Landmark Destination to Introduce New Generation of Las Vegas
Resort Experiences LAS VEGAS, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In
just three short months, the world will be introduced to
CityCenter. An extraordinary urban resort destination brought to
life by eight world-renowned architects, CityCenter will debut a
new era of resort experiences with an ambition to refine and
redefine Las Vegas. To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/mgm/40097/ (Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090916/NY76860 ) Conceived to
bring a true center to The Strip, CityCenter will be much more than
a collection of resorts and residences; it's a community - a
welcoming environment for people to gather, relax and enjoy. Great
pedestrian corridors, dynamic public spaces, authentic richness and
diversity of experiences will evoke the energy of the world's most
exciting places. CityCenter's public Fine Art Collection will
enliven the street and engage passersby. As if in a strolling
gallery, guests will happen upon works by world-renowned artists
such as Maya Lin or Nancy Rubins as they wander through
CityCenter's walkways, hotels and residences. A true community also
has regard for its surroundings. Upon opening, CityCenter will be
one of the largest sustainable developments in existence, bringing
a new level of environmental consciousness to the world-famous
Strip. The U.S. Green Building Council already has awarded Gold
LEED certification to ARIA's hotel tower, convention center and
theater; as well as Vdara Hotel. CityCenter's remaining venues are
poised to receive a combination of Silver and Gold LEED ratings.
"CityCenter bridges the vitality of Las Vegas with the experiences
travelers seek when they visit great cities around the world,
whether London, Hong Kong or San Francisco - spectacular
architecture, culturally significant art, great public spaces,
sophisticated hotels, unique restaurants and incredible amenities,"
said Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO, CityCenter. "It is an
evolutionary destination that aims to transform Las Vegas as a new
symbol at its core, like the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the Pompidou in
Paris or the SONY Center in Berlin." CITYCENTER'S GRAND OPENING
SCHEDULE: -- Vdara Hotel - December 1, 2009 -- Crystals retail and
entertainment district - December 3, 2009 -- Mandarin Oriental, Las
Vegas - December 4, 2009 -- ARIA Resort & Casino - December 16,
2009 -- The Harmon - Late 2010 -- Residential occupancies slated to
begin mid-January 2010 KEY ELEMENTS: ARIA Resort & Casino -
December 16, 2009 ARIA Resort & Casino will be a fusion of
energy, inspiration and vision, featuring an unprecedented
combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end
service and spectacular amenities. Even in a city such as Las
Vegas, with its extraordinary history of dynamic cutting-edge
developments, ARIA will be demonstrably different than anything
that has preceded it. -- Architecture. Designed by the
world-renowned firm Pelli Clarke Pelli, ARIA's two breathtaking
curvilinear steel and glass towers embody the excitement and
vitality of Las Vegas in a 21st century building; a crystalline,
undulating form gleaming in the desert light. Soaring open spaces,
ranging from ARIA's three-story lobby to its guestrooms, will fill
with natural light and evoke breadth and freedom. -- Dining. ARIA
has assembled many of the best and brightest chefs and
restaurateurs from around the country, uniting a pair of remarkable
Las Vegas newcomers with those who have played integral roles in
the development of Las Vegas' culinary scene: Masayoshi Takayama,
Shawn McClain, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Jean-Georges
Vongerichten, Sirio Maccioni, Jean-Philippe Maury and The Light
Group. Each will deliver a concept totally new to their repertoire.
-- Entertainment. ARIA will take one of the most captivating,
hip-swiveling forces of all time and re-create an old-school vibe
in its intimate approximately 1,840-seat theatre. The visionary
team at Cirque du Soleil has partnered with CKX, Inc. and its
subsidiary Elvis Presley Enterprises to create a permanent
production celebrating the timeless musical legacy of Elvis
Presley. This production aims to pay tribute to Elvis' music and
life, fusing dance and acrobatics, live music and iconic tracks,
nostalgia and modernity, high technology and raw emotion.
Extraordinary artistry, astonishing acrobatics, stunning special
effects and The King will rev up vintage Vegas into a show like no
other. -- Art. At ARIA, famed artist Maya Lin is creating an
approximately 84-foot silver cast of the Colorado River, which will
be her first work of art displayed in Las Vegas; Jenny Holzer will
display a thought-provoking LED sign spanning more than 280 feet;
Tony Cragg has commissioned three sculptures that examine the
relationship between nature and the man-made world: Bolt, 2007,
Bent of Mind, 2008, and Untitled (tall column), 2008; and Antony
Gormley will display Feeling Material XXVII, 2007, an 8-foot
sculpture that uses spiraling steel to depict the silhouette of a
human body at the center of an orbiting energy field. --
Accommodations. Within ARIA's 4,004 guestrooms, including 568
suites, panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows will offer magnificent
views of Las Vegas' striking skyline. Modern decor, lavish
amenities, cutting-edge entertainment and next-generation
technology will be the hallmark of these plush retreats. --
Guestroom Technology. ARIA will feature the most technologically
advanced guestrooms in the country. As guests first enter, they are
"greeted" as curtains open, lights turn on and the TV displays a
menu of preferences. Guests can wake up through controlled
temperature, preferred music or TV channels and the opening of
curtains. One touch can make-over the entire room: the "good night"
button turns everything off - from TV and music to lights - as the
privacy notification turns on. -- Spa. In ARIA's 80,000-square-foot
spa, nature's healing properties take center stage. Salt, stone,
earth, fire and water join to create a spa experience that will
elevate guests to a meditative state. The two-level Spa will
feature 62 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, an advanced
fitness center and Las Vegas' first co-ed spa balcony, featuring an
outdoor therapy pool and views of ARIA's spectacular poolscape. --
Nightclubs, Lounges and Bars. ARIA will feature 10 chic bars and
lounges, including Haze Nightclub by The Light Group, a colossal
cutting-edge space in which guests will be challenged to question
their sense of perception and reality. Designed by award-winning
interior design firm, ICRAVE, the nightclub will feature large
hanging props over the entryway that will draw guests to a grand
staircase transporting them to the mezzanine level where they will
enjoy a bird's-eye view of the action below. The main dance floor
will peer up at a wall of interactive projection screens stretching
100 feet across on a performance structure where impromptu acts by
world-renowned artists will regularly take place. -- Meetings and
Conventions. ARIA will provide a premium meeting experience with
300,000 square feet of technologically advanced meeting and
convention space. A spectacular glass curtain wall will span the
entire north facade of the three-level meeting facility, allowing
guests the ability to enjoy the brilliance of natural light that
streams in from ARIA's lush poolscape. -- Pools. ARIA's vast
215,000-square-foot pool deck is a tropical oasis in the heart of
the desert. Shielded by lush plantings of oversized palm, acacia,
pine and bottle trees, the soft and sensual paradise will feature
three primary pools, Liquid - an adults-only pool - hot tubs and
more. -- Casino. ARIA's casino approaches the gaming experience in
a new light; natural light, to be specific, which streams onto the
gaming floor in pools of illumination. Offering 150,000 square feet
of gaming, ARIA's unique layout and design elements will allow
guests to enjoy the energy and excitement of their favorite
selections in a more personal and intimate setting. For high-end
players, exclusive salons will offer high-limit slot and table
games in private environments. Throughout the casino,
never-before-seen technologies will allow ARIA to provide guests
with unmatched customer service. -- Reservations. Nightly room
rates range from $179 to $799; suites range from $500 to $7,500.
Reservations can be made for Dec. 17 and beyond via
http://www.arialasvegas.com/ or 866-359-7757; concierge service and
reservations for spa, salon and restaurants will be available
beginning November 9. Vdara Hotel - December 1, 2009 Vdara Hotel is
an internationally inspired all-suite hotel and spa designed for
those who love the excitement of Las Vegas but prefer to enjoy it
in an exclusive, non-gaming and smoke-free environment. Physically
connected to Bellagio and directly adjacent to ARIA Resort &
Casino, Vdara offers access to all of the entertainment, gaming,
shopping, dining and nightlife at CityCenter and in Las Vegas,
while also providing a retreat from it all. -- Architecture.
Designed by RV Architecture, LLC, led by Rafael Vinoly, Vdara's
distinctive crescent shape and unique skin of patterned glass will
create one of the most striking design statements in Las Vegas. The
sleek, shimmering structure will afford guests some of the most
breathtaking views the city has to offer. Within, open spaces
accented with materials and colors inspired by the warm desert
landscape will fill with natural light to evoke a sense of peace
and sophistication. -- Dining. Martin Heierling, the acclaimed
innovator behind Bellagio's renowned Sensi, will serve as executive
chef for Vdara. Inspired by the ancient trade route spanning from
Venice to the Far East, Silk Road will incorporate subtle spices
and exotic ingredients to create modern trans-ethnic cuisine. Silk
Road will transform as the day evolves, from fresh and lively at
daybreak to chic and sexy at nightfall. -- Art. For Vdara, Nancy
Rubins has created one of the most visually stunning commissions at
CityCenter with Big Edge. Measuring approximately 57 feet wide and
75 feet long, Big Edge is a colorful composition of numerous
aluminum rowboats, canoes and other small river and ocean vessels
finessed into a gravity-defying form that Rubins calls "a blooming
flower." Peter Wegner has commissioned a solar-themed wall piece
entitled Sun, 2009, and a lunar-themed piece entitled Moon, 2009.
Sun soars to approximately 45 feet and Moon reaches approximately
34 feet high. Vdara also acquired Frank Stella's Damascus Gate
Variation I, 1969, which features a design of interlaced
semicircles made of fluorescent alkyd resin on a 96 x 384 inch
shaped canvas. -- Accommodations. Soaring 57 stories, Vdara will
host 1,495 modern hotel suites, including 250 corner-end units,
ranging from approximately 500 to 1,650 square feet. Each will
feature a gourmet kitchen; many suites also will include a washer
and dryer as an added convenience. Characterized by open floor
plans and panoramic windows, the rooms will deliver expansive views
of the city and mountains creating a relaxed and harmonious
environment infused with an urban rhythm. -- Spa. Vdara Health
& Beauty, an 18,000-square-foot, two-level spa, salon and
advanced fitness facility, is a sensuous spa sanctuary that
spotlights holistic health and wellbeing in an intimate
environment. Comprised of 11 treatment rooms and three distinct
relaxation lounges, it will offer a selection of signature
treatments that use quality ingredients derived from organic herbs,
flowers, fruits, vegetables and essential oils. Vdara Health &
Beauty is the first Las Vegas spa recognized by the Green Spa
Network for its commitment to the environment and guest health. --
Bar and Lounge. Bar Vdara, an eclectic lobby lounge, will be a
setting inspired by nature that works as well for a morning
espresso as it does for a late-night cocktail. Bar Vdara will
connect to an intimate outdoor space that creates the feeling of
being in a secluded garden oasis where guests can lounge on
spacious swings as the nearby reflecting pool creates a shimmering
mirage of twinkling stars overhead. -- Meeting and Social Event
Space. Vdara's conference facilities will welcome guests to a world
of sophistication as rich in design as it is in technological and
culinary offerings. Vdara will be the premier choice in Las Vegas
for customized executive meetings, corporate, social and banquet
functions for 10-400 guests in an upscale boutique hotel setting.
Vdara's beautiful pool also will be available for private events
and provide the dynamic backdrop of CityCenter and the Las Vegas
Strip. -- Pool. Rising above Harmon Circle, Vdara's luxurious Sky
Pool & Lounge will invite guests to relax and socialize in an
interactive environment surrounded by cutting-edge design and
phenomenal views. The Sky Pool & Lounge will feature fully
appointed retreat and spa cabanas with semi-secluded plunge pools,
and a high-energy bar and lounge open day and evening. Guests can
enjoy made-to-order cocktails and gourmet tapas by Chef Heierling.
-- Residences. Vdara also will be home to sophisticated condo-hotel
units, including studios, deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom
residences as well as studio, one- and two-bedroom penthouses
(single and two story). -- Reservations. Nightly rates range from
$159 to $2,000. Reservations can be made for Dec. 1 and beyond via
http://www.vdara.com/ or 866-745-7767. Crystals retail and
entertainment district - December 3, 2009 Crystals will house more
than 500,000 square feet of sophisticated retail and dining.
Designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind* with interior architecture by
David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, Crystals will combine dramatic
architecture with exclusive offerings from the world's most elite
brands to become a preeminent shopping destination. --
Architecture. Libeskind conceived Crystals' exterior to be a
dynamic sculpture that presents a work of art from every angle. The
multi-faceted, brilliant glass canopy depicts the intricate beauty
of a quartz crystal that welcomes an abundance of natural light
into the stunning three-level experiential environment. --
Atmosphere. Within, Rockwell was inspired to create an abstracted
21st century park that will reintroduce and celebrate nature and
seasons. A central element of this design is the three-story
sculptural tree house that reaches 70 feet from the ground level to
frame an oculus in the roof. Visible throughout Crystals, the tree
house will serve as a meeting point for guests and unfold on the
second level to surround the terrace seating at Mastro's Ocean
Club. Crystals also will feature "changeable artwork" in the way of
abstract hanging gardens, flower carpet and more. As the seasons
change, so will the artwork, and all will be offset by intriguing
murals and water features. -- Retailers. Large-format luxury
retailers Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Prada, Christian Dior, Bulgari,
Van Cleef & Arpels, TIFFANY & CO., Mikimoto and Ermenegildo
Zegna will be among the exceptional brands presented under
Crystals' multi-faceted canopy of unprecedented brilliance.
Unique-to-the-market retailers opening their first locations in Las
Vegas include Tom Ford, Assouline, Kiton, Miu Miu, Paul Smith,
Porsche Design, de Grisogono, H. Stern, Marni and Boutique
Tourbillon. -- Dining. Restaurants opening their first Las Vegas
locations at Crystals include Eva Longoria Parker's BESO and
Mastro's Ocean Club, joining an exciting new pub concept by Todd
English. Wolfgang Puck will open two innovative new restaurant
concepts, including a contemporary interpretation of a traditional
French brasserie with tastes of the Mediterranean region. Many more
luxury brands and dining concepts will be announced at a later
date. -- Art. In The Park between ARIA and Crystals, guests will
find Henry Moore's Reclining Connected Forms, 1969-1974, a
sculpture inspired by the fundamentals of the human experience.
Measuring approximately 10 feet tall and 17 feet long by 7 feet
deep, the abstract work of art displays a baby wrapped in its
mother's embrace. On The Strip near Crystals, CityCenter has
acquired works by French designer-sculptor Francois-Xavier Lalanne.
CityCenter will showcase three of Lalanne's edition of Tourterelle,
1997, a large-scale turtledove crafted from aluminum and wood with
a seat carved into its body and wings. Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas
- December 4, 2009 Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will be a
sophisticated sanctuary of modern elegance. The 47-story,
non-gaming hotel and residences will deliver spectacular
accommodations, superlative dining, an unparalleled spa, and the
legendary service of the renowned hotel group to Las Vegas for the
first time. -- Architecture. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox with
contemporary interiors by Adam D. Tihany, Mandarin Oriental, Las
Vegas acts as a gateway to CityCenter, while simultaneously
conveying a sense of intimacy and seclusion for guests and
residents. The interlocking glass and metal elements of the facade
draw inspiration from traditional Chinese motifs and serve to
create a level of transparency that invites a flow of natural light
within. -- Dining. Situated on the 23rd floor will be the first
U.S. restaurant by world-renowned, three-star Michelin Chef Pierre
Gagnaire. Twist by Pierre Gagnaire will infuse the simplicity of
classic French cuisine with a modern spin, relying on a pairing of
flavors and textures for which Gagnaire is renowned. Guests also
can enjoy small bites and high tea rituals at the Tea Lounge; fresh
preparations of world-class cuisine at MOzen Bistro; and gourmet
pastries, sandwiches and more at Amore Patisserie, located directly
on Las Vegas Blvd. -- Art. Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will
display Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's Typewriter Eraser,
Scale X, 1998-1999, a 19-foot stainless steel and fiberglass
sculpture that depicts a giant blue and red typewriter eraser with
the bristles of the brush turned upward in a graceful gesture. In
its lobby, the hotel will feature sculptures soaring as high as 11
feet by Jun Kaneko: Untitled, Triangle Dango, 1996; Untitled,
Dango, 2002; and Untitled, Dango, 1992. Jack Goldstein's Untitled
(Volcano), 1983, depicting an explosive and vibrant image of an
erupting volcano, also will be featured in the lobby. The
property's exterior will display Masatoshi Izumi's sculpture
Untitled, 2007-2008, made of large pieces of intricately carved
basalt, a form of lava that has cooled on the surface of the
volcano. -- Accommodations. Spacious and welcoming, 392 rooms and
luxurious suites and 227 residences will provide ultimate comfort
in a sophisticated setting. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with
views of the city, surrounding mountains and glittering lights of
The Strip, these well-appointed rooms will combine contemporary
elegance with subtle Oriental design. State-of-the-art
environmentally conscious technology and cutting-edge entertainment
systems, a Mandarin Oriental hallmark, will be found in every
guestroom and suite. -- Spa. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las
Vegas will be a 27,000-square-foot oasis for serenity and
rejuvenation. This 1930s Shanghai-design inspired spa was developed
to reflect the glamour and fusion from that era. This two-level
relaxation haven will feature a menu based on Eastern methodologies
with Western applications. The Spa includes 17 treatment rooms,
including seven Couple's Suites, multiple relaxation and water
experiences, a Rhassoul for women and a co-ed Hammam. An expansive
Fitness Center with a Yoga and Pilates Studio and Technogym
cardiovascular and strength equipment also will be available. --
Bar and Lounge. Also located on the 23rd floor with windows
overlooking the spectacular Vegas skyline, the 82-seat Mandarin Bar
will provide an elegant respite from the bustling bars of the Las
Vegas Strip. Decorated with plush furnishings, the boutique
Mandarin Bar will offer creative snacks and an extensive cocktail
menu. A team of molecular mixologists will be available to develop
customized concoctions upon request, and there also will be a
separate VIP room, available by reservation. -- Meetings and Social
Event Space. More than 12,000 square feet of versatile space,
state-of-the-art facilities and unparalleled service will make
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas an ideal venue to present a variety of
events, from a grand-scale conference to a glamorous wedding. The
meeting space will be situated on the hotel's third level, flooded
with natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook
The Strip. -- Pool. Guests and residents will enjoy a magnificent
pool facility featuring 20 cabanas and a Pool Cafe, serving
seasonal market-fresh fare. The property's two lap pools are in the
shape of long blades, symbolic of blades on the Mandarin's
signature Fan logo. -- Residences. One of Las Vegas' most desirable
addresses, The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will have
a private residential entrance. Owners of these 227 luxury
condominiums will enjoy full access to Mandarin Oriental, Las
Vegas' amenities - including housekeeping, in-room dining,
concierge, access to The Spa & Fitness Center and other
personalized services to complement their lifestyles. --
Reservations. Call (702) 590-8881 or visit
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas Veer Towers Veer Towers,
CityCenter's most unique residential development, will be a
masterful translation of energy and excitement into physical form;
its two 37-story glass towers will shimmer day and night. Inclined
at five-degree angles - a feature celebrated by the development's
name - the towers will seem to dance with each other. --
Architecture. Architect Helmut Jahn conceived Veer Towers to
symbolize spirit and optimism with a strong iconic value; by
leaning them they became a sculpture. Lobbies and public spaces
will be developed by notable designer Francisco Gonzalez-Pulido**
to showcase impressive works of glass and metal with plenty of
natural light. -- Residences. Each tower will house approximately
335 modern condominium residences ranging from 500 to nearly 3,300
square feet available in studios; deluxe studios; one, two and
three-bedroom flats and penthouses. Open floor plans will feature
floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows that capture spectacular
views of Las Vegas and the surrounding CityCenter. Light-filled
rooms, natural textures and a range of whites will infuse
streamlined interiors with openness. Modern kitchens, living and
dining areas will be ideal for entertaining and spacious spa-styled
bathrooms will invite retreat. High-end appliances and fixtures
will provide efficiency and sleekness as floor-to-ceiling windows
showcase the Las Vegas vistas. Residences will be filled with
contemporary, European-style features and designer-selected
fixtures. -- Amenities. Atop each striking tower, residents will
enjoy an amenities floor featuring an unequaled view of Las Vegas
complemented by an infinity edge pool,, hot tub, a sun deck and a
patio for outdoor entertaining. Within, Veer will feature
recreation rooms for special events or casual celebrations, private
media rooms with panoramic windows, a fitness center with men's and
women's steam rooms, and a business center. -- Art. On display at
Veer Towers will be two large-scale commissioned works by Richard
Long. Entitled Circle of Life and Earth, Long's two mud wall
drawings each will measure approximately 80 feet high by 50 feet
wide. -- Entertainment. Veer will rise from Crystals, CityCenter's
spectacular retail and entertainment district, giving residents
unprecedented access to the best of stylish, big city living.
Upscale dining, lavish shopping, electric nightlife and
entertainment will be just steps away. For more information, please
visit http://www.citycenter.com/. For additional information
regarding residential opportunities at Vdara, Veer Towers and
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, please call (702) 590-5999 or
toll-free (866) 708-7111. *Consultant to AAI Architects, Inc.
**Consultant to Helmut Jahn
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090916/NY76860
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/mgm/40097DATASOURCE: MGM MIRAGE
CONTACT: Natalie Mounier, Kirvin Doak Communications,
+1-702-737-3100, Web Site: http://www.citycenter.com/ Company News
On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/000725.html
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