A Nevada state judge yesterday granted MGM Resorts International permission to implode the flawed hotel tower that was partially built but never opened. Clark County District Court Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez's pretrial ruling is a prelude to the trial next year in a massive construction defect case.

Attorney George Ogilvie, representing Perini Building Co., said outside court that he'll appeal to the state Supreme Court, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The high court is the only appellate court in the state, and it may take months to rule.

"Essentially, your honor, MGM wants a do-over at Perini's expense," Mr. Ogilvie protested prior to Judge Gonzalez's order. The ruling came after the judge said she'd heard enough after three days of testimony to decide from the bench whether the building should stand or fall.

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