Jet Ski: Laughlin Bay Marina architect honored

LAUGHLIN - The Laughlin Bay Marina, the first private marina in Nevada and the Colorado River constructed entirely on private property, officially opened its doors and docks with a grand opening ceremony to thank and honor U.S. Senator Harry Reid, D-Nev., for his efforts toward creating the lagoon and his support of the project.

Samuel Wacht, a member of the San Fernando Valley chapter of the American Institute of Architects, was awarded “The Best Community Development Award” for his design and development of the Laughlin Bay Marina.

The award was presented to Samuel Wacht Jan. 21 at the American Institute of Architects Awards Presentation and Banquet that was held at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City, Calif.

The award recognized Samuel Wacht for his insight and development of a project that has greatly impacted the Laughlin community.

Laughlin Bay Marina is the first major new development in Laughlin, Nevada in more than fifteen years.

During the opening ceremony of the marina, the official party arrived via London Bridge Jet Boat and cut a blue ribbon across the Laughlin Bay Lagoon Sept. 1, 2005. The ceremony, attended by more than 400 people, commenced at 8:30 a.m., with the ribbon cutting at 9 a.m., followed by proclamations honoring Sen. Reid by other dignitaries, a continental breakfast and water tours of the Lagoon.

In 1990, Reid sponsored legislation to dredge the lagoon, but it was more than 10 years later that the site was purchased and approvals obtained from the federal and state environmental agencies, the Town Board of Laughlin and the Clark County Commissioners, and work began on what will become a $250 million development.

“The Laughlin Bay Marina is a true oasis in our desert,” Reid said. “This development marks resurgence in growth and the economy, while respectfully protecting the surrounding environment.”

Located on Needles Highway at Casino Drive, the development spans 32 acres with 1,250 feet of frontage on Laughlin Bay Lagoon with direct access to the Colorado River. Laughlin Bay Marina is the first marina in Nevada designed to comply with voluntary Clean Marina standards, in order to help protect the natural habitat in the Lagoon.

Laughlin Bay Marina offers boating and personal watercraft enthusiasts such amenities as preferred vessel service and launch reservations, 110 boat slips in the lagoon, dry storage and maintenance facilities for an additional 240 boats and watercraft, a three-lane launch ramp, ample parking, a lighted boardwalk, ship store, full-service restaurant and cocktail bar, and a sandy beach area for residents and slip licensees alike; all on a frontage on the Laughlin Lagoon with access to the Colorado River.

Construction will begin this year on a residential community of 499 condominiums and townhouses, which will include a clubhouse with a fitness center.