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Our Success

AN EXAMPLE OF SUCCESS
MGM GRAND DETROIT $1 Billion project FOR MGM MIRAGE

MGM Grand Detroit opened in October 1997 and quickly became the leader in a local market that included three other casino hotels. This success was the direct result of an early partnership between the operational and development teams. The development team was led by Ben Mammina.

Ben Mammina was a member of the MGM Grand team that won the gaming license through a competitive “Request for Proposal” process. This competition included eight other bidders. Following this award was the successful negotiations of the Development Agreement and the planning of a temporary casino. The State of Michigan licensed three casinos to be built in Detroit. All three owners were to open temporary casinos while planning the permanent casinos.

Ben Mammina was responsible for the development of the $220 million MGM Grand Detroit temporary casino. This temporary facility opened eight months after receiving zoning approval from the City of Detroit. It was the first casino to open in the new Detroit market and it opened three months ahead of the next casino. This expedited opening of the MGM Grand Detroit temporary casino enabled the owner to realize $35 million added gross profit before the next casino opened their doors.

Following the opening of the temporary casino Ben Mammina led the successful development process of the new $800 million permanent casino hotel project. The success of this project was the result of many talented people. Ben Mammina’s unique contribution was to understand the talents needed and to create a business environment to showcase those talented people. The results of these efforts produced award winning designs delivered as expected … in budget, on time, safely and with social awareness:

 

Development Success

Budget
$800 Million project was completed $15 Million under budget.

Added Value of Process
The innovative approach to the development team structure had an added value estimate of $93 million. Without the added value this $800 million budget would have cost the owner $893 million.

The process eliminated the use of a general contractor and the traditional management by the owner’s development staff.

Schedule
The entire project was opened 10 weeks ahead of schedule. The early opening produced $17 million of project savings and added EBITDA.

Quality
Award winning designs produced in a fast-track environment.

Safety
There was no loss of life or serious injury. A $4 million refund from the Owner Controlled Insurance Program was achieved.

Diversity
173 Target Businesses participated on the project.
120 Minority Businesses participated on the project.
See References
53% participation with Target Businesses
33% participation with Minority Businesses
32% of all Trade Worker hours were Minority

Community Relations
The owner’s image was enhanced. The community, building officials, unions and state gaming control agency all watched a well orchestrated project.

Design Awards

2007 “Development of the Year”
Annual Lodging Investment Summit
(American Hotel and Lodging Association)2007 Top 10 New U.S. Hotels
“Gayot.com”

2008 Mobile Four Star Rating
Only two Michigan hotels have achieved this rating.

2008 Best Architectural Design for a Casino Resort Over $200 Million
Global Gaming Expo 2008

2008 Best Overall Interior Design for a Casino Resort
Global Gaming Expo 2008

2008 Gold Key Award Finalist
International Hotel/Motel Restaurant Show -Fine Dining

2008 Best Buffet Design
NEWH “Hospy Awards”

2008 Special Recognition-Seafood Fine Dining
NEWH “Hospy Awards”

2008 Restaurant of the Year
Swept first, second and third place
Detroit Free Press

2008 “Best of the Best Hospitality Excellence”
Pinnacle Award, Successful Meetings magazine

2008 “Top 100 Nightclub 2008, Club V”
Nightclub & Bar Magazine

Owner Accolades
The hotel design has become the inspiration for future mulit-billion dollar hotel developments of this international hotel casino developer.

 

 

The ALIS Awards

Video Testimonials

Time-Lapse Video of Detroit Project