34 Indian Gaming August 2017

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe tasked BWA with designinga major new Event Center and remodel of portions of the casino, all while maintaining their existing gamingoperations. The first step in the process was to develop amaster plan and design concepts for future growth andexpansion of the entire facility. The addition of the EventCenter is the realization of just one upgrade to the property which furthers the tribe’s long term goals. Construction of the new addition was completed by Loeffler Construction in February 2017.

The phased construction started with an interiorremodel of the casino cage and the addition of a new Players Club. The second phase brought structural additions to the existing, occupied building to allow forthe addition of the Event Center and the future build-over of the casino to ultimately replace the current tentstructure. Dust control, sound management, labor routingand access were all carefully planned and coordinated foreach of the multiple phases to ensure minimal impact tothe tribe’s ongoing operations, while also protecting guestsand ensuring that their experience was not hindered in anyway.

BWA also expanded the back of house areas to createmore space for operations, training and to improve theefficiency of the building. Included in the back of house isa new VIP Lounge on the second level, an employee breakroom, offices and a banquet kitchen to serve the newEvent Center. This increased back of house space achievedone of the tribe’s goals of relocating staff from remotetemporary trailers into the building.

Throughout the property, BWA’s interior design incor-porated colors and themes inspired by the natural beautyof the surrounding Oklahoma countryside and juxtaposedthese with a streamlined, contemporary design for the

Event Center’s exterior, resulting in an addition to theproperty that complements both the existing casino andthe environment. Rich, colorful sunsets over the WichitaMountains and wheat fields swaying in gentle breezesinfluence the new interior design. Large custom light fixtures reflect elements native to the Fort Sill ApacheTribe and the local landscape. The design of the mainentrance chandelier emulates wind softly rolling throughthe countryside. At the pre-function area, a custom carpetdesign welcomes guests with deep earth tones echoed incarpeting throughout the spaces, blending into one cohesive design. The large light fixtures in the main roomof the Event Center are a modern interpretation of theOklahoma state wildflower, the Indian Blanket, which covers many of the fields surrounding the site. Keepingwith the theme of the new Event Center and payingrespect to the tribe’s long history of making beautiful andfunctional baskets, BWA designed a new 24/7 café withdesign elements including natural wood tones in a basketweave pattern and basket-style light fixtures.

The new Event Center accommodates 1,200 seats,including 4 large VIP suites on the upper level. When setup as a showroom, the room’s thoughtful design ensuresthat no guest is more than 100 feet away from the stage.BWA’s plan for the connection between the Event Centerand the casino accommodates approximately 100 additionalslot machines, increasing gaming capacity and maximizingrevenue for the client. In order to serve smaller functions,the Event Center is divisible into smaller rooms for confer-ences or special events. This new amenity has been wellreceived as a much-needed addition to the property and the city of Lawton, providing guests of the casino as well asthe surrounding community an enhanced new venue forconcerts, tradeshows and meetings.

Apache Casino HotelBergman Walls & Associates

Lawton, OK

Architectural Showcase: New Projects in Indian Country

Fort Sill Apache Tribe of OklahomaProject: Casino resort expansion & renovationCompleted: February 2017

Twenty-five years after Cuningham Group Architecture designed the original casino, it is reimagining Grand Casino Hinckley to enhance theguest experience. Owned and operated by the MilleLacs Band of Ojibwe, Cuningham Group is reshapingthis Minnesota resort destination through the creationof a multi-generational gaming environment and refocused food venues.

A significant part of the Grand Casino Hinckleyrenovation concentrates on the rejuvenation of thefood and beverage venues, which can have the biggestimpact on the guest experience. Two recently openedrestaurants are Stories Diner and Grand Provisions.

The 24-hour Stories Diner has a timeless, modernbistro feel with open seating overlooking the gamingfloor. Cuningham Group centered the diner around amain counter-height bar to provide a welcoming spot forboth local residents and visiting casino guests, inviting themto share their “stories.”

Design elements in the diner pay homage to Hinckley’s

history as a lumber and rail town and are reflected inabstract art murals and rich wood ceiling detail. Subtledesign elements in the diner include clean lines, warm darkundertones with accents of red, and large-scale abstractplaid flooring.

August 2017 Indian Gaming 35

Grand Casino HinckleyCuningham Group

Hinckley, MN

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla IndianReservationProject: Casino resort renovation To be completed: July 2018

In January 2016, the Seneca Nation and SenecaGaming Corporation broke ground on a $40 millionexpansion to their successful 64,000 sq. ft. Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino property in Buffalo, New York’sburgeoning Inner Harbor district.

The Seneca Nation has strong historic and culturalties to the Inner Harbor area – which falls within theirancestral nine-acre sovereign Buffalo Creek Territory;and the property's owners strongly believe that thesuccess and growth of the Buffalo Creek gaming operation and the success and growth of the surroundingdistrict go hand-in-hand. This vision of communityintegration directly influenced the casino’s planningand design and the subsequent expansion design.

Both the phase one casino and the latest April 2017casino expansion project were designed by HBGDesign. A key challenge early on involved how to mosteffectively integrate the property expansion on the sitefor visibility and accessibility to the Inner Harbor district. The expansion design extends the property along the district’s main economic corridors and capitalizes on theheavy foot traffic leading from the direction of the district’sdynamic new restaurants and entertainment venues and Buffalo’s main hockey and events arena.

The two-story casino addition adds approximately 57,000sq. ft. of space on two levels. The ground floor 10,000 sq. ft.

gaming floor expansion adds more than 300 additional slotmachines and additional table games, including a high limit room and expanded non-smoking area, and a new performance stage for live entertainment at the Stixx SportsBar. The second floor of the expansion introduces a new3,500 sq. ft. WD Bar & Grille concept restaurant withindoor and outdoor seating. The expansion also adds newretail area and more space for The Creek restaurant and arelated grab and go venue.

36 Indian Gaming August 2017

HBG DesignSeneca NationProject: Casino expansionCompleted: April 2017

Seneca Buffalo Creek CasinoBuffalo, NY

Grand Provisions is a 424-seat culinary marketplace thatprovides guests with a customized food experience as theystroll through individually-themed destinations. Stationsinclude the beautiful glass tile-accented Sweet Spot forgourmet coffees and desserts; Asada Taco bar with a brightlycolored, Mexican-inspired mural exterior; and Board andBowl for fresh meat cuts and sandwiches. Grand Traditions

emulates home cooking with a traditional tin ceilingabove, and nearby Switches has a rotating counter-service menu featuring picnic table-inspired floor tile.The marketplace allows guests to have a full meal from a single kitchen or select a variety of à la carteitems.

Cuningham Group is also reimaging the gamingareas at Hinckley, which are receiving complete renovations. The design, which was inspired by theOjibwe’s indigenous landscape, is subtly reflective ofthe tribe. Placement of gaming tables was reconfigured,creating a continuity on the floor, and ceiling and lightfixtures, wall treatments, carpet and property signageare being upgraded. The pool, which was relocated tomake room for a new table games area, extends theamenities beyond the casino floor.

In addition to Grand Casino Hinckley, CuninghamGroup is working closely with the Mille Lacs Band ofOjibwe to reimagine its Grand Casino Mille Lacs. Workingwith tribal leadership, the design firm has created a singlebrand identity for Grand Casino while maintaining an individual identity for each facility.

Drawing inspiration from adjacent Lake Erie and BuffaloCreek, designers at HBG Design applied a symbolic waterdesign to the building's facade with blue metal panels creating a visual wave-like movement spanning the casinoentrance and wrapping around the building onto the two-story expansion elevation. The effect emphasizes therectangular geometry and a second story balcony for outdoor WD Bar & Grille restaurant dining. This waterconcept was carried onto the gaming floor by a custom carpet pattern resembling radiating water droplets and in

fluid-patterned blue and multi-colored carpet detailing. Internally, a new central stair is highlighted with

dramatic video display screens. The new B-Lo casinobar is located on the expanded gaming floor under-neath the new stair, accented by water-inspired huesand a dramatic rain-like ceiling light feature thatframes the bar area below.

The central stair leads to the new WD Bar & Grille.The second floor dining venue is modeled after thepopular Western Door Steakhouse, which operates atthe Seneca Nation’s other casino properties in NiagaraFalls and Salamanca, New York. The WD Bar & Grilleat Buffalo Creek Casino provides the same high-qualitydining experience in a more casual setting. Richwooden tones and elegant dividing wall patterns createa relaxed sophistication perfectly suited for the Inner

Harbor district.Most impressive for the WD Bar & Grille is the weather

responsive outdoor dining area at the second floor balcony.Its west-facing profile offers patrons beautiful views of the setting sun, and provides a buffer from Lake Erie’s prevailing winds by use of a large glass windscreen.Retractable glass partitions between outdoor dining and theinterior bar and dining spaces ensures that Inner Harborpatrons have an urban oasis on those beautiful breezy Buffalo summer days and nights.

August 2017 Indian Gaming 37

RSP Architects and Knutson Construction have successfully partnered with Treasure Island Resort andCasino in Red Wing, MN for 20 years. This trustedrelationship and deep understanding of the campus hasallowed RSP and Knutson to push the envelope –going above and beyond what one would expect in atraditional tribal casino. Their teams have modernizedspaces across the campus, introducing more open andhealthier environments throughout. These projectshave significantly increased the casino’s overall appeal,creating a world-class resort destination that is attract-ing a growing guest base.

Currently, Treasure Island is embarking on an $86million series of renovations and expansions. The mostrecent project infilled the original hotel pool, generat-ing valuable space for two new amenities: Casino 8, theproperty’s first non-smoking gaming floor, and the ElementBar and Lounge, a new bar near the recently renovatedlobby.

Now, when guests enter the lobby, they know they havearrived at an entertainment destination. The Element Barand Lounge beckons. An enticing feature wall – made of

“fin-like” millwork with ocean blue up-lighting sets a distinct mood and creates a sense of motion. The waterdesign becomes a visual focal point as it wraps around thecorner and into the ‘L’-shaped bar and lounge. The newspace allows guests to get a drink and relax away from theirrooms without having to go deep into the casino. Element’s

Treasure Island Resort and CasinoRSP Architects

Red Wing, MN

Prairie Island Indian CommunityProject: RenovationCompleted: February 2017

Since the opening of Treasure Island’s new Lagoon Water Park and Wave Spa inFebruary 2016, there have been over 80,000additional visitors to the resort destination. As a result, the demand for hotel rooms is up,with occupancy rates at nearly 100%. Thepopularity of the water park, plus the facility’smany events, conferences and entertainment,has drastically increased the need for TreasureIsland to add more hotel rooms to the facility.

In direct response to these high occupancyrates, RSP Architects and Knutson Construc-tion are designing and building two new hoteltowers. The 184,000 sq. ft. expansion will add 300 guestrooms, bringing the resort’s total to over 800. The eighthstory will be a special all-suite floor that will provide

enlarged rooms with full-height windows, providing sweeping views of the Mississippi River bluffs.

The new hotel towers will feature upscale furnishings and upgraded amenities throughout, including spaciouswalk-in showers and access to the latest technology. Because there will be more room availability, visitors whocome to Southeastern Minnesota for other reasons will beable to stay and explore all of the amenities and gamingoptions that Treasure Island offers. The resort will be ableto accommodate not only casino guests, but also concert-goers, conference attendees and families.

In addition to the hotel expansion, the existing hotellobby will be completely renovated with enhanced frontdesk facilities to improve the overall check-in experience for guests. The redesign will also add a relaxing lounge area and coffee bar. Other upgrades include self-check-instations and VIP access with an expanded concierge desk.The design aesthetic is a continuation of the more upscaleand contemporary look that RSP and Knutson have beenintroducing over the past two years.

38 Indian Gaming August 2017

overall design is clean, tropical and ultra-modern. It is finished with the same high-end features afforded to the newlycompleted Casino 8, located directly adjacent to the lounge.

Casino 8 was designed with one clear objective in mind: tocreate a space where guests can have a completely differentexperience – one that is cleaner, brighter and healthier. The10,000 sq. ft. non-smoking gaming floor, with over 100 newgaming devices, is lined with an exterior wall of large-panedwindows to improve daylighting. Reflective, chevron-shapedceiling fixtures break up the high ceiling and catch the lightsand colors of the activity below, adding depth and interest tothe space. Custom exotic metallic finishes were used to linethe upper interior walls and ceilings. Upgraded LED lightingprovides additional excitement to the space, while air curtainsand glass doors divide the cleaner air in Casino 8 from therest of the casino.

Treasure Island Resort and CasinoProject: Addition/expansionTo be completed: 2018

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is one of many constructionprojects in Indian Country which has accomplished, ina very brief time, what it has taken the rest of Arizonaover 70 years to achieve. Full economic development,diversification, infrastructure expansion and communityreinvestment have all been developed at lightningspeeds. This is due to the community’s willingness tocalculate risk and make decisions. Accomplishing this goal requires both the community and their professional advisors to concentrate on the end goal,the good of the community. The Ak-Chin Casinoexpansion project has skipped over antiquated technologies, engrained processes and many steps in atraditional development process. This creates interest-ing ramifications, but also incredible opportunities in adesign/build setting.

The expansion and renova-tion joins the recently opened“Ultra Star” entertainmentfacility with the expansion viaan enclosed, elevated coveredwalkway. The expansionincludes a new parking struc-ture which provides muchneeded shade from the desertsun; a ballroom that seats 2,000 for an event and 1,000for dinner, break out roomsand a dedicated Board Roomfor corporate functions. Threeentirely new food and beverage outlets are being included in the expansion: A Wine Bar featuring wine on tap, a complete and dedicated Diamond Lounge for Harrah’s top tier guests and a new beer/ burger/steakhouse featuringcraft beers and wood-grilled entrees.

All existing food and beverage outlets are being expandedto accommodate 230 new Four Diamond guestrooms andsuites, housed in a new facility towering above the deserthorizon. A Day Spa, Business Center and enhanced poolamenities will round out the true resort experience.

The gaming floor and support areas are expanding to facilitate the enhancement of the guest experience. The entire facility will share an expanded Porte Cochere.This expansion celebrates the beauty of the Southwest andprovides a proper “desert respite” with the rejuvenation ofwater and the hope of the sunrise.

The casino entry is defined by a dramatic lobby spaceinspired by elements integral to Ak-Chin culture. Twosculptural columns flank the space, which represent thespines of the saguaro cactus as it aged. The flaring columns

rise between overheadcanopies. The central canopyglows with the warm gradientcolors of an Arizona sunrise.The underside of the canopyis detailed to recall the formsand patterns found in tradi-tional basket weaving tech-niques. In an opening in thevery center, a spectacular glass chandelier is suspended,representing bundles of drieddevils claw seed pods, the dark fibers of which are usedfor the accent patterns woven

into traditional baskets.The expansion and renovation of Harrah’s Ak-Chin

Casino is progressing faster than anticipated and is expected to be completed on or ahead of time.

While the property is clearly undergoing a dramatictransformation, there is no lack of appeal amongst theguests. One of the goals of the project was to not allow the expansion to decrease revenue during construction. This requires an attitude of collocation and an IntegratedProject Delivery (IPD) method rather than CMAR.

The Ak-Chin Indian Community and Caesars Entertainment Corporation (Harrah’s) recently conducteda small ceremony to recognize the topping-off of theirnewest hotel tower. Key community members and stake-holders signed a hotel tower’s final roof structure-beambefore it was put in place.

The expansion and renovation done by TBE Architectsand Sundt/Yates will carry the property and the Ak-ChinIndian Community into the future with a vision of respectand hope. ®

August 2017 Indian Gaming 39

Harrah's Ak-Chin CasinoTBE Architects

Maricopa, AZ

Ak Chin Indian Community of the MaricopaProject: Expansion/renovationCompletion date: TBD