The Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved the World Jewelry Center’s Site Development Plan and Special Use Permit, thus giving the developer, Probity International Corp., all the entitlements necessary to proceed with the project.

The project’s Site Development Plan had been previously approved by the City of Las Vegas Planning Commission and the Union Park Design Review Committee. In early January, the city had also approved the WJC’s Disposition and Development Agreement, Owner Participation Agreement, and the related documents.

“By approving the project’s entitlements, mayor Oscar Goodman and the City Council of Las Vegas have put out the welcome mat for the World Jewelry Center project and all of its participating firms,” said Robert Zarnegin, Probity International’s president and chief executive officer. “We now look forward to completing our plans and obtaining our building permits.”
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WJC Managing Director Bill Boyajian added, “These final approvals from the Las Vegas City Council have cleared the path for the development of this unique project. This will be an international gem and jewelry marketplace like no other, in a destination city like no other, and now it is full speed ahead.”

The World Jewelry Center will be a prominent part of the master-planned community of Union Park, a 61-acre mixed-use urban development project at the crossroads of two major freeways—I-15 and U.S. 95—which service the greater Las Vegas area. Other key projects in Union Park include the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, designed by the famed architect Frank Gehry; the $450-million Smith Center for the Performing Arts; and Symphony Park.

Designed by Altoon & Porter Architects, the WJC will be one of the tallest buildings in Las Vegas. It is designed as an international hub for gem-and-jewelry manufacturers, wholesalers, designers, and retailers.

The top ten floors of the tower will be dedicated to “ultra-luxury” residential condominiums. With fewer than 100 residences, the condominiums will be very exclusive and will provide amenities such as room service, housekeeping, and concierge services, WJC officials said. The residential condominiums are designed by Dianna Wong Architecture & Interior Design, Inc.

JCK