LAS VEGAS—Downtown Summerlin, a long-awaited destination for fashion, dining and entertainment complex developed by the Howard Hughes Corporation officially opened last week in Las Vegas. It is said to be the largest retail development to open in the U.S. since the economic downturn. The kick off featured a four-day celebration with a spectacular light and music show. Along with numerous special events and artistic performances, guests who visited Downtown Summerlin through October 12th enjoyed a wide variety of fashion and family activities, promotions and pop-up food options along the pedestrian-friendly streets. More than 250,000 visitors were expected throughout the four-day grand opening street festival.

The retail development opened with 125 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues located in the 106-acre expanse of prime real estate just off the 215 Beltway. Downtown Summerlin also features a nine-story class A office building—One Summerlin. Hughes Corporation calls Downtown Summerlin the premier fashion, dining and entertainment destination across the region,. It offers a walkable urban core in the heart of the acclaimed Summerlin community and serving the entire Las Vegas Valley.

“The opening is the culmination of an incredible vision that embodies our core brand values of tenacity, staying the course and a passion for excellence,” said David Weinreb, CEO of The Howard Hughes Corporation. “Downtown Summerlin serves as a link between a storied Las Vegas legacy and the 21st century downtown experience that will engage both local residents and visitors from around the region, continually drawing them to return again and again.”

The opening of Downtown Summerlin is an important part of the economic resurgence of Southern Nevada, which was hit hard by the downturn but has rebounded in the past few years, said Nevada governor Brian Sandoval.

“The Howard Hughes Corporation has made a destination like no other in the country,” said Sandoval. “With its grand opening this month, all roads in Nevada lead to Downtown Summerlin.”

Downtown Summerlin features a mix of regionally and nationally known brands, boutiques and eateries in addition to retailers and restaurants new to Southern Nevada. Anchored by Macy's and Dillard's, those making their home in the Las Vegas Valley for the first time include b.young, Boston Proper, CRAVE, Envy, 4evermen, Golfsmith, Lindbergh and ROC Resto Lounge & Fashion.

In addition to fashion and specialty shops, Downtown Summerlin has assembled an exciting and eclectic collection of restaurants and dining options. These include fine dining concepts by industry leaders such as Wolfgang Puck and Elizabeth Blau, local favorites such as California Pizza Kitchen and Grape Street Café & Wine Bar.

Among the entertainment offerings will be the Regal Downtown Summerlin 5 by Regal Cinemas, which will offer local moviegoers the ultimate in comfort and luxury in front of the silver screen.

Downtown Summerlin will continue to grow over time with many retailers and food establishments opening in the coming months.

Construction on the current development began in the middle of 2013, representing the first phase of the master plan for Downtown Summerlin. Along with more shopping, dining and entertainment options, when the entire 400-acre development is complete, Downtown Summerlin will also include additional office, hotel and multi-family residences, all designed to create a vibrant environment where people can enjoy an urban lifestyle in the heart of the acclaimed 22,500-acre master planned community.