By Jessica Villano

The MGM MIRAGE Design Group is a force to be reckoned with: Over 70 people handle architectural and interior design, construction, contract administration, finance, and accounting on projects are varied as restaurants, retail space, guest rooms, villas, pools, gaming floors…even the interior of corporate aircraft. If you’ve seen it at an MGM MIRAGE property, they have designed it.

When the Design Group tackled the redesign and rebuild of Beau Rivage Resort and Casino after Hurricane Katrina, the biggest challenge was reopening on August 29, 2006, exactly one year after the devastation hit, which meant completing 3 million square feet in 10 months.

With an average of 1,500 people a day on the job site, keeping everything in motion was an incredible feat. “A few people from our team moved down to Mississippi,” said Tony Mancini, Vice President of the MGM MIRAGE Design Group. “We couldn’t have done it without the great support and partnership between the Las Vegas and Biloxi executive team. Things don’t get done without great people.”

In the face of devastation, they were presented with a unique opportunity: integrating newer thinking into the design approach while maintaining the Southern charm and grandeur that make Beau Rivage so impressive.

In order to keep the spirit in tact while introducing new ideas, the Design Group struck a balance. The magnificent landscaping was one item on their agenda: They were able to save a lot of the trees uprooted during the storm, preserving the beautiful canopies that line the drive and set the scene for the majestic Southern property.