During her inaugural State of the City address, Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley unveiled a major addition to the city’s downtown revitalization efforts: Circa 2 Casino & Resort. This new venture, spearheaded by casino developer Derek Stevens, is set to rise on the northeast edge of Symphony Park—a growing 66-acre district positioned as a hub for culture, arts, and commerce.

The proposed location sits just behind the Circa Parking Garage, known locally as Garage Mahal, and is a short walk across a pedestrian bridge linking it directly to the rest of downtown. Although it’s only a two-minute walk from the original Circa Resort, the driving distance is roughly a mile.

“This project, along with the new medical office building, plans for a new art museum envisioned by Elaine Wynn and her team, and a casino developed by Derek Stevens on the northeast corner of Symphony Park, are all in our future,” Berkley said in her address, quoted by KLAS 8 News Now.

Part of a Larger Urban Vision

Circa 2 joins a lineup of current and planned developments in Symphony Park that include major cultural institutions like the Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the Discovery Children’s Museum. A new Las Vegas Museum of Art is also on track for completion by the end of 2028. These initiatives are intended to blend entertainment, residential living, and cultural enrichment into a cohesive urban environment.

The land allocated for Circa 2 spans 6.42 acres and was purchased by PQ Holdings LLC in July 2017, according to Clark County records. The site is zoned for planned development and currently shows signs of early activity, with workers visible near a modular building on the property.

Residents Divided on the Casino’s Impact

Reactions from the local community have been mixed. While some residents voiced enthusiasm about the potential for increased foot traffic and economic stimulation, others expressed concerns that the introduction of a casino could disrupt the neighborhood’s residential and cultural balance.

Kai Brown, a local resident originally from New York, commented, “I think the area is great, I am from New York, and I’m used to the foot traffic. I thought [Circa 2] was a residential property, so I don’t think a casino is great.”

Echoing that sentiment, another resident, Parris Golden, was more direct in her opposition. “It would make me want to move, it would change the whole dynamic of the area,” she said. “Ultimately, that would be a deciding factor.”

On the other hand, some community members see the casino as a welcome addition. Lala Gee, who lives nearby, was thrilled about the news. “Wow, that’s exciting to hear, I think that’s awesome. I think casinos are very good for this community. It brings a lot of people to the neighborhood,” she said.

Gee also speculated that the arrival of Circa 2 might pave the way for more upscale dining and entertainment options. “I believe it brings two different companies,” she noted. “On one side, it’s like outgoing, love to see new things, and love to travel. This side over here is like, mellow, like to stay in the house.”

New resident Miss Moody also embraced the development, noting that the wave of new projects—including Circa 2—was a key factor in her decision to move into an apartment on The Cello’s fourth floor. “It wasn’t until this came along that I was interested,” she explained.

Circa Team Keeps Plans Under Wraps

As speculation swirls, Derek Stevens and his company have yet to release formal details about the Circa 2 project. When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Circa declined to provide any additional information at this time.

While some residents and civic leaders see Circa 2 as a sign of economic promise and downtown evolution, others worry it may signal the loss of the quiet, residential charm that drew them to Symphony Park in the first place. As construction plans continue to develop, the neighborhood remains at the center of a broader discussion about the future of urban Las Vegas.