Architecture & Design in Indian CountryArchitecture & Design in Indian Country

36 Indian Gaming August 2016

Desert Diamond West Valley CasinoTohono O’odham Nation Glendale, AZ

Hnedak Bobo Group (HBG)

The Tohono O’odham Nation’s Desert Diamond Casino hasrenewed the casino design industry’s emphasis on sustain-

ability. The Nation’s West Valley Casino in Glendale, AZ,opened in December 2015, with a focus on environmentalstewardship, good decision-making, efficient facility planning and quality material selection andaesthetics, showing that entertainment and ‘greendesign’ do go hand-in-hand.

That smart planning and design paid off with the recent announcement that The Green Building Initiative has named the new DesertDiamond West Valley Casino as only the secondcasino in the U.S. to earn the Green Globes forNew Construction Certification status. Thenational Green Globe certification program recognizes the commitment to environmentallyefficient design, construction and operationalpractices and provides customized guidance in theimplementation of high-performance interiorsand buildings.

Hnedak Bobo Group (HBG) is helping theNation fulfill its design vision in a phased newproperty development. As a highly anticipated

entertainment attraction in Phoenix’s West Valley entertain-ment district, the new 50,000 sq. ft. casino is phase one of a much larger future resort complex.

“We are thrilled that our continuing commitment to the

SHOWCASE

Project: New Casino DesignCompleted: December 2015

This month we spotlight four exciting new projects designed by some of the leadingarchitectural firms working in the Indian gaming industry today.

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environment has earned Desert Diamond Casino a prestigiousGreen Globe,” said Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise. “Having HBG as a partner on this projecthelped us to ensure that we created a space that is not only sustainable, but also fully functional in addition to comple-menting the area in which it was built. We couldn't be morepleased.”

The new casino received a design treatment on par with popular, similarly-scaled venues. Exterior materials combineto form a beautiful contrast against the desert backdrop, gracefully beckoning guests within. The casino exterior applies a subtle contemporary palette of cool,earthy green tones within an interpretive desertvernacular that speaks to the surrounding region.Designers chose simple elements without relyingon ornamentation. Strong angles found in the Arizona landscape inspired the geometry, andare incorporated into the custom lighting, fabricpatterns and detail wall accents.

Thinking proactively, designers establishedthe large-scale back-of-house infrastructure earlyto support the entire planned resort build-out tocome. Once the full casino resort experienceopens, the phase one casino will be converted andreused as warehouse space, integrating fully intothe back-of-house support building.

Because of the transitional nature of the phaseone casino, designers specified materials, finishesand fixtures specifically to minimize the impact ofthe expected future conversion. For example,carpeting made from recycled materials was used

throughout the casino. Paint replaced the typicalvinyl wall covering, and fixtures were designed tobe transportable and reused in the future casinoresort build-out. More permanent sustainablefeatures and operational efficiencies will bedesigned into the resort’s future phases.

This sustainable material selection, along withwell-thought-out project management processes,strategic site location, and other planning anddesign elements, were key drivers in the GreenGlobes certification for Desert Diamond WestValley Casino.

The team’s integrated design process (IDP)allowed “green design” performance goals to beset and reviewed during multiple stages of construction including site design, enveloperequirements, materials, energy use, water use, andoverall sustainability. The project included plansfor minimizing impact to its natural surroundings.

The lighting design included reduction of light trespass (spillingover into other areas) and reduction of glare with efficient fixtures in the parking lot. The casino design also included measures for stormwater reclamation.

These environmental and operational enhancements willmake the phase one casino a standout for regional West Valley gaming customers looking for a fresh, energetic andmemorable entertainment experience.

For more information about Desert Diamond West ValleyCasino, visit www.ddcaz.com/west-valley. For more informationabout Hnedak Bobo Group (HBG), visit www.hbginc.com.

Cuningham Group designed a new $110 million gamingresort in North Carolina for the Eastern Band of

Cherokee Indians and Caesars Entertainment. Located ontribal land in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains, thecasino is approximately two hours away from Knoxville,Chattanooga and downtown Atlanta. This project marks thesecond time the iconic mountain range provided designers withtheir inspiration. Cuningham Group previously worked withthe tribe and Caesars on the multi-phase, $650 millionexpansion and renovation of Harrah’sCherokee Casino Resort about 60 milesfrom the new casino site. Where the largerfacility is a full destination resort, the goalfor the new smaller facility (270,500 sq. ft.)was to provide a gaming-centric, day-triptype destination.

Inside the casino, a major organizingcomponent is the Grand Hall – a loftyentrance space featuring ample windowsand open to the surrounding views. TheHall is the center that connects all majorcomponents of the resort including themain casino floor, which is approximately50,000 sq. ft. with 1,050 slots and 70 tablegames, and the 300-room, seven-story full-service hotel. A 15,065 sq. ft. food market with five fast-food outlets rounds outthe offerings.

Using an approach they call “Every Building Tells A Story,” which emphasizes one-of-a-kind solutions, Cuningham Group works with clients to understand theirvision and the stories they want to tell. Designers thenextract metaphors from that information and from the character of each property and site to find inspiration for all aspects of a project from basic forms and shapes to materials and colors. The approach benefits clients by providing distinct environments and experiences that help

Photos: Dennis Roberts / Praxis Partners

38 Indian Gaming August 2016

Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & HotelEastern Band of Cherokee IndiansCaesars Entertainment (operator)Murphy, NC

Cuningham Group Architecture

SHOWCASE

Project: New Casino & HotelCompleted: September 2015

differentiate them from their competition. The new Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River facility

is designed to reflect the modern sophistication of thetribe and its goal to create a contemporary, state ofthe art casino development. The design takes it visual cues and conceptual inspiration from the characteristics of the natural setting, reflecting the cultural tradition of honoring the earth and environ-ment and living in harmony with the landscape. The building speaks to a subtle interpretation ofculture and the bolder and more forward-thinkingcontemporary direction that the Eastern Band ofCherokee is taking with its community and economicdevelopment. The design also captures a sense ofplace without falling back on a typical Appalachian

rustic architectural style of exposed wooden beamsand stacked stone.

The building emerges out of the forest throughbold vertical lines reflecting the texture of the forest mid-story. Its angled roof planes speak to therolling hillsides and undulating terrain of the Smoky Mountains. Dappled and multihued patterns on thefaçade are inspired by the forest canopy and the lightand shadows that filter through to speckle and visually transform the forest underneath. Tall, vertical,carefully composed windows allow views into and outof the Great Hall and connect the activity inside withthe landscape outdoors.

A gradation of colors evokes the hues of the setting sun on one side of the interior and the huesof the dusk sky on the opposite side. The floor plan

reflects the layered spatial structure of the forestedge and interior, while utilizing interior design elements and bold colors to honor the four directions,the sunrise and sunset, and to promote light andshadow through forms that evoke the visual qualitiesof dappled light and branch structures.

Cuningham Group’s architecture and interior designultimately fulfills the desire for a strong connectionbetween indoors and outdoors and achieves a sense thatthis building belongs where it is sited and is not just abox dropped down on the landscape.

For more information about Harrah’s CherokeeValley River Casino & Hotel, visit www.caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee-valley-river. For more informationabout Cuningham Group Architecture, visit www.cuningham.com.

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40 Indian Gaming August 2016

San Manuel Indian Bingo & CasinoSan Manuel Band of Mission Indians Highland, CA

TBE Architects

North of San Bernardino, CA is the San Manuel IndianBingo & Casino is located in the heart of Southern

California's Inland Empire and just 67 miles from downtownLos Angeles. Offering the most fun in gaming, dining andentertainment since 1986, San Manuel Indian Bingo &Casino is owned and operated by the San Manuel Band ofMission Indians.

The renovation began with a fairly simple charge, toexpand the gaming and amenity offerings for casino guests.Former cage areas have created spaces that have becomeextensions of the existing gaming floor. It grew to encompass every venue, area andamenity – all while keeping the facility openand guests happy.

Most guests arrive in the casino from theparking garages. Previously there was no“sense of arrival.” Working closely with management and the Business Committee, the design team created a memorable experienceto welcome guests.

Dropping over sixty feet in dramatic formare two graphic waterfalls. They “perform”twice an hour, displaying coming events,tribal cultural elements and seasonal greet-ings. They are the largest of their kind in theworld. This is offset by custom designedlighting which creates the illusion of fire

rising up behind the faceted glassface. Similar elements adorn oppo-site sides of the rotunda space andeach serve to frame the two graphicwaterfalls. The overhead of the ceiling itself glows from behind withilluminated effects that recall water,clouds and starry skies.

As guests descend to the gamingfloor they are presented with anenhanced view across the floor.Anchoring the center of the mainlevel is the fully renovated BAR-BAR-BAR. The new feature barunderwent a complete makeover,expanding bar positions, gaming,entertainment and seating and trans-forming it into a dramatic center piecevisible from anywhere on the maincasino floor. The focal point featureconsists of layered internally lit leaves

that spring from the back bar creating an overhead canopy capable of dynamic color changing light shows. The customizable effects transition the space as the functions andenergy of activities or special events occur. In addition to thevideo poker there are three black jack tables and space for a DJ or small band. This creates a dramatic backdrop for “full sensory gaming.” The space appeals to an age demographicwhich previously had been ignored.

The previous high limit area was secluded from the mainfloor. Creating a space that had synergy with the main

SHOWCASEE

Project: Casino ExpansionCompleted: February 2016

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gaming floor was a top priority. The newly opened areaadds extensive gaming choices along with a better connec-tion to the synergy of the main casino floor thought a glassfacade. This façade separates the space from the main casinoand is etched with traditional tribal basket patterns to givehigh limit patrons a discreet gaming experience that is stillclose to the action. A private high limit bar and lounge areawithin is punctuated in gold through the useof mosaic tiles and metallic fabric light fixtures.It offers a new contemporary elegance to thegaming experience.

A new specialty gaming space has beenunveiled as well. With the principals of fengshui as a guideline, the space incorporates a living wall, correct color tones and balances inan octagon space. The entry to the dedicatedspace is guarded by solid Jade Foo Dogs andframed by a honed travertine façade that gives a sense of opulence along with oversizedweathered timbers, which convey a distinctlyeastern flavor. The column in the center of themain gaming space is encircled with a spectac-ular chandelier composed of hundreds of glassspheres that seem to rise up the column likeChampagne bubbles.

In addition to the 60 specialty slot machines,

this area offers Pai Gow, baccarat and blackjack. The NoodleLounge allows guests to get a bite to eat and opens directly ontoan outdoor Zen Garden.

For more information about San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino, visit www.sanmanuel.com. For more informationabout TBE Architects, visit www.thaldenboydemery.com.

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Treasure Island Resort & CasinoPrairie Island Mdewakanton Community Red Wing, MN

RSP Architects

From its humble beginnings as a bingo hall on the MississippiRiver, Treasure Island Resort & Casino has grown into an

entertainment destination that’s the pride of the Prairie IslandMdewakanton Community. Multiple renovation and expansionprojects over the past two years have impacted the resort, themost recent being a new waterpark and spa which has already

attracted over 80,000 visitors since opening just months ago.“We’ve been transitioning to a more upscale, contemporary

look throughout the resort,” said Darrell Breuer, TreasureIsland Director of Support Services. “We renovated our mainbuffet restaurant and opened a new, white tablecloth steak house.This past February, we opened a 40,000 sq. ft. water park and

spa area to add a true resort-like experi-ence to the casino and attract families.Today, we are building a new 300-roomhotel.”

The tribe has a long-standing partner-ship with the design-build team of KnutsonConstruction and RSP Architects. “Bothcompanies understand how to take thevision of what is presented to them andsuccessfully translate it into the TreasureIsland brand from the guest’s perspective,”said Breuer.

The most recently completed project isthe Lagoon Water Park and Wave Spa.The Lagoon features a 320-ft. long lazyriver with rapids, a kid-friendly water parkwith two 276-ft. body slides, an 80-ft.long zero-depth plunge pool, and two hottubs. There are nearly 120,000 gallons of water between all four pools and a

SHOWCASE

Project: The Lagoon Water Park and Wave SpaCompleted: February 2016

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state-of-the-art eco green filtration system thatutilizes natural Sphagnum Moss as a pre-filterwater conditioner that is healthier for swimmers.It also boasts Minnesota’s only swim-up bar, TheBarefoot Bar, which is connected to an adults-onlypool.

For land lovers, there is 14,000 sq. ft. of outdoor terrace space with three areas availablefor private parties or events. Guests can also exercise at the new fitness center and unwind atthe full-service Wave Spa. At the upscale WaveSpa, guests can choose from a variety of hair,massage, and spa packages. A special relaxationroom has a wall fire feature, lounge chairs, and canaccommodate up to 12 people.

Since opening this past February, the waterpark has far exceeded expectations. Demand forhotel rooms has been very high with occupancyrates at 100 percent most of the time. The newhotel is expected to be completed by December2017 and will give the resort a total of 800 rooms on-site. Plansalso exist to expand the water park and add a new swimmingpool, activity pool, bar and restaurant. ®

For more information about Treasure Island Resort & Casino,visit www.ticasino.com. For more information about RSP Architects, visit www.rsparch.com.