CityCenter: Vegas Reinvented
Dec. 15-17, 2009
Sleek and sophisticated design, understated colors, natural light and sustainability are not usually the first things that come to mind about Las Vegas, but they are what MGM Mirage’s new CityCenter complex is all about. On hand for the gala opening of the "urban metropolis" that was seven years in the making, Meetings West witnessed a major milestone in the city’s continual cycle of reinvention.
Conceived during prosperity and executed during hard times, CityCenter’s grand unveiling in mid-December had executives breathing audible sighs of relief.
"Just eight months ago we had a near-death experience," said Jim Murren, CEO of MGM Mirage, speaking candidly to the press about the funding challenges that almost derailed the massive project—as they have several other big resort developments in the city. "We didn’t know then that this day would ever be a realization."
The grand opening marked the debut of Aria, the complex’s soaring, 61-story, 4,000-room centerpiece designed by Cesar Pelli in two curvilinear steel and glass towers that have nothing to do with neon signs or fanciful themes. Two other properties, Vdara Hotel & Spa and Mandarin Oriental, had opened a few days earlier, along with Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment component. Still to come is the 400-room Harmon Hotel, a luxury boutique property scheduled to open in late 2010.
CityCenter’s cutting-edge design, which is liberally punctuated throughout by stunning art pieces by such masters as Henry Moore, Maya Lin, Claes Oldenburg and Frank Stella, is nothing short of arresting. A great option for groups is the curator-led art tours of the complex, which include a stop at a massive light installation in the valet parking area that beams a continual stream of 200 messages.
Far from an afterthought, Aria’s 300,000-square-foot convention center is among the most visually appealing areas in the entire complex. With plenty of natural light from a glass wall and skylights, the convention center does something almost unheard of in Vegas: It brings the desert environment indoors. Attendees riding down the escalators of the three-story complex will be treated to the sight of indoor cactus gardens alongside the glass wall. As they walk down the halls they will see planters with fir trees outside the meeting rooms.
Also somewhat of a departure for Vegas is CityCenter’s commitment to sustainability. All the hotels and the Crystals retail complex have received LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the largest commercial development in the world to be LEED certified. Among the most unusual innovations are slot machine bases that serve as ventilation units and a fleet of stretch limos running on alternative fuels.
During the opening, Meetings West got a sneak preview of Aria’s signature entertainment option, Viva Elvis, a Cirque du Soleil production based on the life and music of Elvis Presley. Presented in a sumptuous theater decked out with sofa-like seating and deep tones of ruby red, the show includes a rousing salute to Elvis’ gospel roots and an acrobatic number where performers make twists and turns from a guitar suspended in space.
"Elvis would be pleased that he’s back in Las Vegas again—as he should be presented," commented Priscilla Presley, who was on hand to introduce the production. "Elvis had a lot of anxiety when he first performed in Vegas because he was the first rock and roll performer to break that barrier."
One could also say that CityCenter has broken a barrier or two of its own.
For More Info:
Aria Resort & Casino
702.590.7171
www.arialasvegas.com
Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas
702.590.8888
www.mandarinoriental.com
Vdara Hotel & Spa
702.599.2333
www.vdara.com
City Center
www.citycenter.com