Sky High
Sky Las Vegas Takes Shape on the Vegas Strip

By Tony Illia

M.J. Dean Construction of Las Vegas is the general contractor under a guaranteed-maximum-price contract on Sky Las Vegas.

 

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The developer is Sky Las Vegas Condominiums, Inc., a joint effort of Aaron Yashouafar, chief executive officer of Los Angeles-based Milbank Real Estate Services, Inc. and David Pourbaba, founder and chief executive officer of California-based 4D Development.

"Since our foundation pour in late July 2005, we've added 24 floors, completed the framing on the lower floors and started the installation of the exterior skin and glass," said Matt Joens, the owner's representative overseeing construction. "The building is taking shape quickly and we're right on schedule to open in January."

The luxury condominium high-rise rests on a reinforced concrete mat foundation set atop 99 drilled caissons as deep as 105 ft. Nevada Ready Mix Inc. of Las Vegas used 45 mixer trucks and four pump trucks to place 5,000 cu. yards of foundation concrete in a 12-hour span in July.

The continuous pour was needed to ensure a consistent strength throughout the 14-ft.-deep, 8,100-sq.-ft. foundation.

Designed by Klai Juba Architects with Lochsa Engineering as structural engineer, the 45-story tower is a cast-in-place concrete structure with post-tensioned floors. It has a sleek profile and contemporary look with blue-tinted glass and white EIFS bands.

Las Vegas-based Finnegan Erickson Associates is serving as the mechanical/plumbing engineer, with RHR Consulting Engineers of Las Vegas as electrical engineer.

"The building is oriented to maximize sightlines along the Strip," said Steve Peck, Klai Juba's project manager. He added that the building's façade is a mix of glazing and punched EIFS openings.

The tower contains 409 residences from 1,179 to 2,000 sq. ft. in size, with a handful of 3,500-sq.-ft. penthouses. Tower Suites are located on floors 36 to 41 and start in the mid-$700,000s. The residences are reportedly 85 percent sold out.

The uppermost levels contain six "SkySuites," each offering 6,000 sq. ft. of lavish living.

The suites, located on floors 43 to 45, are priced at approximately $4 million.

The units include a private elevator as well as patios and roof-top decks. Miami-based Desjardins Design Group is the interior designer.

Situated on three acres, Sky Las Vegas has a three-story, 60,000-sq.-ft. low-rise that wraps around the tower base and will house commercial retail space for homeowners and visitors. Tenants have yet to be announced.

There is also a three-level, 782-space parking garage.

Sky Las Vegas will have a one-acre outdoor recreation area with three pools, lush garden, putting green, outdoor fire pit, barbecue area and pet area. Interior amenities will consist of an exercise/spa room, private screening room, billiards room with bar, concierge services and racquetball courts.

"The 1.1-million-sq.-ft. project will require an estimated 500 workers to complete," said David Prevo, M.J. Dean's project manager. "During the peak of activity, the building will rise at a rate of one floor every four days."

Key Players

Owner: Sky Las Vegas Condominiums, Inc
General Contractor: M.J. Dean Construction
Architect: Klai Juba Architects
Structural Engineer: Lochsa Engineering
Electrical: Bombard Electrical
Mechanical: Bombard Mechanical; Mesa Mechanical
Concrete: M.J. Dean Construction; Nevada Ready Mix, Inc
Steel: Century Steel
Glazing Contractor: Hineman Glass and Glazing

 

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