MGM Selects Leading Green Architectural Firm for Brimfield Project

BRIMFIELD, Mass., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) announced today that it has selected Gensler, a leader in global sustainability, as the architectural firm that will oversee the design of MGM's Rolling Hills Resort project in Brimfield.

The choice of this world renowned firm with deep roots in green building is in keeping with MGM's commitment to sustainability.

"We don't believe development should come at the cost of natural beauty," said Jim Murren, MGM's Chairman and CEO. "Gensler is a company that shares our green values and we are proud to have them joining our Brimfield team."

Gensler is a member of the Business Council on Climate Change and was ranked the number one green design firm by Engineering News-Record and placed at the top of The US Green Building Council's list for a design firm with the most LEED professionals. Gensler's sustainable credits include work on MGM's CityCenter in Las Vegas, the world's largest private sustainable development.

Additionally, Gensler's sustainable innovations include recently-completed SFO International Airport Terminal 2, the first facility of its kind to achieve LEED certification in the US, and The Tower at PNC Plaza, which will be the world's most environmentally-friendly skyrise. In recognition of multiple pioneering achievements, Gensler was presented with the USGBC's prestigious Leadership Award for Organizational Excellence in 2005.

"Sustainability is a guiding principle for all our building and interior projects," said JF Finn III, AIA, LEED AP, principal of Gensler. "We approach every assignment as an opportunity to enhance building, environmental, and human performance and we look forward to putting these principles into practice with the Rolling Hills design."

According to MGM's chairman, it was Gensler's commitment to sustainability that made the firm the ideal design partner for the Rolling Hills Resort project.

"The Pioneer Valley is home to some of the most beautiful land around – from the Quaboag River to the acres of pristine forest that define the countryside," said Murren. "We believe that by working with a firm like Gensler we will be able to build a resort that not only compliments but actually enhances these picturesque surroundings."

Since announcing its intention to create a resort in a secluded corner of Brimfield, MGM officials have been engaged in a dialogue with local residents to understand their priorities and concerns about the proposed development. People have expressed a deep affection for the open space and woodlands that define their community.

"We share Brimfield's commitment to maintaining this town as a crown jewel of the Last Green Valley," stated Murren. "Our goal is to build a New England-style resort in the woods that draws inspiration from its natural setting."

MGM's most recent developments have been honored with awards from some of the country's most prominent environmental organizations. CityCenter, MGM's most ambitious development ever, opened in 2009 with 6 LEED® Gold Certifications earned from the US Green Building Council. Among many initiatives, MGM commissioned the first fleet of compressed natural-gas vehicles in the world and has implemented electricity-saving technologies that, over the last four years, reduced the company's electricity use by 140 million kilowatt hours, the equivalent of taking 12,000 U.S. homes off the grid.

Also today, MGM announced its local leadership team for Rolling Hills Resort. The team will be led by MGM's Chief Marketing Officer, Bill Hornbuckle, who will oversee all aspects of the development, from local community outreach to project design and implementation. Davenport Companies, led by Charles Irving, will serve as the project's development partner. Ventry Associates, headed by Dennis Murphy, will be brought on as a senior project advisor. MGM had previously announced that Brimfield resident Kirsten Gaskell will serve as Rolling Hill's local office manager and Ed Marin will serve as the project's community outreach director.

MGM signed a contract at the start of January with David Callahan of Rolling Hills Estates Realty Trust to option 150 acres of land in Brimfield. MGM seeks to develop a world-class resort on the secluded parcel just north of the Massachusetts Turnpike, 65 miles west of Boston. MGM and its team are committed to an ongoing dialogue with local residents throughout the development process in order to come up with a design that respects the character of the town and the way of life to which Brimfield residents have grown accustomed. 

SOURCE MGM Resorts International