Time share complex eyed between resorts

Bob Shemeligian

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1997 | 11:05 a.m.

Today, it's a small apartment complex wedged between The Mirage and Treasure Island.

Two years from now, if owner Mike Flores has his way, the two-story stucco structure that dates back to the 1960s will be torn down and replaced with a nine-story, 150-room time share complex.

The project, to be named The Ritz Hotel and Time Share, is allowed by the zoning code, and has already been approved by the Clark County Department of Comprehensive Planning.

Flores has registered the name with the State of Nevada, and he anticipates no copyright problems.

"The Ritz Hotel in London or the Ritz Hotel in Paris has nothing to do with the Ritz Hotel and Time Share in Las Vegas," he said.

But Flores has not yet been granted a building permit to build an office at the site.

Bob Weber, director of building for Clark County, explained that the current snag over a building permit does not concern the plan for the high rise.

"The problem is over a plan for a remodel of an existing building," Weber said, "but they couldn't do it over the counter, and they pulled their plans and took them out, so we have nothing to review."

Ignacio Gonzalez, project architect, said the request to county officials was for the conversion of two of the apartments at the Village De Flores complex into office space and the closing in of a breezeway.

"It's really a slam dunk," Gonzalez said, suggesting it's a simple request.

But zoning laws do not allow modifications to a residential building in a hotel zone.

The relationship between Mirage Resorts Chairman Steve Wynn and Flores soured years ago during the development of Treasure Island when Wynn and Flores were unable to agree on a purchase price for the apartment complex, which is nearly enveloped by The Mirage and Treasure Island.

Although Wynn's attorneys have argued about setbacks and other technical aspects of The Ritz project at a recent planning board hearing, Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman said Flores is free to do what he wishes -- within code.

"If that's what he wants to do, it's his property," Feldman said. "The county will pay attention to make sure everything is above board."

"Everything is proper and according to code, and all we want to do at this point is build an office on the property, and now they're telling me it's not a motel-hotel?" Flores asked. "Come on, I'm getting the run-around."

Battles over construction projects are nothing new to Flores, who is in negotiations to purchase the Thunderbird Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard, and has owned or controlled other properties in past years.

Flores says he is serious about The Ritz Hotel, and it is not a ruse to increase the worth of the property.

"This is real. It's going to be a beautiful project," Flores said. "Steve (Wynn) doesn't have enough money to buy me out."

Gonzales said the design will be art deco "with decorative lines, balconies and different colored glass."

Flores said time share is a viable concept for that area.

He also said he expects the time share owners to walk across Vegas Plaza Drive to Treasure Island and The Mirage.

"I hope Steve considers the 150 rooms at The Ritz as an added amenity to his hotels." Flores said. "It should work out wonderfully for him. He won't have to put them up, and they'll gamble at his resorts."