Las Vegas Is Getting A Second Chinatown

It's been the same for years for anyone who has lived here. If you want to immerse yourself in the shopping, dining and culture of the countries of Asia, you head to Chinatown. And it's always been in the same place. On the corner of Spring Mountain Road and Valley View.

But now there is another part of the Las Vegas Valley being dubbed Chinatown. Simply because many in the AAPI community are setting up shop there. AAPI is the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities. Many shops owned by AAPI members have opened in the same part of town recently. And they plan to keep coming.

The area is in the Southwest part of Las Vegas. On Rainbow Boulevard between Warm Springs and Windmill. Currently there is a Japanese dessert shop there. Also a Chinese Restaurant, a Korean BBQ place, and a Jollibee.

The owner of 7 Leaves Cafe on Rainbow is also a member of the AAPI community. Noble Apo-Rodrigez moved to Las Vegas from Hawaii six years ago. He says all the AAPI owned places in one area makes it feel a little like home for him (fox5vegas). And since the original Chinatown is miles away from this area, it's nice for the local AAPI residents to have a place closer to go.

Catherine Francisco is President of the AAPI Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas. She says the second Chinatown has a large concentration of the AAPI community. And construction is occurring a lot in the area to help it grow even bigger. Francisco told Fox5vegas:

"We do call it Chinatown number 2 or the 2nd Chinatown of the valley now. The Southwest is one of the fastest growing areas in the valley, if not the fastest, if you just go up and down 215 you’ll see all the construction left and right for the AAPI community. They are all moving in this area, it’s a large concentration for the Asian Americans and the Pacific Islander community."

In years to come, it is expected for this part of Las Vegas to continue to grow its identity in the AAPI community.

- Wendy Rush

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It looks like Area 15 in Las Vegas is about to get some serious competition. This time in the world of immersive entertainment. An Albuquerque based company called Electric Playhouse is looking to expand to Sin City this year.

Electric Playhouse is posting a lot of details this week on their website about the upcoming Vegas location. And it looks seriously awesome! They'll be setting up camp in the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace. Taking over a space that is more than ten thousand square feet. And they plan to be here as early as this summer.

According to their website, Electric Playhouse in Las Vegas will have something for everyone. They have an entertainment experience for a wide variety of ages and demographics. They say children, teenagers, adults and seniors will all have something to enjoy.

Another exciting thing is that their offerings change daily. So there will always be something new to check out. And their experiences will change depending on the time of day as well. They'll have options for date nights and birthday parties. Also corporate events or family outings.

When it comes to the demographics they're inviting, that's diverse as well. Electric Playhouse promises that "whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for an adrenaline rush, a culture enthusiast seeking to discover new forms of art, or a food lover looking to indulge in gourmet delicacies, Electric Playhouse has an experience designed just for you" (Electricplayhouse.com).

At their flagship location in Albuquerque, Electric Playhouse is already impressing the crowds. They've hosted immersive dining experiences and interactive art exhibits. They've also held sports watch parties.

Electric Playhouse is known for their cutting edge technology. So this is definitely going to be an experience like no other. Here's some of what can we look forward to this summer at the new venue. - Wendy Rush

The Electric Playhouse will let people of all ages interact in the metaverse. And what they offer changes everyday. The cyber sky is the limit!

The Electric Playhouse is a popular spot for people who like interactive games. Imagine hockey, hop scotch, or twister played on a floor that lights up!

With projection mapping and sensors, Electric Playhouse is planning immersive art experiences. They're also going to team up with local artists and museums to plan some of their shows.

Seems music venues all over Vegas are going more immersive these days. Electric Playhouse promises an immersive concert experience too, albeit probably on a smaller level than others. Which is actually nice.

Electric Playhouse calls it the future of fine dining. They combine projection mapping, music and more with their delicious cuisine that changes for the seasons.

"As the premier boutique event venue in Las Vegas, the Electric Playhouse offers a fully customizable space that can be tailored to express your company’s brand and create lasting memories for employees and clients alike" (electricplayhouse.com).