A Las Vegas developer spoke about the design and construction of CityCenter, the largest urban redevelopment project in the United States, to OU students and faculty Thursday night in Dale Hall.

William Smith, the president of design and construction for MGM Mirage Design Group, said the idea behind CityCenter was to develop a world-class urban environment at the center of the Las Vegas Strip. He said he wanted to develop a place where luxury, gaming, hotels, residences, retail and entertainment are under the same roof. He also said he wanted to create a sustainable project using “extraordinary” architecture concepts while maximizing the value of the land.

CityCenter, which will open Dec. 16, covers 18 million square feet and holds six high-rise towers, Smith said. Construction on the project began in April, 2006.

While the 160,000-square-foot casino located within the CityCenter complex is relatively small compared to others on the Las Vegas Strip, CityCenter was designed to attract other forms of revenue, he said. The allure of the shopping center is just as important as the casino, Smith said. He said he believes the revenue they will earn from gambling will be less than half of what they will make from the 410,000-square-foot shopping center, which includes 75 total outlets. He also said he believes CityCenter will generate large amounts of revenue from entertainment as they will host a variety of shows.

Smith said they encountered several challenges during the construction of the $8.5 billion project. He said he found it difficult to define the idea for companies interested in the project because it had never been done before. There is really no point of reference because it is the largest mixed-use project of this caliber, he said.

Every time he gives a presentation, Smith is always asked the question “How do I do what you’re doing?” he said. Smith said he believes achieving success requires a couple of things.

First of all, you have to get a good education, he said. He also said he urges students to attend graduate school because developing a cross understanding of disciplines by doing graduate work in another discipline is a good idea before entering the job market.

The other important thing is not to be afraid to relocate, he said. A lot of people take a job and they stay in one region, but if you’re willing to go to Los Angeles and work for a company or work for a company in New York, you are much more likely to move up through the ranks, he said.

Smith also said he believes if you want something, go after it with full energy. Show everybody that you’re after it, you believe in it and you want to do it because that is something that people recognize and are usually willing to hire you as a result, he said.

Whether it is architecture, construction or interior design, Smith said he believes it’s important to have a passion for what you’re doing.

“There’s a niche for everybody,” Smith said. “Whatever it is you’re going to do in life, do it well, be focused, and you got to have fun along the way.”