When Las Vegas casino resort giant, MGM Mirage (now MGM Resorts International) decided they wanted a non-gambling, all private residential building at their new CityCenter complex they knew they couldn’t just have any run-of-mill building. They wanted something that would catch eyes and encompass the heart of one of the most exciting cities and streets of the world. When they hired award winning architect Helmet Jahn to create plans for the building they knew he felt the same. “There are enough straight buildings in this world,” said Jahn’s partner, Francisco Gonzalez-Pulido. Their firm immediately set out to produce something that was functional, slightly traditional, but still would be innovative and beautiful.

Las Vegas has strict zoning laws, and the design team, along with MGM Mirage’s executives realized that one building would not be enough. They came up with twin towers that would rise to thirty-seven stories and sit ninety feet apart. Here is where the fun kicked in, the non-casino, all residential buildings would each lean 5 degrees in opposite directions. The gave the buildings the look of passing each other. “I don’t know if a building like this could have worked in New York City,” continued Gonzalez-pulido, “Because of its location on the Strip, the design gives the towers life and movement and a tremendous energy.” That is exactly what MGM Mirage was looking for.

While the designers and the casino resort company were excited about the plans, builders were a bit skeptical. Twin buildings of this sort have never really been built before. The tilt was made successful by constructing the towers with several dozen circular support pillars made from concrete and steel. Executive President for MGM Resorts International’s CityCenter Residential Division stated, “You’re not going to find a residential building like this anywhere else in the world.” The only public areas of the Veer Towers is the lobby which is filled with natural light and art. However, residents have full access to the casino and other areas of CityCenter.

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