Vegas?

Las Vegas continues to reign supreme as the ultimate destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, thanks to its unparalleled mix of world-class accommodations, entertainment, and group-friendly spaces. Whether your celebration calls for an opulent penthouse, a quirky themed suite, or access to iconic nightlife and dining, the city offers endless possibilities to make the occasion unforgettable.

🌐 Sphere’s First Electronic Music Show Wows with Surreal Visuals and Cutting-Edge Sound

Arms outstretched, a female humanoid with glowing, pulsating blue veins leans back and plummets into a dazzling, foliage-strewn abyss. Her descent plays out on the massive video screen at the Sphere, setting the tone for a night that feels like a leap into an audio-visual wonderland.

This is the world of Anyma, the Italian-American DJ and producer who is redefining electronic music with his groundbreaking residency, “The End of Genesys.” Friday’s opening night was nothing short of a spectacle, blending cutting-edge technology, hypnotic visuals, and pulsating beats in a show that sold out 100,000 tickets across its first six performances in just 24 hours.

For the thousands gathered, this wasn’t just a concert—it was a journey into the future. The Sphere, with its gargantuan video displays and state-of-the-art sound system, proved the perfect venue to elevate Anyma’s boundary-pushing artistry into another dimension. The evening marked the Sphere’s first-ever electronic music concert, a pairing that felt inevitable given the venue’s capabilities and the genre’s penchant for innovation.

A Vision of the Future

The night’s theme, as guided by Anyma’s residency title and his debut full-length album Genesys, revolved around exploring the blurred line between humanity and technology. The humanoid protagonist, Eva, a synthetic being seeking human connection, was the focal point of the visual narrative. Her story unfolded through jaw-dropping clips that seamlessly blended dystopian themes with awe-inspiring visuals.

From the outset, the concert felt like stepping into a futuristic fever dream. Eva’s quest to transcend her artificial origins mirrored the themes in Anyma’s music—bright, soaring synths and rhythmic, floor-shaking beats paired with darker reflections on the man/machine divide.

Unforgettable Visuals

The Sphere’s unique capabilities turned Anyma’s vision into a multi-sensory experience. One unforgettable moment featured Ellie Goulding’s face shattering into puzzle-like pieces, revealing intricate tendrils of circuitry as colorful hands manipulated her visage. This surreal visual accompanied the debut of a new collaboration between Anyma and Goulding, leaving the audience spellbound.

Another highlight featured Anyma’s partner, Grimes, who appeared on-screen during their track “The Last Artists,” clad in a pale bodysuit and writhing in mesmerizing, otherworldly choreography. Her presence underscored the show’s melding of digital and physical realms, a theme central to Anyma’s artistic persona.

Live Performance Meets High-Tech Innovation

The concert wasn’t all CGI and screen magic. Anyma performed live from a towering, illuminated DJ booth, flanked by robotic cellists perched on elevated risers. These futuristic musicians even played during the hauntingly beautiful “Samsara,” where singer Sevdaliza’s voice posed the provocative question: “How does it feel to be real?”

The live and digital elements of the show blended seamlessly, creating an experience that felt both deeply human and profoundly futuristic. For Anyma, who describes himself as “a hybrid persona, simultaneously coexisting in digital and physical realms,” this balance is the essence of his work.

A New Era for the Sphere

The Sphere’s debut as a venue for electronic music felt monumental. Open for just over a year, the venue’s mountain-sized screens and unmatched acoustics are tailor-made for the genre. Friday’s show demonstrated how technology can take music and visuals into uncharted territory, with Anyma at the helm.

For the fans, this was more than a concert—it was an exploration of what’s possible when music, art, and technology collide. Anyma’s ability to transform the Sphere into a surreal, pulsating world sets the bar for future electronic music performances in this cutting-edge venue.

Looking Ahead

“The End of Genesys” is set to run for eight shows, with each performance promising a new chapter in Anyma’s visionary storytelling. With the first six already sold out, it’s clear that fans are eager to see where this audio-visual rabbit hole leads. Anyma’s residency isn’t just a series of concerts—it’s a glimpse into the future of live performance, where the line between reality and the digital realm fades.

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: December 13, 2024

Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

📌 🏠 Summerlin South - November 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.

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Until next time, John Wu.