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{{short description|Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Other uses|Lucky Dragon (disambiguation){{!}}Lucky Dragon}}
{{Infobox casino
| name = Ahern Hotel and
| logo =Ahern Hotel Logo.png
| logo_size =
| logo_alt =
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| image_alt =
| image_caption = Lucky Dragon in 2018
| pushpin_map = United States Las Vegas Boulevard#Nevada
| pushpin_mapsize =
| pushpin_map_alt =
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| location = [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| address = 300 West [[Sahara Avenue]]
| date_opened = {{Start date and age|2016|11|19}} (as Lucky Dragon)<br>Late 2019 (as Ahern Hotel)
| date_closed =
| theme =
| rooms = 203
| space_gaming = {{Convert|27500|sqft|abbr=on}}
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| license_holder = <!-- Use only if different from owner -->
| architect =[[Edward Vance|Ed Vance & Associates Architects]]
| names_pre = Lucky Dragon (
| renovations = 2019–20
| website = {{URL|
| footnotes =
| embedded =
}}
'''Ahern Hotel and
The
The Lucky Dragon
==History==
===Original plans===
The resort is located on {{Convert|2.5|acre|abbr=on}} of land at 300 West [[Sahara Avenue]], a block west of the northern end of the [[Las Vegas Strip]], an area that had become known for a number of vacant lots, older resorts, and failed projects. The property is located between the Golden Steer restaurant and the [[Allure Las Vegas]] condominium high-rise tower.<ref name=LVRJ-2012/> Developer Andrew Fonfa had initially purchased the property as part of a five-acre parcel in 1987. At the time, Fonfa planned to build a hotel on the property, as he expected [[Mandalay Resort Group|Circus Circus Enterprises]] to construct the [[Excalibur Hotel and Casino]] nearby, thus increasing tourism for the northern Las Vegas Strip. The Excalibur was ultimately built at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip.<ref name=Sahara2002>{{cite news|last=Strow|first=David|title=Sahara Avenue hotel, casino planned|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/may/07/sahara-avenue-hotel-casino-planned/|
In May 2002, Fonfa proposed the Hilton Garden Inn, an eight-story [[Hilton Worldwide|Hilton]]-branded 200-room hotel with an attached {{convert|40000|sqft|abbr=on}} casino that would be located on the property's east side. Hilton considered Fonfa's property to be a desirable location for one of their hotels, and approached him about a possible deal, although discussions were still preliminary at the time of the project's announcement. Under the partnership, Fonfa would own the hotel and casino, while Hilton would manage the hotel and would have no involvement in the casino operations. Fonfa was in negotiations with [[GE Capital]] to finance the project, and hoped to begin construction at the end of the year, with completion scheduled in 15 months. Construction was expected to cost $50 million. Four small commercial buildings located on the property were to be torn down to make room for the new resort.<ref name=Sahara2002/> Fonfa changed his mind about the hotel-casino project after speaking with Las Vegas mayor [[Oscar Goodman]] and several city officials, stating that high-rise condominiums "is what the city wanted as part of its plan for residential living."<ref name=August2004/> In 2004, Fonfa was approved for plans to construct twin condominium towers on the property.<ref name=August2004>{{cite news|title=Former senator hopes to revitalize Meadows Village|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/aug/05/former-senator-hopes-to-revitalize-meadows-village/|
The Allure tower was opened in early 2008.<ref name=LVW/> The site of the Lucky Dragon had initially been planned for the second Allure tower, which was later cancelled because of poor sales caused by the [[Great Recession in the United States|Great Recession]], and because of an oversupply of condominium high-rises on the Las Vegas Strip.<ref name=LVRJ-2012/> To help sell units in the first Allure tower, Fonfa said that in 2008, "We realized we were going to need cash buyers. We went to LA and San Francisco and Vancouver and San Jose and put ads in all the Chinese newspapers in those communities. And we were very pleased with what came back, which was over 100 units sold to Chinese buyers." At that point, Fonfa then devised an idea to build a hotel and casino on the property originally planned for the second tower.<ref name=LVW>{{cite web|url= https://lasvegasweekly.com/column/incidental-tourist/2016/oct/26/lucky-dragon-casino-hotel-andrew-fonfa-asian-strip/|title= How the unique Lucky Dragon casino and hotel came to be|last= Radke|first= Brock|date= October 26, 2016|website= Las Vegas Weekly|access-date= November 14, 2016|url-status= live|
The Lucky Dragon project was later announced for the property in February 2012, as a 10-story hotel tower with 201 rooms and an {{convert|18900|sqft|abbr=on}} casino, with 478 slot machines and a 446-space parking garage. The hotel-casino would be developed by Fonfa, and an Asian theme was chosen for the project as it was being financed by Chinese investors.<ref name=LVRJ-2012>{{cite web|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/vacant-lot-may-become-home-asian-themed-resort|title=Vacant lot may become home to Asian-themed resort|last=O'Reiley|first=Tim|date=February 3, 2012|work=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]|access-date=May 8, 2016|url-status=live|
===Construction and financing===
The Lucky Dragon was built by
On November 16, 2015, Fonfa and development partner William Weidner – the former president and [[chief operating officer]] of [[Las Vegas Sands]], and one of the Lucky Dragon's backers<ref name=Savvy>{{cite web|last=Velotta|first=Richard N.|title=Savvy businesspeople missed the mark with Lucky Dragon|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/business-columns/inside-gaming/savvy-businesspeople-missed-the-mark-with-lucky-dragon/|
Work on the hotel's roof and [[parapet]] was expected to begin in December 2015. The following month, framing and [[drywall]] installation was underway, as well as the installation of the hotel's exterior [[Curtain wall (architecture)|curtain wall]]. The wall, designed by EV&A Architects and installed by Giroux Glass, Inc., was made of [[Ruby (color)|ruby red]] glazing. The Lucky's Dragon's [[project manager]], Paul Dutmer, said, "To get this particular color of red, we went through several dozen testing samples. Once the sun hits it, it will be a bright red that will be hard not to see." The hotel tower was expected to be fully enclosed and waterproofed by the end of January 2016.<ref name=Construction>{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Jim|title=PENTA Building Group – Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino|url=http://www.construction-today.com/sections/commercial/2199-penta-building-group-lucky-dragon-hotel-casino|access-date=January 24, 2018|work=Construction Today Magazine|date=January 4, 2016|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125074620/http://www.construction-today.com/sections/commercial/2199-penta-building-group-lucky-dragon-hotel-casino|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The Lucky Dragon was planned to be the first Las Vegas resort to offer an "authentic Asian lifestyle experience."<ref name=may5/> James Weidner, the son of William, was the managing principal of the Lucky Dragon. James Weidner stated that he was partly inspired to join the project because of trips that he took with his father to China. James Weidner stated that the project "presented an opportunity to do something here [in Las Vegas] that really respects the culture directly and approaches the Asian market, which is really powerful."<ref name=AJ/> [[Feng shui]] experts and design consultants were hired to ensure the entire resort had an authentic Asian appearance.<ref name=AJ>{{cite news|last=Oriel|first=Christina|title=Asian-themed Lucky Dragon Hotel and Casino opens in Las Vegas|url=http://asianjournal.com/news/asian-themed-lucky-dragon-hotel-and-casino-opens-in-las-vegas/|accessdate=January 24, 2018|work=Asian Journal|date=December 8, 2016}}</ref>▼
In May 2016, it was announced that the project had received full financing from Fonfa and Weidner's families.<ref name=may5>{{cite web|url=http://vegasinc.com/news/2016/may/05/lucky-dragon-casino-fully-financed-will-be-finishe/|title=Lucky Dragon casino fully financed, will be finished this year, backers say|last=Morris|first=J.D.|date=May 5, 2016|publisher=VegasInc.com|access-date=May 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508112515/http://vegasinc.com/news/2016/may/05/lucky-dragon-casino-fully-financed-will-be-finishe/|archive-date=May 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name=news3>{{cite web|url=http://news3lv.com/news/local/the-lucky-dragon|title=Lucky Dragon rises next to the Golden Steer|last=Gillan|first=Jeff|date=May 6, 2016|publisher=[[KSNV]]|access-date=May 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508115106/http://news3lv.com/news/local/the-lucky-dragon|archive-date=May 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/business-breaking/lucky-dragon-hotel-casino-expected-to-open-on-vegas-strip-this-year/|title=Lucky Dragon hotel-casino expected to open on Vegas Strip this year|date=May 6, 2016|work=[[Honolulu Star-Advertiser]]|access-date=May 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507130050/http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/business-breaking/lucky-dragon-hotel-casino-expected-to-open-on-vegas-strip-this-year/|archive-date=May 7, 2016}}</ref> Construction was approximately 70 percent complete at that time,<ref name=may5/> with the resort expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2016.<ref name=news3/> It was later reported that the project's financing was through a $90 million loan issued to Fonfa by Snow Covered Capital,<ref name=Foreclosure/> which initially provided a $30 million loan for construction and a $15 million [[revolving loan]].<ref name=Chapter11/> Snow Covered Capital was the primary lender in the project.<ref name=Close/> Through the EB-5 program, 179 foreign investors each provided $500,000 for a total of $89.5 million. They also each paid a $50,000 administrative fee.<ref name=Chapter11>{{cite news|last=Segall|first=Eli|title=Lucky Dragon now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lucky-dragon-now-in-chapter-11-bankruptcy/|access-date=February 20, 2018|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=February 19, 2018}}</ref><ref name=Lawyers/>
▲The Lucky Dragon was planned to be the first Las Vegas resort to offer an "authentic Asian lifestyle experience."<ref name=may5/> James Weidner, the son of William, was the managing principal of the Lucky Dragon. James Weidner stated that he was partly inspired to join the project because of trips that he took with his father to China. James Weidner stated that the project "presented an opportunity to do something here [in Las Vegas] that really respects the culture directly and approaches the Asian market, which is really powerful."<ref name=AJ/> [[Feng shui]] experts and design consultants were hired to ensure the entire resort had an authentic Asian appearance.<ref name=AJ>{{cite news|last=Oriel|first=Christina|title=Asian-themed Lucky Dragon Hotel and Casino opens in Las Vegas|url=http://asianjournal.com/news/asian-themed-lucky-dragon-hotel-and-casino-opens-in-las-vegas/|
David Jacoby, chief operating officer for the resort, said during construction that, "This whole place has been very specifically feng shui'd, from the color patterns, to the carpets, to where the seats are, to where the cash is. There will be no fourth floor in the hotel - that's a superstition similar to what we have in the United States with the number 13. There's no number 4 anywhere on the property. Our phone numbers don't have a 4 in it. People in the front of the house of the resort will speak Mandarin, Cantonese and other Asian dialects. [[Signage]] is in Chinese first, English second. What we're trying to do is build an authentic cultural experience from the ground-up for Asian clientele, both locally and regionally throughout the United States."<ref name=news3/> The resort's granite sidewalks were designed to imitate dragon scales.<ref name=Construction/> Ahead of its opening, Fonfa described the Lucky Dragon as a [[locals casino]] that would primarily rely on local Asian residents as its clientele, as well as Asian tourists from China and California.<ref name=LVW/> Fonfa expected local residents to account for 60 percent of the Lucky Dragon's customers.<ref name=Struggling/> ''[[Las Vegas Weekly]]'' wrote that the Lucky Dragon, with its large focus on Asian customers, "might be the most specifically focused casino project in the history of Las Vegas."<ref name=LVW/>
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[[File:Lucky Dragon casino logo.jpg|thumb|right|Lucky Dragon logo (2016–2018)]]
[[File:Lucky Dragon Las Vegas.jpg|thumb|right|The casino entrance in 2017]]
On September 6, 2016, company officials announced that the resort would open on December 3, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lucky-dragon-hotel-casino-near-las-vegas-strip-opening-dec-3|title=Lucky Dragon hotel-casino near Las Vegas Strip opening Dec. 3|last=Velotta|first=Richard N.|date=September 7, 2016|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|
[[File:Lucky Dragon Hotel Casino Resort.jpg|thumb|Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino by EV&A Architects]]
The official grand opening took place on the afternoon of December 3, 2016, and was accompanied by a [[ribbon-cutting ceremony]], costumed dancers dressed as Chinese lions and a dragon, and firecrackers.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Torres-Cortez|first1=Ricardo|title=Lions, dragon and fireworks in Las Vegas: Lucky Dragon celebrates grand opening|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/dec/03/lions-dragon-and-fireworks-in-las-vegas-lucky-drag/|website=Las Vegas Sun|
The Lucky Dragon's centerpiece is a 1.25 ton dragon chandelier that hangs over a bar. Work on the chandelier began in May 2015, with nearly 800 people working on it until its completion. Installation of the chandelier was completed in November 2016, after two weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/nov/11/video-watch-this-huge-glass-dragon-being-installed/|title= Video: Watch this huge glass dragon being installed at the Lucky Dragon|last= Moore|first= Thomas|date= November 11, 2016|work= Las Vegas Sun|access-date= November 14, 2016|url-status= live|
▲The official grand opening took place on the afternoon of December 3, 2016, and was accompanied by a [[ribbon-cutting ceremony]], costumed dancers dressed as Chinese lions and a dragon, and firecrackers.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Torres-Cortez|first1=Ricardo|title=Lions, dragon and fireworks in Las Vegas: Lucky Dragon celebrates grand opening|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/dec/03/lions-dragon-and-fireworks-in-las-vegas-lucky-drag/|website=Las Vegas Sun|accessdate=December 3, 2016|date=December 3, 2016}}</ref><ref name=LikeLion>{{cite web|last1=Velotta|first1=Richard N.|title=In like a lion: Dancers, pomp celebrate Lucky Dragon grand opening in Las Vegas|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lion-dancers-pomp-celebrate-lucky-dragon-grand-opening-las-vegas|website=Las Vegas Review-Journal|accessdate=December 3, 2016|date=December 3, 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205124654/http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lion-dancers-pomp-celebrate-lucky-dragon-grand-opening-las-vegas|archivedate=December 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lucky Dragon LV|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/luckydragonlv?lang=en|website=Twitter|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204001658/https://mobile.twitter.com/luckydragonlv?lang=en|archivedate=December 4, 2016|date=December 3, 2016}}</ref> The first direct flights between [[Beijing]] and Las Vegas, launched a day before the Lucky Dragon's grand opening,<ref name=Struggling/> were not expected to bring in additional customers to the resort, although officials welcomed the possibility.<ref name=LikeLion/> Fonfa envisioned some of the area around the Lucky Dragon possibly being redeveloped as a new [[Chinatown]] for Las Vegas over the next decade.<ref name=Firing-up/>
▲The Lucky Dragon's centerpiece is a 1.25 ton dragon chandelier that hangs over a bar. Work on the chandelier began in May 2015, with nearly 800 people working on it until its completion. Installation of the chandelier was completed in November 2016, after two weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/nov/11/video-watch-this-huge-glass-dragon-being-installed/|title= Video: Watch this huge glass dragon being installed at the Lucky Dragon|last= Moore|first= Thomas|date= November 11, 2016|work= Las Vegas Sun|access-date= November 14, 2016|url-status= live|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20161113120847/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/nov/11/video-watch-this-huge-glass-dragon-being-installed/|archivedate= November 13, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://hauteliving.com/2016/11/lucky-dragon/624454/|title= Lucky Dragon Has a Swanky Dragon Sculpture Chandelier|date= November 12, 2016|work= [[Haute Living]]|access-date= November 14, 2016|url-status= live|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20161113163528/http://hauteliving.com/2016/11/lucky-dragon/624454/|archivedate= November 13, 2016}}</ref>
In February 2017,<ref name=Reno/> the resort planned to add an additional VIP gaming area due to the popularity of its VIP club. For its VIP members, the casino also introduced a rolling-chip program, a concept that was common in [[Macau]].<ref name=Vegas7-2017/><ref name=LVS-2017/> In March 2017, Midwest Pro Painting and Penta Building Group claimed in court that they were owed money for their work on the Lucky Dragon during construction. Midwest Pro Painting stated that it was owed $793,300, while Penta Building Group alleged that it only received approximately $76.4 million and was still owed approximately $7.4 million for construction work. Both companies ultimately agreed to dismiss their claims.<ref name=Foreclosure/>
===Financial difficulties and closure===
Approximately 100 employees – including top managers, and bar and wait staff – had been fired by late March 2017, as the result of
In December 2017, the ''[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]'' visited the Lucky Dragon on several occasions and noted that the property appeared to be struggling, as its casino and restaurants were mostly empty of customers. The newspaper also interviewed local Chinese gamblers, who indicated that "the problem did not lie so much with Lucky Dragon's offering of entertainment or food as with its comparatively stingy gaming and [[Comps (casino)|comp policy]]."<ref name=Struggling/> General Manager Jordan Seager said that the Lucky Dragon's comp policy "is in line, or even more fair" than other Las Vegas casinos, stating that the Lucky Dragon simply needed time for its customers to develop a close relationship with the property.<ref name=Struggling>{{cite news|last=Prince|first=Todd|title=Lucky Dragon appears to be struggling in Las Vegas|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lucky-dragon-appears-to-be-struggling-in-las-vegas/|access-date=January 4, 2018|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=December 16, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105070054/https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lucky-dragon-appears-to-be-struggling-in-las-vegas/|archive-date=January 5, 2018}}</ref> The Lucky Dragon was also considered to be in a poor location near the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip, an area that was lacking in development and had little vehicle and pedestrian traffic. In addition, it faced competition from the nearby [[Palace Station]] and [[Sahara Las Vegas|SLS]] resorts, which also targeted Asian clientele.<ref name=Struggling/><ref>{{cite news |last=Montero |first=David |title=Lucky Dragon casino was supposed to be a Vegas hot spot for Asians. Two years later, it's going up for auction |url=http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-lucky-dragon-auction-20181015-story.html |access-date=February 7, 2020 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 15, 2018}}</ref><ref name=Oct15/> Canadian investor Jason Chen signed a $400,000 deposit deal in December 2017 to lease the casino. Chen later sued Fonfa, Weidner and Seager, stating that they had not made him aware of the casino's financial difficulties.<ref name=Demand>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Lucky Dragon's foreign investors demand refund |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lucky-dragons-foreign-investors-demand-refund-1666732/ |access-date=May 19, 2019 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 17, 2019}}</ref>
On the morning of January 4, 2018, the casino and restaurants were temporarily closed and the property announced plans to reorganize itself by hiring new firms to operate those aspects of the resort.<ref name=Shuts/><ref name=Halts/><ref>{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Jay|title=Now there's one less place to gamble in Las Vegas. Lucky Dragon shuts down casino and restaurants|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-tr-las-vegas-lucky-dragon-casino-restaurants-close-down-20180104-story.html|
On February 16, 2018, the Lucky Dragon entered [[Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code|Chapter 11]] bankruptcy to preserve the jobs of its 98 employees, as well as to pay its creditors and to "provide certainty to the market," according to court documents. Management believed that auctioning the Lucky Dragon through bankruptcy court would be the best way to preserve and maximize the value of the resort.<ref name=Chapter11/> During a bankruptcy hearing on February 21, 2018, a judge ruled that there would not be a foreclosure auction of the resort, and that the hotel would remain open until March 27, 2018, when another bankruptcy hearing would be held.<ref>{{cite news|last=DeSilva|first=Kristen|title=Lucky Dragon to stay open another month amid bankruptcy filing|url=http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/37561654/lucky-dragon-to-stay-open-another-month-amid-bankruptcy-filing|
During July 2018, a [[letter of intent]] was signed between Fonfa's group and two companies – DeBartolo Development and Achieved Management – for a joint venture, at a bid price of $53 million.<ref name=Lawyers/> The bankruptcy auction was ultimately held on September 10, 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last=Palmeri |first=Christopher |title=Visas for Dollars: Backers of Failed Vegas Casino May Lose Both |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-04/visas-for-dollars-backers-of-failed-vegas-casino-may-lose-both |
▲On the morning of January 4, 2018, the casino and restaurants were temporarily closed and the property announced plans to reorganize itself by hiring new firms to operate those aspects of the resort.<ref name=Shuts/><ref name=Halts/><ref>{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Jay|title=Now there's one less place to gamble in Las Vegas. Lucky Dragon shuts down casino and restaurants|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-tr-las-vegas-lucky-dragon-casino-restaurants-close-down-20180104-story.html|accessdate=April 3, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 4, 2018}}</ref> The property stated, "While this is a difficult decision, this repositioning paves the way for Lucky Dragon to establish new partnerships that will enhance the property's long-term positioning and provide a better guest experience."<ref name=Closing/> The casino was expected to reopen within six months. The hotel and a gift shop remained opened.<ref name=Halts>{{cite news|title=Lucky Dragon halts gaming, restaurant operations to reorganize|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2018/jan/04/lucky-dragon-halts-gaming-restaurant-operations-to/|accessdate=January 4, 2018|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=January 4, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104230521/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2018/jan/04/lucky-dragon-halts-gaming-restaurant-operations-to/|archivedate=January 4, 2018}}</ref><ref name=Closing>{{cite news|title=Lucky Dragon temporarily closing gaming, restaurants|url=http://news3lv.com/news/local/lucky-dragon-temporarily-closing-gaming-restaurants|accessdate=January 4, 2018|publisher=KSNV|date=January 4, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104204538/http://news3lv.com/news/local/lucky-dragon-temporarily-closing-gaming-restaurants|archivedate=January 4, 2018}}</ref> Later that month, the Lucky Dragon's default status was publicly reported and notice of a foreclosure sale of the resort was filed with the county, with the foreclosure auction scheduled for February 6, 2018. At the time of the notice, Lucky Dragon owed $48.9 million on its $90 million loan.<ref name=Foreclosure>{{cite web|last=Segall|first=Eli|title=Lucky Dragon near Las Vegas Strip faces foreclosure|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/lucky-dragon-near-las-vegas-strip-faces-foreclosure/|accessdate=January 24, 2018|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=January 16, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Year-old Vegas hotel with closed casino facing foreclosure|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2018/jan/17/year-old-vegas-hotel-with-closed-casino-facing-for/|accessdate=January 24, 2018|agency=Associated Press|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=January 17, 2018}}</ref> On the morning of the scheduled auction, it was delayed until February 22, 2018, as requested by the trustee: First American Title Insurance.<ref>{{cite news|last=Segall|first=Eli|title=Foreclosure auction for Lucky Dragon postponed until Feb. 22|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/foreclosure-auction-for-lucky-dragon-postponed-until-feb-22/|accessdate=February 7, 2018|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=February 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Jessie|first1=Faith|last2=Gillan|first2=Jeff|title=Lucky Dragon foreclosure auction now February 22nd|url=http://news3lv.com/news/local/lucky-dragon-auction-postponed|accessdate=February 7, 2018|work=KSNV|date=February 6, 2018}}</ref>
The hotel closure was approved by a U.S. Bankruptcy judge,<ref name=Close>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Las Vegas' struggling Lucky Dragon expected to close Oct. 2 |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/las-vegas-struggling-lucky-dragon-expected-to-close-oct-2/ |
▲On February 16, 2018, the Lucky Dragon entered [[Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code|Chapter 11]] bankruptcy to preserve the jobs of its 98 employees, as well as to pay its creditors and to "provide certainty to the market," according to court documents. Management believed that auctioning the Lucky Dragon through bankruptcy court would be the best way to preserve and maximize the value of the resort.<ref name=Chapter11/> During a bankruptcy hearing on February 21, 2018, a judge ruled that there would not be a foreclosure auction of the resort, and that the hotel would remain open until March 27, 2018, when another bankruptcy hearing would be held.<ref>{{cite news|last=DeSilva|first=Kristen|title=Lucky Dragon to stay open another month amid bankruptcy filing|url=http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/37561654/lucky-dragon-to-stay-open-another-month-amid-bankruptcy-filing|accessdate=February 23, 2018|publisher=KVVU-TV|date=February 21, 2018}}</ref> The hotel remained open following the hearing date,<ref name=Via/> with room prices falling to $35.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Jay|title=Lucky Dragon rooms, with breakfast and free parking, fall to as low as $35 in Las Vegas|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/lasvegas/la-tr-las-vegas-lucky-dragon-cheap-rooms-20180326-story.html|accessdate=April 3, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 27, 2018}}</ref>
===Ahern Hotel===
Following the auction, the property received interest from numerous prospective buyers, although the listing broker stated that approximately 98 percent of them were "dreamers" with no realistic chance of closing on a purchase of the property. On April 22, 2019, the Lucky Dragon was sold for $36 million to Don Ahern, the chairman and CEO of a local construction-equipment firm. Ahern was among few prospective buyers who was financially capable of purchasing the property. Ahern intended to eventually reopen the hotel and convert the casino area into conference and convention space. He also planned to give the property a new name, which would be determined at a later date.<ref>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Shuttered Lucky Dragon sells for $36M |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/shuttered-lucky-dragon-sells-for-36m-1647336/ |
It eventually reopened as the Ahern Hotel and Convention Center in late 2019, with redecorated rooms and new signage, while retaining the red exterior of its predecessor.<ref name=NewName/> Ahern marketed the property as an upscale boutique hotel.<ref name=Inside>{{cite news |title=Inside look at the Ahern Hotel & Convention Center |url=https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/only-on-8-inside-look-at-the-ahern-hotel-convention-center/ |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=KLAS |date=July 8, 2020}}</ref> Chinese-themed statues were removed,<ref name=NewName/> and the dragon chandelier was sold to the [[Muckleshoot Indian Casino]] in Washington.<ref>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Lucky Dragon sculpture from failed Las Vegas casino finds new home |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lucky-dragon-sculpture-from-failed-las-vegas-casino-finds-new-home-2036573/ |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 27, 2020}}</ref> Work to transform the casino into convention space was expected to begin in March 2020. Ahern estimated that he was spending less than $10 million on the changes, including new restaurants. He hoped the entire resort would be ready in time for a grand opening on July 4, 2020.<ref name=NewName>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Former Lucky Dragon has new name, reopens near Las Vegas Strip |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/former-lucky-dragon-has-new-name-reopens-near-las-vegas-strip-1952841/ |access-date=February 7, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 7, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Opening in Las Vegas: July 4, 2020 |url=http://ahernhotel.com/ |website=Ahern Hotel}}</ref> However, the opening was delayed because of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and [[COVID-19 pandemic in Nevada|its effects on the state]]. Ahern later hoped to have the renovations finished in October 2020.<ref name=LVW2020>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Ahern Hotel ramps up with Italian cuisine and a focus on locals |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2020/may/21/ahern-hotel-ramps-up-with-italian-cuisine/ |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=May 21, 2020}}</ref> During the pandemic, the hotel offered free meals to first responders.<ref name=First>{{cite news |last=Schulz |first=Bailey |title=Ahern Hotel offers first responders meals amid coronavirus crisis |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/ahern-hotel-offers-first-responders-meals-amid-coronavirus-crisis-2001227/ |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref>
▲During July 2018, a [[letter of intent]] was signed between Fonfa's group and two companies – DeBartolo Development and Achieved Management – for a joint venture, at a bid price of $53 million.<ref name=Lawyers/> The bankruptcy auction was ultimately held on September 10, 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last=Palmeri |first=Christopher |title=Visas for Dollars: Backers of Failed Vegas Casino May Lose Both |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-04/visas-for-dollars-backers-of-failed-vegas-casino-may-lose-both |accessdate=September 7, 2018 |work=Bloomberg |date=September 4, 2018}}</ref> Fonfa's group had presented several prospective buyers, including [[Dotty's]] and [[Alex Meruelo|The Meruelo Group]], but Snow Covered Capital became the new owner of the land through a credit bid.<ref name=Lawyers/><ref name=Close/> Snow Covered Capital stated that the resort's operations "have been a dismal failure," stating that the hotel had lost approximately $200,000 for each month during the bankruptcy case.<ref name=Close/> Three days after the auction, lawyers for the resort filed a [[Motion (legal)|motion]] to close the hotel immediately and end payments to employees and vendors, with the closure intended to ensure an efficient transition of ownership to Snow Covered Capital.<ref name=Lawyers>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Lawyers for bankrupt Lucky Dragon file motion to close hotel |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lawyers-for-bankrupt-lucky-dragon-file-motion-to-close-hotel/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 17, 2018 |accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
In August 2020, the hotel lobby hosted an [[evangelical]] event by [[Paula White]], the personal pastor to Republican U.S. president [[Donald Trump]]. The event was part of [[Donald Trump 2020 presidential campaign|Trump's re-election campaign]], and it attracted hundreds of guests. This was an alleged violation of pandemic safety orders issued by Nevada governor [[Steve Sisolak]], a Democrat. The orders prohibited gatherings of more than 50 people, and Sisolak criticized the event for going over the limit. The Ahern Hotel had been warned not to host the event, and was fined a $250 civil penalty for doing so. The Trump campaign and event organizers noted that Nevada hotels were allowed to operate at 50-percent capacity under Sisolak's order. The lobby had a maximum capacity of 1,600 people, and the event garnered 550 guests.<ref>{{cite news |last=Appleton |first=Rory |title=Trump evangelical rally proceeds despite warnings from city, state |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/trump-evangelical-rally-proceeds-despite-warnings-from-city-state-2089941/ |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 6, 2020}}</ref><ref name=Decries>{{cite news |last=Appleton |first=Rory |title=Sisolak decries 'Evangelicals for Trump' campaign event in Las Vegas |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada/sisolak-decries-evangelicals-for-trump-campaign-event-in-las-vegas-2090515/ |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 7, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lilly |first=Caitlin |title=Gov. Sisolak criticizes Trump campaign event held in Las Vegas |url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/coronavirus/gov-sisolak-criticizes-trump-campaign-event-held-in-las-vegas/article_52cb941c-d8c1-11ea-acf2-53fc7c709a05.html |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=KVVU |date=August 9, 2020}}</ref>
▲The hotel closure was approved by a U.S. Bankruptcy judge,<ref name=Close>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Las Vegas' struggling Lucky Dragon expected to close Oct. 2 |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/las-vegas-struggling-lucky-dragon-expected-to-close-oct-2/ |accessdate=September 21, 2018 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Jay |title=Las Vegas' Lucky Dragon hotel closing its doors |url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/lasvegas/la-tr-vegas-lucky-dragon-closing-20180924-story.html |accessdate=25 September 2018 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=24 September 2018}}</ref> and took effect on October 2, 2018, while a foreclosure auction was expected to take place at the end of the month.<ref>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Lucky Dragon hotel set to close Tuesday in Las Vegas |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lucky-dragon-hotel-set-to-close-tuesday-in-las-vegas/ |accessdate=October 3, 2018 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 2, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Castelan |first=Antonio |title=Lucky Dragon Hotel closes on the Las Vegas Strip |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/lucky-dragon-closed |accessdate=October 3, 2018 |work=KSNV |date=October 2, 2018}}</ref> Prior to the auction, discussions had been held about eventually reopening the Lucky Dragon without casino space, which could be converted into meeting space or an [[Esports]] lounge.<ref>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Lucky Dragon creditor hoping for quick sale at Oct. 30 auction |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lucky-dragon-creditor-hoping-for-quick-sale-at-oct-30-auction/ |accessdate=October 30, 2018 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> The foreclosure auction was held on October 30, 2018, with a minimum bid of $35 million. With no bids made, Snow Covered Capital retained ownership of the Lucky Dragon.<ref>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Lucky Dragon hotel off Las Vegas Strip foreclosed at auction |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/lucky-dragon-hotel-on-las-vegas-strip-foreclosed-at-auction/ |accessdate=October 30, 2018 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 30, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Akers |first=Mick |title=Shuttered Lucky Dragon sells at auction for $35 million |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2018/oct/30/lucky-dragon-sells-at-auction-for-35-million/ |accessdate=October 30, 2018 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 30, 2018}}</ref> In February 2019, 40 Chinese EB-5 investors sued Fonfa, Weidner, Jacoby, and several [[limited liability companies]]. The investors claimed that they were "fraudulently induced" by the developers to invest in the project. The investors had yet to receive U.S. residency and sought a refund of their investment. In April 2019, Snow Covered Capital sued Fonfa, Weidner and Jacoby, alleging that they were required to reimburse the company for the cost of purchasing the Lucky Dragon.<ref name=Demand/>
Later in the same week, the hotel hosted the Mrs. Nevada pageant with 250 people.<ref name=KSNV2/><ref>{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Lucas |title=Ahern Hotel cited for violating Gov. Sisolak's directives for second time within a week, Mrs. Nevada pageant shut down |url=https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/ahern-hotel-cited-for-violating-gov-sisolaks-directives-for-second-time-within-a-week-mrs-nevada-pageant-shut-down/ |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=KLAS |date=August 10, 2020}}</ref> Las Vegas city officials and local police arrived to shut down the event over pandemic concerns, but they allowed it to resume after family members and audiences were removed from the premises.<ref name=KSNV2>{{cite news |last=Ramalho |first=Gerard |title=Mrs. Nevada Pageant winner crowned despite COVID-19 interruption |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/mrs-nevada-pageant-winner-crowned-despite-covid-19-interruption |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=KSNV |date=August 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ford |first=Alexis |title=Las Vegas pageant forced to reduce crowd size due to pandemic |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/las-vegas-pageant-forced-to-reduce-crowd-size-due-to-pandemic-2091575/ |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 9, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mrs. Nevada pageant tabulator discusses attempts to shut down event |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/full-interview-mrs-nevada-pageant-tabulator-discusses-speaks-attempts-to-shut-down-event |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=KSNV |date=August 9, 2020}}</ref> The hotel was not fined.<ref>{{cite news |last=Valencia |first=Peter |title=City of Las Vegas forces Ahern Hotel to downsize pageant, days after hosting Trump event |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/city-of-las-vegas-forces-mrs-nevada-america-pageant-to-downsize-event-at-ahern-hotel |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=KSNV |date=August 9, 2020}}</ref> Ahern is a Republican supporter,<ref name=Decries/> and the hotel's manager believed that the pageant shutdown was politically motivated as retaliation for the earlier Trump event. Previous events of similar size had been held at the hotel recently without issue.<ref name=KSNV2/> On August 24, 2020, the hotel filed a lawsuit against the city, the state, and Sisolak, challenging his COVID-19 orders.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lochhead |first=Colton |title=Ahern Hotel sues Nevada over coronavirus rules |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/ahern-hotel-sues-nevada-over-coronavirus-rules-2104710/ |access-date=August 27, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 26, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ahern Hotel sues City of Las Vegas, Gov. Sisolak following alleged Emergency Directive violations |url=https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/ahern-hotel-sues-city-of-las-vegas-gov-sisolak-following-alleged-emergency-directive-violations/ |access-date=August 27, 2020 |work=KLAS |date=August 27, 2020}}</ref> Two days later, the Nevada [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration]] issued a fine of $10,930 to the hotel, citing four violations of Sisolak's orders during the Trump event and pageant.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lochhead |first=Colton |title=Nevada fines Ahern Hotel $11k for coronavirus violations |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada-fines-ahern-hotel-11k-for-coronavirus-violations-2106371/ |access-date=August 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 27, 2020}}</ref> A judge dismissed the lawsuit in August 2021, stating that the restrictions were reasonable and necessary for protecting public health. In addition, all occupancy restrictions had been lifted by that point.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dentzer |first=Bill |title=Judge tosses Ahern Hotel's lawsuit over COVID crowd limits |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/judge-tosses-ahern-hotels-lawsuit-over-covid-crowd-limits-2419793/ |access-date=August 15, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Seeman |first=Matthew |title=Judge tosses Ahern Hotel lawsuit over COVID-19 restrictions from 2020 |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/judge-tosses-ahern-hotel-lawsuit-over-2020-covid-19-restrictions |access-date=August 15, 2021 |work=KSNV |date=August 13, 2021}}</ref>
▲Following the auction, the property received interest from numerous prospective buyers, although the listing broker stated that approximately 98 percent of them were "dreamers" with no realistic chance of closing on a purchase of the property. On April 22, 2019, the Lucky Dragon was sold for $36 million to Don Ahern, the chairman and CEO of a local construction-equipment firm. Ahern was among few prospective buyers who was financially capable of purchasing the property. Ahern intended to eventually reopen the hotel and convert the casino area into conference and convention space. He also planned to give the property a new name, which would be determined at a later date.<ref>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Shuttered Lucky Dragon sells for $36M |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/shuttered-lucky-dragon-sells-for-36m-1647336/ |accessdate=April 24, 2019 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Short-lived casino built with Chinese investors finds buyer |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/apr/23/short-lived-casino-built-with-chinese-investors-fi/ |accessdate=April 24, 2019 |work=Las Vegas Sun |agency=Associated Press |date=April 23, 2019}}</ref> In May 2019, Ahern announced plans to have the hotel reopened within 60 days, and to have the convention space opened around November.<ref>{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=New Lucky Dragon owner to reopen hotel within 60 days |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/new-lucky-dragon-owner-to-reopen-hotel-within-60-days-1665673/ |accessdate=May 17, 2019 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 16, 2019}}</ref> The opening was later delayed and the property is now scheduled to open in 2020, as the Ahern Hotel and Conference Center.<ref name=KLAS>{{cite news |last=Bowers |first=Nikki |title=Vital Vegas |url=https://www.8newsnow.com/news/vital-vegas-for-monday-sept-30/ |accessdate=October 3, 2019 |work=KLAS |date=September 30, 2019 |at=1:40}}</ref>
==Restaurants==
In August 2016, officials announced a contest to create a name for the Lucky Dragon's [[night market]] restaurant – the resort's last unnamed eatery – with the winner receiving a weekend stay package.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.lasvegasnow.com/news/help-name-a-lucky-dragon-restaurant|title= Help name a Lucky Dragon restaurant|last= Bleakley|first= Caroline|date= August 4, 2016|publisher= KLAS-TV|access-date= November 14, 2016|url-status= live|
* Dragon's Alley, a food court,<ref name=Struggling/> featuring a lantern-lit space that was designed as a night market. Dragon's Alley featured a show kitchen known as Jewel Kitchen that extended onto the casino floor, allowing players to watch as the food is prepared.<ref name=Firing-up/><ref name=Offerings/>
* Pearl's Ocean, a [[dim sum]] restaurant.<ref name=Firing-up/><ref name=Offerings/>
* Phoenix, a 60-seat [[fine-dining]] restaurant.<ref name=Firing-up/><ref name=Offerings/>
* Cha Garden, a 24-hour, indoor/outdoor tea garden and lounge, extending from the hotel lobby to the pool area.<ref name=Firing-up/><ref name=Offerings/> Cha Garden
* Bao Now, a 24-hour eatery offering grab-and-go foods.<ref>{{cite news|last=Martin|first=Bradley|title=Behold the Lucky Dragon Bao Now Menu: A 24-hour, casual casino floor dining option debuts|url=https://vegas.eater.com/2016/11/21/13693580/behold-the-lucky-dragon-bao-now-menu|
Each restaurant offered only authentic Chinese food, which company officials expected to be the resort's primary advantage to bringing in customers.<ref name=Vegas7/><ref name=LA>{{cite web|url= http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-vegas-chinese-20161026-snap-story.html|title= Las Vegas casinos love Chinese gamblers. So these guys built a casino just for them|last= Pierson|first= David|date= October 26, 2016|work= [[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date= November 14, 2016|url-status= live|
The Ahern Hotel
==References==
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