Atlantis Resorts is reportedly in the process of finalizing a deal to build a massive, $2 billion resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii, according to Hawaii News Now (HNN). If true, the project, plans of which were originally divulged in 2005, could become the most expensive resort ever constructed.
A detail that caused debate back in 2005, and slowed the project's development considerably, was the question of whether or not to include a casino. Some backers wanted gambling to be a part of the resort while others were against the idea.
It is reported that this new resort would be similar to Atlantis, The Palm, located in Dubai. The Hawaiian entry into the Atlantis Resorts catalog would feature an interactive aquarium meant to resemble the ocean as closely as possible, hotel rooms with a view of the aquarium, an area to swim with dolphins, and a shark habitat. In addition to hotel rooms, there are also plans for condo and timeshare units.
When the project was announced at a press conference in 2005 by Ko Olina Developer Jeff Stone, who is Chairman, President, and CEO of The Resort Group, he said of the aquarium, “This aquarium will look as the ocean looks. It'll look as the sea looks today. You'll be able to view it underneath. You'll be able to interact with it, actually swim through it, and you'll be able to learn from it in a natural setting.”
While it is being labeled as a "$2 billion resort," the price tag is expected to exceed that amount if and when the project gets under way.
The proposed resort is still without a timetable, as it still has to go through multiple permitting and regulatory processes before construction can actually begin.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features
The Institute’s Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work.
| Jan 7, 2015
4 audacious projects that could transform Houston
Converting the Astrodome to an urban farm and public park is one of the proposals on the table in Houston, according to news site Houston CultureMap.
| Jan 2, 2015
Construction put in place enjoyed healthy gains in 2014
Construction consultant FMI foresees—with some caveats—continuing growth in the office, lodging, and manufacturing sectors. But funding uncertainties raise red flags in education and healthcare.
| Dec 29, 2014
Reef Worlds to build world’s largest underwater theme park for luxury resort [BD+C's 2014 Great Solutions Report]
Dubai is known for its gargantuan commercial building projects. The latest to be proposed is the world’s largest underwater theme park, designed and built by Reef Worlds. The project was named a 2014 Great Solution by the editors of Building Design+Construction.
| Dec 28, 2014
AIA course: Enhancing interior comfort while improving overall building efficacy
Providing more comfortable conditions to building occupants has become a top priority in today’s interior designs. This course is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
| Dec 4, 2014
World’s largest eco-resort to open soon in Indonesia
Just under 10 miles away from Singapore, Funtasy Island (yes, that's the real name) is a resort tucked away in the mangrove islands of the Riau archipelago.
| Nov 24, 2014
Must see: Plans released for underwater city that could house 5,000 people
The design centers around a floating, 500-meter-wide sphere linked to a resource center on the ocean floor via a 15-kilometer, helix-shaped path.
| Nov 18, 2014
New tool helps developers, contractors identify geographic risk for construction
The new interactive tool from Aon Risk Solutions provides real-time updates pertaining to the risk climate of municipalities across the U.S.
| Oct 21, 2014
Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid release plans for resorts in Nanjing and Wuhan, China
Jumeirah Group, a hotel group forming a part of investment group Dubai Holding, has chosen Zaha Hadid and Norman Foster to design two of three of its proposed resorts in Nanjing, Wuhan, and Haikou.
