Did they tear down the Mirage in Las Vegas? This question has intrigued many over the years, as the iconic hotel-casino has been a staple of the Las Vegas Strip for decades. With its distinctive volcano and vibrant atmosphere, the Mirage has become synonymous with the city of sin. However, the fate of this legendary property has sparked a heated debate among locals and tourists alike.
The Mirage, which opened its doors in 1989, was the first hotel-casino to be built on the Strip since the Dunes Hotel closed in 1993. Designed by architect Martin Stern, the hotel quickly became a favorite among visitors, thanks to its luxurious accommodations, world-class entertainment, and the famous volcano show. However, despite its success, rumors began to circulate about the hotel’s future.
Speculation about the potential demolition of the Mirage gained momentum in 2015 when MGM Resorts International, the company that owns the property, announced plans to redevelop the Strip. Many believed that the Mirage, with its outdated facilities, would be among the first to be torn down to make way for new, state-of-the-art hotels. However, MGM Resorts quickly denied these rumors, stating that the Mirage was not on the list of properties to be demolished.
Despite the reassurances from MGM Resorts, some experts predicted that the Mirage’s days were numbered. They pointed to the hotel’s aging infrastructure and the need for a more modern facility to compete with the newer properties on the Strip. In 2017, the company finally confirmed that the Mirage would undergo a major renovation, which would include the demolition of the volcano and the construction of a new, more contemporary hotel.
The renovation, which began in 2018, was a massive undertaking, with an estimated cost of $1.4 billion. The project involved the complete overhaul of the Mirage’s exterior, as well as the construction of a new 20-story hotel tower. The volcano, which had become a symbol of Las Vegas, was eventually torn down, leaving many to wonder if the Mirage would ever return to its former glory.
However, MGM Resorts was quick to assure the public that the Mirage would not be demolished, but rather transformed into a new, state-of-the-art property. The renovated hotel, which reopened in 2020, now features a sleek, modern design, along with new dining options, entertainment venues, and guest rooms. While the volcano may no longer be a part of the Mirage, the hotel has successfully reinvented itself, proving that even the most iconic structures can evolve and adapt to the changing times.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Did they tear down the Mirage in Las Vegas?” is a resounding no. While the iconic volcano was demolished as part of the hotel’s renovation, the Mirage itself has been preserved and transformed into a modern, luxurious destination. The hotel’s rebirth serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Las Vegas, a city that never stops reinventing itself.
