You have to give kudos to MGM for creating a sustainable, environmentally conscious space with the 65 acres they had available to them. CityCenter is one of the largest green developments in the world with 6 LEED Gold certifications. I believe I read somewhere that they re-used 90% of the materials from the previous buildings in this space. There is a specially designed water conservation system, an on-site energy generation plant, reflective roofs and coated windows for energy-efficiency -- all based on the CEO's unique vision of sustainable modernism.
What does not necessarily appeal to me, though, is the use of several different architectural and design teams to create each of the buildings that comprise the CityCenter. It was an interesting approach, but in my (humble) opinion, the CityCenter is leaning towards too modern (or not modern enough?) with the diverse and individual structures almost forcing the entire property into the realm of ugly. However, this is a personal preference and does not take away from the laudable mission of this new Las Vegas landmark.
CityCenter still needs to earn its 5th star, though, because they claim to have opened "on schedule." No, no...much of this grand opening was accomplished with staff and stores not in place or ready. My experience with Vdara's lack of inventory and last-minute transfer to ARIA had me wishing I hadn't come to visit so soon. Maybe all the kinks will be worked out in a year's time; hopefully, it'll be much sooner as I'm sure the need to generate revenues necessitated the premature opening of CityCenter.