an extension of the Strip rather than a neighborhood casino. The hotel floorplan would be built out with the towers forming a "T" shape when viewed overhead. Gaughan also sought to add a showroom space capable of converting into a nightclub. Groundbreaking took place on April 22, 2004. Three months later, Coast Casinos merged with Boyd Gaming, becoming a subsidiary of the latter. Gaughan remained involved with the South Coast project. J.A. Tiberti Construction served as general contractor. The resort was designed by Leo A Daly and Klai Juba Architects. The project was viewed as a larger version of the Suncoast, and it had a similar layout. Gaughan's son, vice president and general manager Michael Gaughan Jr., described the property as "the Suncoast on steroids". During construction, the surrounding area became popular for condominium and timeshare projects, including the adjacent Grandview at Las Vegas. Boyd announced in May 2005 that it would soon begin construction on the second tower. The decision came sooner than expected, a result of strong economic conditions. The second phase increased the project's cost by $100 million, bringing the total to $600 million. Gaughan had originally planned to spend around $350 million on the project. An increase in the cost of building supplies and labor contributed to the rising total. The South Coast opened on the night of December 22, 2005. The opening featured a fireworks show which sparked a small rooftop fire, although it had no impact on the opening. At the time, the South Coast was the first Las Vegas resort to be seen by motorists arriving from southern California on I-15. It also served nearby communities, such as Southern Highlands and Anthem, which lacked a casino resort. The property employed around 2,400 people. The second tower was scheduled to open approximately four months after the resort's initial opening. The ultimate cost of the resort was $625 million. Early revenue was less than expected, in part because certain amenities had yet to be finished, including a spa and nightclub. Nearby road construction, as well as an unfinished nearby exit from I-15, also hampered the resort. South Point (2006–present) In July 2006, Boyd announced that it would sell the struggling resort to Gaughan, who disliked Boyd's corporate style of management. He initially wanted to buy back The Orleans hotel-casino, which he had owned under Coast Casinos. Boyd wanted to sell him the Gold Coast instead.