Las Vegas is one of many cities trying to develop its downtown. But, as it’s Vegas, it’s not necessarily business as usual. Along with plans to open a new city hall, the mayor has proposed using federal funds to build a museum dedicated to the mob’s involvement in Vegas. Other plans include building a casino resort and an office, retail and residential space, but in the economic downturn, it will be a tough sell. Downtown has never been as popular as the Strip, and has lost business to Indian casinos closer to patrons’ homes.

[via NYT]