A Mirage No More: The Vision Behind the Resort
Las Vegas has always been a city of dreams, but few can match the dream that was The Mirage. Financed, developed, and built by former Wynn Resorts Chairman and CEO Steve Wynn, the resort’s success was crucial not only for the fate of Las Vegas but also for the thousands of employees who called it their workplace.
On Monday, Steve Wynn, now 82 and residing in Florida, delivered his heartfelt “Homage to Lady Mirage.” This touching tribute came just days before the iconic building was set to close and undergo a transformation into Hard Rock Las Vegas, under the ownership of Florida’s Seminole Tribe.
The Birth of The Mirage
The journey of The Mirage began in the mid-1980s, culminating in its grand opening on November 22, 1989. Steve Wynn recently shared his memories and reflections in a written tribute, emphasizing the irony and charm behind the name.
“If you had a sense of humor, you would have understood the tremendous contradiction in the name,” he wrote. “She was most definitely not actually a mirage, but a dazzling and commanding reality. The largest hotel ever built at that point in history, anywhere in the world.”
Wynn’s leadership of Wynn Resorts ended in 2018 amid sexual misconduct allegations, which he continues to deny. Despite stepping away from the gaming industry, his influence and legacy remain.
A Feminine Vision
Wynn’s tribute reveals the inspiration behind The Mirage’s design and its unique feminine qualities. “Why feminine? As a structure, she was always about ideas and those ideas had a soft feminine quality in many ways,” he explained. The Mirage featured 2,000 of its 3,000 rooms facing the Strip, surrounded by lush Canary Island palm trees and a shimmering waterfall.
At its heart was a round four-story atrium, symbolizing the promise of future life. Wynn reminisced about the transformation the resort sparked: “In the prior 16 years, no completely new hotel had been built in Las Vegas… However, in the next decade following the 1989 arrival of Mirage, we rushed into a virtual doubling of the town’s capacity and became the fastest growing city in America. To call The Mirage a catalyst would be an understatement.”
A Magical Menagerie
The Mirage wasn’t just about luxury; it was a haven for animals and a hub for education. Wynn fondly recalled the dolphin lagoons, dedicated to the children of the Clark County School District every weekday morning. These visits offered kids a chance to learn about marine mammals and watch dolphins play.
The first guests at The Mirage were none other than two white tigers, accompanied by Siegfried & Roy. Their mesmerizing performances became synonymous with the hotel. Guests could also explore Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden, where they encountered white tigers, white lions, black leopards, and even an Asian elephant named Jilda with her quirky roommate, a wild turkey.
Arriving guests were greeted by a stunning aquarium wall filled with live sharks and tropical fish, along with the delightful aroma of piña colada. Outside, The Mirage’s famous volcano erupted every 30 minutes, adding a touch of fiery excitement.
The Heartbeat of Las Vegas
The Mirage was more than just a resort; it was a lifeline for many. Nearly 8,000 employees and their families depended on it. Siegfried & Roy, the dolphins, and countless children who visited for educational programs depended on it. Wynn’s tribute highlighted this profound impact: “So much depended on Lady Mirage… What is so wonderful about this grand enterprise is that she did the job and she got it done for everybody.”
A Legacy Remembered
As The Mirage prepares for its next chapter as Hard Rock Las Vegas, Steve Wynn’s tribute stands as a testament to the resort’s monumental role in shaping modern Las Vegas. “Bravo, Mirage, you put a warm smile on the face of our city,” he concluded.
While The Mirage may be transforming, its legacy and the memories it created will continue to shine brightly in the heart of Las Vegas.
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