Instead of building a new megahotel MGM is spending $3 billion to transform 66 acres on the Las Vegas Strip into a mini-Manhattan.
In a hint of what may be the next transformation of Las Vegas, James J. Murren, President and CEO of MGM Mirage (and who was also an Art History and Urban Planning major at Trinity College) has anounced a new mixed-use development called CityCenter which will be the largest privately financed development project in the nation. "The site, between the Bellagio and the Monte Carlo, is about the same size as Rockefeller Center, SoHo and Times Square combined." The move away from themed casino hotels is due to slowing growth in the numbers of new gamblers, higher margins in entertainment & restaurants, and high real estate prices. But "for Mr. Murren, CityCenter is his chance to remake Las Vegas into a cosmopolitan city - and just as important, keep the city and his current properties filled from Sunday to Thursday."
Thanks to Eric Arzola
Read the full story: Is There Life After Blackjack? Ask MGM
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Housing is the top priority of Seattle’s sole new councilmember
Jenks campaigned on building 1,000 new units of affordable housing.
New tax cuts may slash $1.5 billion in funding for Miami transit, public parks
Amendment 3 will save Miami-Dade residents homeowners $2,700 in 2028.
Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania hope to finally advance climate goals post-midterms
The three states have spent years under Republican or divided control.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority