Saving CityCenter was no easy task (Analysis)

The $8.5 billion CityCenter, billed as the most expensive private commercial development in U.S. history, was a few hours from shutting operations on the morning of March 27.

Earlier that week, MGM Mirage was sued in Delaware by Dubai World, its 50-50 joint venture partner in the 76-acre Strip project.

MGM Mirage needed to make a $200 million equity payment -- half of which would be on behalf of Dubai World -- or else CityCenter was headed into bankruptcy. Building activity would be halted and some 8,500 construction workers would lose their jobs.