by Amber George

Welcome to Vegas’ new endeavor: CityCenter – a new urban development offering both the thrills of the Vegas we know and love, as well as luxurious vacationing and living. Four distinctly different hotel/residences, a resort-casino and an upscale retail and entertainment district make up the nearly finished CityCenter, which is situated between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo. This joint venture between MGM Mirage and Dubai World has been described as “a city within a city” and will be unlike any other urban development to date. Charting a new course for responsible growth, MGM Mirage is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at CityCenter. A variety of “green” elements will be incorporated into CityCenter’s design including use of reclaimed water, pollutant-minimizing air conditioning systems and on-site power generation, making it one of the world’s largest environmentally sustainable urban communities. Below are a few more details about each of the structures that make
up this new playground.

The ARIA Resort and Casino

The 4 million square foot ARIA Resort and Casino will be the CityCenter’s central feature. Each of the 4,000 guestrooms will have floor to ceiling windows allowing for a wealth of natural sunlight, which is plentiful in Las Vegas. The ARIA will also feature a 70,000 square foot full-service spa offering many deluxe treatments for individuals and small groups. When it’s time to get down to business, there is also a three story convention center with thirty eight meeting rooms and four ballrooms. The ARIA also employs their own professional in-house audio-visual technical department to facilitate the wants and needs of your group, seven days a week. In short, the main theme of the ARIA is luxury – spoiling oneself and indulging in lavishness whether you are there to work, play, relax… or all three.

The Vdara Condo Hotel

The Vdara Condo Hotel will be the complex’s sole residence-only building. This fifty seven story tower hosts 1,495 rooms and suites, specifically designed with open floor plans and expansive views of the city in each room. Designed with an international flair, the Vdara will be more of a relaxing retreat for both full-time and part-time residents. No casinos or clubs, but instead an exclusive spa, salon and restaurant with personal attention and an intimate feel. All services and amenities provide the ultimate in customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Harmon Hotel, Residences & Spa

The Harmon will house 400 hotel rooms and 207 residences which will range in size from 800 to 2,900 square feet, offering the largest square-footage of any of the residences. Designed as a secluded oasis for those who enjoy the good life, these exclusive and isolated residences are expected to be some of the most coveted anywhere. The Harmon plays host to a Frederic Fekkai salon; obviously one of the most celebrated names in beauty, and a restaurant designed by Michael Chow, a well-known name in the art and architecture worlds. The beauty of the Harmon is even further extended into it’s uniquely designed but fully livable residences. Premium appliances and fixtures combine with custom craftsmanship and superior services to create something both comfortable and beautiful. The Harmon Hotel has already attained the status as one of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

The Mandarin, with its Eastern influenced design, will feature 227 condos on the top floor and 400 hotel rooms on the lower floors. When the condos at The Mandarin were released for sale, 90% sold within a two-week period generating over $600 million in sales. Both the interior design and exterior architecture were created to provide a zen-like experience for residents and guests. Contrasting colors and textures, golden accents and dark details reflect the elegance of the Orient. Eleven floor plans are offered for residences, each specially designed with harmonizing flow and balance as well spacious spa-style bathrooms as a celebrated feature.

The Veer Towers

These two shimmering glass towers lean opposite each other at a five degree angle from center. Each tower has 37 floors and houses 337 condominiums. Atop each tower, there is an amenities floor that includes an infinity edge pool, spa, fitness center, cabanas and outdoor patios/sun decks. And the design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but functional as well. The glass facades and fins provide shade from the sun, divert daytime heat and enhance circulation of air to control climate in a more energy efficient manner. The breathtaking towers were designed by world-renowned architect Helmut Jahn.

The Crystals Retail and Entertainment District

The Crystals will be a 500,000 square foot mecca of gourmet restaurants, fashionable retailers, galleries and hot new clubs. The world’s most desired brands and labels like Louis Vuitton, Ermenegildo Zegna, Rolex and Tiffany & Co. will be featured, as well as flagship stores such as a 30,000 square foot Apple store in an effort to redefine the traditional shopping experience. The highly awaited dining experiences at the Crystals will be supported by two Wolfgang Puck restaurants, a new version of Innovative Dining Group’s Katana and a litany of other desirable eateries to indulge the palate. An automated transit system will connect the Crystals to both the Bellagio and Monte Carlo and the development’s unique design and brilliant luminance will bring the perfect finishing touch to this urban metropolis.

For more information visit www.citycenter.com