BUSINESS

Ground broken for new Caesars hotel concept Giada De Laurentiis and Rick Huffman of HCW Development pose for a photo at the Caesars Republic hotel and conference center groundbreaking event on Feb. 26. (Everardo Keeme/Photo Fusion Studio)

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

Real estate development company HCW Development has finally broken ground in Scottsdsale for the first Caesars Republic hotel and conference center – the first non-gaming boutique hotel brand from Caesars Entertainment.

Slated to open in 2021, the Caesars Republic will have two new restaurants: Luna by Giada, a new concept, and Pronto by Giada, a fast-casual restaurant that will serve Food Network personality and celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis’ signature Italian fare with California influences.

De Laurentiis was among numerous VIP guests at the groundbreaking Feb. 26 at Scottsdale Fashion Square on the southeast corner of Goldwater Boulevard and Highland Avenue.

“I’m so excited to be part of this team, and I’m even more excited to bring my Italian heritage and my culture to Scottsdale,” De Laurentiis said.

De Laurentiis first opened Pronto by Giada last year inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

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Legislature may double state gas tax

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

State lawmakers last week took the first steps to what could be a doubling of the state’s gasoline tax. HB 2899, approved by the House Transportation Committee on a 6-0 vote, would add six cents to the current 18-cent-a-gallon effective on July 1. That would go up an additional six cents every year until it hits 36 cents on July 1, 2023.

Potentially more significant, the measure being pushed by Rep. Noel Campbell, R-Prescott, is crafted so that the levy would increase annually starting July 1, 2024 to match inflation.

That would preclude the need for future legislators to have to deal with the politically sensitive issue of voting for a tax hike. Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Flagstaff, said that’s how Arizona got to the point where it is now, with road construction needs outstripping the available revenues because the current tax has not been increased since 1991.

“We haven’t had members with the backbone to adjust this,’’ he said.

But it’s that inflation adjustment that is giving heartburn to the Arizona Petroleum Marketing Association which represents gasoline dealers.

Lobbyist Mike Williams told lawmakers that if the 1991 legislation had an inflation index, Arizona now would have the highest gasoline tax in the Western states.

Campbell is not limiting his plans to raise revenues to hitting up only drivers of gas-driven vehicles.

It also addresses diesel fuel. Potentially more significant, HB 2899 imposes new taxes on hybrids and allelectric vehicles on the basis that they, too, use the roads but, from Campbell’s perspective, are not paying their fair share of construction and maintenance costs.

The move comes even as Gov. Doug Ducey has consistently said he does not believe the state needs additional gasoline taxes.

Campbell is counting on a rising public sentiment for better roads to not just get him the two-thirds margin he constitutionally needs in the Republican-controlled House and Senate for a tax hike but to convince the governor that there is broad support for the plan.

He even got House Speaker Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, to testify in favor.

And Tony Bradley, president of the Arizona Truckers Association, whose members will pick up a big share of that additional cost, added his voice.

He figured the delays for truckers due to traffic congestion currently are costing more than $800 million a year.

By contrast, Bradley estimated, the legislation would raise an additional $640 million a year with the higher fuel taxes on everyone.

“This bill would save us by paying more,’’ he said. “And we’re willing to pay more.’’ But gubernatorial press aide Patrick Ptak said after the hearing that Ducey’s views have not changed.

One sweetener Campbell built in to encourage support is kind of a reverse voter veto.

It would require the state transportation board to come up with a plan to use the new revenues and have it updated every five years to show the progress that actually has been made.

That report would go to legislative leaders and committees to review.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | MARCH 1, 2020 Luna by Giada, on the other hand, is partly inspired by De Laurentiis’ other Las Vegas restaurant, Giada, which opened in 2014 inside The Cromwell hotel.

At Luna, patrons can expect upscale Italian fare and personalized service, as well as an eye-catching wine display and a robust wine list crafted from new and oldworld wines.

The restaurant will also feature a sophisticated environment with outdoor seating and scenic views of Camelback Mountain. “I’m excited to bring my brand to Scottsdale with the opening of an all-new restaurant concept, Luna by Giada, as well as my fastcasual eatery, Pronto,” De Laurentiis said.

“My restaurants are a reflection of me, my family and my home, and I can’t wait to share that with guests and locals.”

The 11-story, 265-room hotel will also host on its seventh floor a rooftop pool deck, terrace and bar called SVN, operated by Riot Hospitality Group of Scottsdale. Described as an “elevated pool lounge and fine dining concept that connects elite clientele with an environment boasting unparalleled views, impeccable style, and an experience that will leave you thinking, ‘Lucky me,’” SVN will serve a light poolside food menu with craft cocktails and nightlife experience and be open to the public. Guests at the groundbreaking were treated to SVN cocktails like the Blueberry Nirvana, which combines Nolet’s dry gin, white pepper, sage, simple syrup, muddled blueberries, and fresh lemon juice and garnished with fresh blueberries and sage leaf. “It’s truly an honor to be part of such an incredible project,” said Ryan Hibbert, cofounder of Scottsdale-based restaurant group Riot Hospitality Group.

“My Riot team has worked extremely hard this evening to give you a taste of what Seven will offer. The entertainment and infectious energy we all feel being here, we’re very excited to share with you as the project gets under way,” he added. SVN will also offer bookings for priCAESARS ���� page 34

GAS TAX ���� page 34

Campbell said if they were dissatisfied with how the money is being spent they could put a measure on the ballot recommending that voters rescind the additional taxes. Campbell said he’s not worried. “We know we’re going to meet them because we’ve had testimony upon testimony of the areas that need improvement, the projects that need to be done,’’ he said. “We know what needs to be done in this state,’’ Campbell said. “What we lack is the political will to do it.’’

The proposed new taxes on electric vehicles drew opposition from Tesla.

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vate events.

The four-star luxury hotel – developed by HCW Development and operated by Aimbridge Hospitality – will also offer 10,000 square feet of meeting space and a 7,000-square-foot column-free ballroom with 34-foot sliding glass doors that will open out onto the adjacent lawn, suitable for outdoor events for up to 600 people. The ballroom is divisible into four sections and can host banquets up to 500 people.

In addition to king, double queen and one- and two-bedroom suites, the Republic Scottsdale will feature a bridal suite and five luxury entertainment suites on the 11th floor.

The contemporary 11-story glass structure will pay homage to Las Vegas, according to a press release, and will incorporate stone and faux wood accents to complement the adjacent luxury residential developments and the newly constructed luxury entrance to Fashion Square.

“Scottsdale Fashion Square and the new Caesars Republic Scottsdale are a natural

Lobbyist Meghaen Dell’Artino said her client is not opposed to Tesla owners paying their fair share in taxes. But she believes that the formula for the levy, based on the electricity used, means they would be paying more than the owners of gasoline-powered vehicles.

Caryn Potter of the Southwest Energy

35 BUSINESS fit,” said Macerich President Ed Coppola. “The addition of this exciting new hotel is part of the next phase of development for our high-end mixed-use property, which will also include Class A offices and upscale residences to bring even more energy to Scottsdale.”

Twenty-five people donned white hardhats and broke ground at the event, including De Laurentiis, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, Scottsdale Chamber President Mark Stanton and Experience Scottsdale President Rachel Sacco.

“We are thrilled to be breaking ground for the highly anticipated Caesars Republic Scottsdale,” said Richard Huffman, chief executive officer and president of HCW. “Upon its opening in Fall 2021, the hotel will offer a dynamic destination experience to both locals and visitors traveling from afar,” he added. “Caesars Republic Scottsdale will be a new kind of lifestyle hotel experience.”

Information: caesarsrepublicscottsdale.com

Efficiency Project registered her own objections, saying that higher taxes on allelectric vehicles could discourage people from buying them.

And that, she said, would harm the environment, particularly with some Arizona cities facing problems complying with ground-level ozone standards.

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