By , Caroline McGuire
Published May 25, 2017
Is one of Las Vegas' signature Strip attractions destined to become a strip mall?
Executives at MGM Resorts International have been forced to deny reports that they planned to scrap the famous Bellagio fountains to make way for a new shopping plaza.
The fountains are one of the most iconic attractions in Las Vegas, attracting millions of visitors every year to the dramatic water displays that occur multiple times almost every hour of the day.
According to a report that appeared in The Las Vegas Review Journal, MGM Resorts, which owns the Bellagio Casino site have been discussing whether to transform the 8.5 acre stretch into shops and restaurants.
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The fountains are incredibly popular with tourists, who can be found crowding the railings in front of the lake from morning until midnight-- but the show is free for all so the attraction isn't making the casino bosses any money.
The Review Journal reported that “preliminary discussions have been held among top MGM Resort execs for the 22 million-gallon Bellagio Fountains to be drained and replaced with a boutique shopping and restaurant promenade.”
However, it appears that if the talks did take place, nothing about the fate of the aquatic attraction was immediately decided.
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MGM Resorts released a statement saying: “We have no plans or intention to eliminate the iconic Bellagio Fountains, one of the most identifiable tourism landmarks in the world.”
However, Steve Wynn is in the process of transforming land outside some of its biggest Vegas resorts.
Just last month, the company received permission to move forward on a $1.5 billion lagoon theme park on a 130-acre golf course property that they own.
This article originally appeared on The Sun.
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/end-of-a-las-vegas-icon-bellagio-casino-bosses-forced-to-deny-rumor