Dueling sides in City Center case plan negotiating session

After more than three years of expensive litigation, the conflicting sides in the CityCenter construction case will give peace a chance.

During unspecified dates in mid-August, about a dozen companies will take part in a negotiating session overseen by private mediator Ken Gibbs. According to a CityCenter spokesman, the session will last six days when each group is placed in its own room while the mediator carries proposals back and forth. Principal among disputes is who is at fault for the construction defects at the never-occupied Harmon Hotel.

Besides CityCenter, managed and half-owned by MGM Resorts International, former general contractor Tutor Perini Building Co., several subcontractor and insurance companies are expected to take part.

On Aug. 26, Clark County District Judge Jennifer Togliotti is slated to conduct a settlement conference.

CityCenter attorney Mark Ferrario has expressed hope that at least some minor issues can be resolved to avoid a jury trial running two years.

“I’m trying to win the bet that it will be less than a year,” Ferrario said on Friday.

“It ain’t happening. I know you all,” replied Clark County District Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez.