The Harmon

The Harmon hotel will make an impressive Las Vegas debut when the sleek 49-story, wraparound tower opens its doors in late 2010. The hotel rests on the northeast corner of the CityCenter complex, a vertical city-within-a-city. Comprised of 400 stylish hotel rooms and suites, the boutique-style luxury property will epitomize the A-list urban lifestyle with guard-gated access, Las Vegas’s first Mr. Chow restaurant, a Frederic Fekkai Salon, KeSARI spa, fitness center, and a pool deck perched 110 feet above The Strip.

Like everything at CityCenter, The Harmon will build environmental sustainability into its chic design. Its good neighbor policy extends to meeting and entertainment options just steps away, from shopping to 300,000 square feet of convention space to Cirque du Soleil’s blockbuster tribute to Elvis. There are no packages available at this time. There are no hot dates at this time. Posted Jan 9, 2009 by Elite News Team
Subscribe - RSS Feed By Howard Stutz, Las Vegas Review-JournalMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News

January 8, 2008 - -- Construction problems caused MGM Mirage to delay and revise a component of its multibillion-dollar CityCenter development Wednesday, but the financial community found some positive aspects to the announcement.

The company said the Harmon Hotel will not open until the end of 2010 and the Harmon's residential condominium portion is being canceled.

The move will save MGM Mirage roughly $200 million by deferring construction costs for a year. Coupled with other cost savings, MGM Mirage said it has shaved $600 million from CityCenter's $9.1 billion budget.

The Harmon, located near the entrance to CityCenter at the 76-acre site's southwest corner near the Strip, is one of five high-rise developments within CityCenter and was to include 200 residential units.

When it's completed about a year behind schedule, the Harmon will have 400 hotel rooms and be about half as tall as its originally planned 47 stories.

"This scope change will be received well by investors," JP Morgan gaming analyst Joe Greff said in a research note. "This news flow has been circulating among the Strip development community and investors for a couple of weeks now."

In September, the Review-Journal reported that construction on the Harmon had been slowed because some structural work was found not to match building plans submitted to Clark County. However, county officials said the building was structurally safe for workers to correct the nonconforming work, believed to exist on 15 of the 22 completed floors.

The Harmon's remediation work involves proper placement of reinforcing bar, commonly known as rebar, in some of the tower's walls.

Some of the rebar was spaced differently -- sometimes a distance of only inches -- than originally designed, to avoid hitting vertical steel. The affected rebar was placed within horizontal beams that reinforce the structural concrete above doors or other wall openings.

Perini Building Co., the general contractor for CityCenter, released a statement late Wednesday through its Nevada spokeswoman, Lesley Pittman.

"Perini is near completion of all required remediation work on the Harmon Hotel," company Chairman and CEO Craig Shaw said. "We continue to work on completing the project under the revised scope and schedule recently announced by MGM Mirage."

CityCenter CEO Bobby Baldwin said the rest of CityCenter remains on track.

"By canceling the Harmon condominium component, we will be able to avoid the need for substantial redesign of the Harmon resulting from contractor construction errors," Baldwin said in a statement.

MGM Mirage Chairman and CEO Jim Murren told The Associated Press late Wednesday: "It takes pressure off of selling more condominiums, it takes pressure off of occupying more rooms and, on the increment, it allows us to focus on fewer projects to open . It wasn't something that we intended -- it certainly wasn't something we planned -- but I think we are making a thoughtful and smart decision based on the facts that were presented."

Murren earlier told the Review-Journal that there are no ill feelings between the casino operator and Perini over the construction issues. He said the company's objective is to complete CityCenter.

"With something this large and this complicated, every element is acutely investigated and managed," Murren said. "At the end of the day, we'll settle on the issues. But the road today is to constructively finish the job safely and on time. And it is on time."

Murren said the move to shelve Harmon's condo component was supported by the project's lenders.

"This was a decision by the owners and a good solution," he said. "Clearly, our over-arching objective is to deliver CityCenter to the community, to our owners and to our partners in as cost-effective of manner as possible."

Wall Street thought the move was a good cost-cutting step by MGM Mirage, which announced a deal in December to sell Treasure Island for $775 million to former New Frontier owner Phil Ruffin.

"With the Harmon delay and cancellation and the recent sale of Treasure Island, we believe MGM Mirage has taken a proactive approach towards easing leverage concerns," Stifel Nicolaus gaming analyst Steven Wieczynski said in a note to investors. "The company has proven it can manage through a downturn by cutting costs, securing financing, and improving the customer experience."

The Harmon's condo segment is the third property on the Strip to be halted in mid-construction. Boyd Gaming Corp. shut down its $4.8 billion Echelon project in August, and Las Vegas Sands Corp. halted a $600 million high-rise condominium tower in November.

Perini is expected to complete the Harmon tower to its new 26-floor height and its exterior. The building will be lighted and appear finished but won't be occupied.

MGM Mirage said 88 of the Harmon's residential units were under contract to be sold. Buyers are entitled to receive refunds of their deposits.

Eliminating the Harmon's residential component means there is an overall total of 2,450 high-rise condos for sale at CityCenter's other nongaming hotel projects: Mandarin Oriental, Vdara and Veer Towers.

As of Sept. 30, MGM Mirage officials said they had secured sales reservations for 1,462 units, including what had been sold at the Harmon.

The Harmon will still be managed by the Light Group, which operates 10 nightclubs and restaurants at MGM Mirage Strip resorts. The Harmon included MR CHOW, a branch of the Los Angeles restaurant operated by Michael Chow.

Light Group founder Andrew Sasson was disappointed by the delay but said the company is still determined to operate the Harmon whenever MGM Mirage is ready to restart the project.

"We're 100 percent fully committed to the project," Sasson said. "We've put four years of heart and effort into it already."

The Harmon announcement came as MGM Mirage began the hiring process this week to employ 12,000 workers at the CityCenter site. The company said other CityCenter components -- including the 4,000-room Aria, the project's centerpiece hotel-casino -- will all open by the end of the year.

The Mandarin Oriental will have 400 hotel rooms and 227 residential units, and Veer Towers will have 670 residential units. Vdara is a 1,495-unit hotel-condominium tower. Crystals will offer 76 fashion boutiques, dining outlets and entertainment venues.

In October , CityCenter secured a $1.8 billion senior bank credit facility, which can be increased to $3 billion. MGM Mirage and its partner, Dubai World, continue to pursue additional financing for the project.

"We have full confidence in the long-term future of the Las Vegas market and the success of CityCenter," said Chris O'Donnell, CEO of Dubai World subsidiary Infinity World Development Corp. "This is an appropriate action in the current circumstances."

Shares of MGM Mirage, traded on the New York Stock Exchange, fell about 6 percent on the news, which was announced before the market opened.

By the end of the session, MGM Mirage closed at $14.52, down $1.44 or 9.02 percent. Last February, shares of MGM Mirage traded at $75.

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Copyright (c) 2009, Las Vegas Review-Journal

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Subscribe - RSS Feed The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences at CityCenter, MGM MIRAGE and Dubai World's $9.2 billion urban metropolis that will open in late 2009, will be one of the most luxurious and exclusive boutique hotels across the globe. Designed by Foster + Partners, The Harmons dynamic curving 50-story faade will act as a gateway to CityCenter, situated between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. Operated and managed by The Light Group, in partnership with Zabeel Investments, The Harmon has been accepted as a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World, fashioning an outstanding selection of stylish amenities and services including Las Vegas first MR CHOW restaurant, a hair salon by world-renowned hair stylist Frdric Fekkai, the most elite retail offerings in Las Vegas, a luxurious KeSARI spa, butler services and 17,500 square-feet of event space.
The non-gaming hotel will also be the first exclusively private boutique property offering unparalleled privacy for its guests and residents. Las Vegas first-ever environmentally friendly boutique hotel and residences, The Harmon is committed to the core values of green design and responsible living, and is currently pursuing the highest levels of LEED Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

High-resolution jpegs are available upon request. Posted Oct 30, 2008 by Elite Concierge
Subscribe - RSS Feed Las Vegas, NV - October 2008 - For a limited time, buyers of select one-bedroom luxury condominiums at The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences will receive an exquisite designer furnishing package created by world-renowned Robb & Stucky Interiors at no additional cost, but valued at approximately $20,000. These sophisticated residences will overlook some of the worlds most spectacular architecture at CityCenter, a $9-billion joint venture between MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Dubai World, opening late 2009.

Operated by The Light Group, The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences will have 400 hotel rooms and approximately 207 elite condominiums that will define exclusive and highly personalized living on The Strip. Residents will be cared for by a professional staff of experts whose primary goal is to remain one step ahead of the needs and desires of a discerning clientele. Recently accepted as a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Harmon will deliver an extensive list of exceptional amenities, including internationally recognized dining from celebrity favorite MR. CHOW, a salon from Hollywood style-maker Frdric Fekkai, a pool deck perched 100 feet above the worlds most dynamic boulevard, an expansive Strip-view spa housing more than 25 treatment rooms, state-of-the-art fitness center and preferred access to other Light Group and MGM MIRAGE offerings in Las Vegas.

Robb & Stucky has crafted three chic furnishing motifs that will complement not only owners personal preferences, but also the residences contemporary interior aesthetics conceived by the distinguished Canadian interior design firm, Munge Leung Design Associates*. As an additional option, buyers can create their own furniture package.

* PRIVACY. Uncover your retreat. Recharge in high style and natural elegance with materials inspired by Mother Nature, organic both in texture and design. Furnishings include an armless two-piece sectional, abaca bench, Wenge accent pieces, entertainment console, adjustable barstools, dining table and chairs, platform bed with crushed bamboo panels, artistic accessories and more.
* PROFILE. Be seen. Jet-setting entertainment awaits with these fashion-forward interiors that encapsulate the energy of The Strip. This design concept is sleek, avant-garde and loaded with everything residents need to be the most illustrious hosts in town, including a pair of white leather chaise, black leather chair with chrome detail, glass and chrome cocktail table and barstools, frosted glass accent table, Domino entertainment center, Pearle white platform bed with coordinating night stand, framed canvas works of art, bar stools and modern accessories.
* COMFORT. Harmon sweet home. Designed for the individual who wants to feel at home in sophisticated, updated classics, this offering is the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance with rich chocolates and warm wood tones. The welcoming interiors include a sofa; swivel chair with satin steel detail; smoked glass and chrome cocktail table; dark wood end table, entertainment center and dining table; accent chairs; walnut platform bed with coordinating night stands; abstract wall panels and accent decor.
* CREATE. Choose your own. Shape your own surroundings with a Robb & Stucky gift card valued at $15,000 for design services and furniture.
* Each package also will include an audio-visual package from Magnolia with two 32-inch integrated high-definition televisions and DVD players; custom motorized sheers in the living area and a manual shade in the bedroom by Coast Drapery.

Designed by Pritzker award-winning architecture firm Foster + Partners*, The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences will be enclosed in a striking all-glass oval faade, illuminated in hues of blue and silver. Where The Harmons exterior will command attention and epitomize contemporary architecture, the inside will be driven by the senses, with thoughtful detail in the name of privacy and retreat. Munge Leung* has crafted living spaces adorned with comfort and stunning modernity, with smart layouts and beautiful color schemes that will create exotic, private sanctuaries. Residential suites will be finished with patterned surfaces of granites, marbles and onyx stones that bring color, movement and depth to the spaces. Walnut, oak or maple hardwood floors will add rich texture and warmth. Gourmet kitchens adorned with designer fixtures and spa-inspired bathrooms will complete the posh residences. Prices for the one-bedroom luxury condominiums start at $1.3 million.

The Harmon, in line with The Light Groups other enterprises, also will be committed to the core values of green design and responsible living. The Harmon is pursuing the highest standards of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council and will demonstrate that one can live at the highest levels of luxury, enjoy the greatest amenities at the best location in Las Vegas, and do it all in an environmentally sound way. Among its many sustainability initiatives, The Harmon is designed to achieve more than 30 percent improvement in energy efficiency and will save an estimated 4.3 million gallons of water each year, equating to a savings of 34 percent within the building and 60 percent in outdoor landscaping. Posted Oct 17, 2008 by Elite Concierge
Subscribe - RSS Feed The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences, opening in the fall of 2009 at MGM MIRAGE and Dubai World's $9.2 billion CityCenter in Las Vegas, will be one of the most luxurious and exclusive boutique hotels across the globe. Designed by Foster + Partners, The Harmons dynamic curving 47-story faade will act as a gateway to CityCenter. Operated and managed by The Light Group, in partnership with Zabeel Investments, The Harmon has been accepted as a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World, fashioning an outstanding selection of stylish amenities and services including Las Vegas first MR CHOW restaurant, a hair salon by world-renowned hair stylist Frdric Fekkai, the most elite retail offerings in Las Vegas, a luxurious spa, and much more. The non-gaming hotel will also be the first exclusively private boutique property offering unparalleled privacy for its guests and residents. Las Vegas first-ever eco-chic boutique hotel and residences, The Harmon is committed to the core values of green design and responsible living, and is currently pursuing the highest levels of LEED Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.