The Fremont Street Experience in the historic downtown section of Las Vegas is a dynamic urban environment conceived by architect Jon Jerde. The project involved transforming a four-block corridor of Fremont Street into a lively pedestrian mall and entertainment center. Overhead, an intricate space frame containing 2.1 million lights comes alive each night with a spectacular computer-generated sound and light show.

The Urban Simulation Team model, constructed in 1995, was an important visualization tool for the project developers because it enabled them to walk or fly in real-time through a digitally accurate representation of this complex streetscape. The success of the modeling project encouraged Mirage Resorts to hire several UCLA graduates and establish its own virtual reality modeling division for use on future projects.

The project was developed by the Fremont Street Experience Company, a joint partnership of downtown hotel/casino operators. The Urban Simulation Team was commissioned to model the redevelopment area by Fluor-Daniels, the construction sub-contractor to Atlandia Design, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mirage Resorts.