30 Indian Gaming August 2020

The design team’s first stepwas to create a master plan andidentify opportunities toimprove the guest experiencewith the owner and manage-ment team. A road map was created that defined the phasesof work, which included: a newevent center; additional officeand back of house space; a new restaurant; players club;additional gaming space; andremodeling of several locationswithin the facility. These initialefforts were completed in 2017,and enclosing the gaming tentwithin a permanent structurewas completed in January of2020 over two additional phases.During the entire planningprocess, BWA worked with the

Apache Casino HotelBergman Walls & Associates

Lawton, OK

Spotlight on Recent Projects in Indian Country

Fort Sill Apache TribeProject: Casino Expansion Completed: January 2020

Evening photo of the new valet entry shows the dynamic effect the lighting has on the building.

ARCHITECTURAL SHOWCASE

August 2020 Indian Gaming 31

owner and contractor toestablish budgets for thesecomponents based onowner-defined priorities forthe sequence of phasing

The last two phases ofwork were unique and tech-nically challenging becausegaming could not be movedto a different location during construction and itwas imperative to ensurethat gaming operations bemaintained to the fullestextent possible at all timesduring construction. Theaging tent structure hadreached a point where itcould no longer serve as theexterior of the casino and amore permanent solutionwas needed. The legalboundary (trust land) forgaming is the footprint of the tent structure, so gamingcould not be moved to occur anywhere else in the facility.After the team reviewed all options, the best solution wasto build over the top of the existing tent and enclose theexisting structure while keeping the casino operational during construction.

The first phase of the building enclosure was to construct the front part of the building, which containednew office space, enclosed the utility courtyard, wouldhouse new mechanical systems on the roof, and would be a landing point to support the large trusses that wouldspan the top of the tent structure and tie back into theexisting building completed in earlier phases. This phaseof the building enclosure also created the new front entryinto the casino. Once this was completed, phase two of theenclosure started with the removal of the old mechanicalyard behind the tent structure so new foundations couldbe placed and structural steel erected.

The tent structure had a second level which needed toremain intact and required the design team to design anappropriately tall building enclosure to surmount the tent and still tie in proportionately with the rest of thecomplex. To compensate for the extra height, the buildingwas stepped up from the porte cochere in several steps,with a final step that creates a signage shelf near the top ofthe new building. Programmable color-changing lightingfrom the old exterior of the tent was removed and reused.

Its control systems were updated and ribbon LEDs wereinstalled on the building steps to afford the building a dramatic effect at night which can be programmed tochange lighting effects seasonally and for special events.This portion of the building creates a distinct new focalpoint and main entry into the casino, which ties the wholecomplex together with a sleek, modern and contemporarystyle that blends seamlessly into the location.

During construction, careful planning allowed mostcasino operations to continue without interruption whilesmaller sections of the casino were closed for less than anhour at a time as trusses and decking were installed overthe gaming floor. Temporary heating and cooling unitswere utilized in the tent structure to keep guests comfortable while the old units were removed and before new, more efficient units could be brought online.Minimal operational disruption and guest comfort werecritical during the entire construction process and discussed at weekly meetings to minimize any negativeimpacts.

The final phase in the future will be to remove the tent structure from inside the building and remodel thegaming floor. For now, the Fort Sill Apache Tribe isenjoying the use of their gaming floor in a space that iscomfortable, more energy-efficient, safer and secure from the elements, and without concern for further deterioration of their original facility.

Apache Casino new front entrance construction photo showing the fully programmable lighting effect beingtested.

32 Indian Gaming August 2020

The new Emerald QueenCasino balances the eye-catching flash of a Las Vegas-style resort with memorablereferences to Puyallup tribalculture. The 310,000 sq. ft.facility, which opened June 8th,relocates the tribe’s existinggaming operations to a highlyvisible site along Interstate 5near downtown Tacoma, WA.

The full-service gamingfacility includes approximately100,000 sq. ft. of slots and tablegames, a 2,000-seat event center, five food and beveragevenues and two parking garageswith direct access to the gaming floor.

As tribes begin pursuingdevelopments closer to cities

to increase their return oninvestment, new solutionsare necessary for an urbansite to accommodate theexpanse of a gaming floor.The design and integrationof Emerald Queen Casinointo Tacoma’s urban infra-structure tackles thisproblem head-on – and inthe process, sets a ground-breaking precedent for thefuture of gaming facilities.

Due to site and infra-structure constraints,Emerald Queen Casino’sgaming floor and amenitiesare strategically placed fourlevels above the groundfloor, spanning over twocity streets and supportedstructurally by two parkinggarages. In this way,

Cuningham GroupPuyallup Tribe of Indians Project: New Resort Casino Completed: June 2020

Emerald Queen CasinoTacoma, WA

Traditional and contemporary Puyallup art, cultural patterns, and language adorn the new Emerald QueenCasino.

Ribbon ceiling elements draw visitors deeper into the space, highlighting a rich elegance and feeling ofluxury.

ARCHITECTURAL SHOWCASE

Emerald Queen Casino reclaimsthe lost space above a restrictivecity grid, effectively modifyingthe footprint of traditional gaming facilities. This rule-breaking approach results in abreathtaking building that ishighly visible from the interstateand provides panoramic views todowntown and to the culturallysignificant Mt. Rainier and PugetSound.

There are growing opportuni-ties for tribes across the countryto build gaming facilities withinurban settings on unclaimed landtrusts. Emerald Queen Casino isthe first of its kind to build aboveground spanning multiple sitesand streets.

The design team behind thenew Emerald Queen Casino collaborated with Puyallup cultural leaders to develop aninterior design concept that celebrates and tells the story ofthe relationship between cultureand tribal land base. Coast Salishartwork created by Puyallup tribalmembers is featured throughoutthe facility.

Guests experience both theflash of a Las Vegas-style resortand the Puyallup Tribe’s rich history concurrently. Whenapproaching the entrance,patrons are received with openarms by two wooden welcoming figures, carved in the style of the regional tribes of the Pacific Northwest byPuyallup tribal member Shaun Peterson. The figures’ outstretched arms and upward palms signify welcome andacceptance.

The casino’s interior is finely crafted through many layers of functional and aesthetic considerations. From the organization of the casino floor, to the fluid ribbongeometry and the carefully selected materials – every aspectof the design contributes to an exciting, immersive andvibrant experience, emblematic of Las Vegas. These ribbonceiling elements draw visitors deeper into the space andhighlight a rich elegance and feeling of luxury through theuse of thousands of sparkling crystals, highly reflective

finishes, and dynamic lighting. Many elements of the design are purposefully organic,

which allows for renewed experiences as people movearound the gaming floor and unites Las Vegas glamour withculturally-informed design.

Interior elements subtly weave-in and draw influencefrom the textures, shapes, and colors of the mountain, river,forests and sound that define Puyallup tribal land. Tradi-tional and contemporary Puyallup art, cultural patterns andlanguage adorn the casino. Additional pieces of artwork byPeterson, including a mural and story poles, ornament thecasino’s interior. From the bold black and red exterior to the organic textures that give life to the interior, a powerful,modern and resilient Puyallup culture is expressed.

August 2020 Indian Gaming 33

Emerald Queen Casino’s main entrance and atrium. Gaming and other amenities are strategicallyplaced four levels above the ground floor.

34 Indian Gaming August 2020

Located in the heart of a bustling entertainment andsports district in Glendale, AZ, outside Phoenix, the highlyanticipated $400 million Desert Diamond West ValleyCasino officially opened on February 19, 2020, creating aunique synergy with the surrounding entertainment optionsto deliver a truly unique experience for regional gamingpatrons.

Top 5 nationally-ranked hospitality andentertainment designers, HBG Design Memphis/San Diego, created the casino’s strikingly bold and sophisticated exterior andinterior aesthetic, including the 75,000 sq. ft.casino floor, five uniquely designed restaurantsand two eye-catching feature bars – the EdgeBar and the two-story Rock Bar.

With the stunning Sonoran Desert as abackdrop, the new 1.2 million square footcasino design is derived from the design team’sproject concept called ‘The Dynamic Earth,’ a unique interpretation of the desert’s abundance, significant to the Tohono O’odham Nation.

The Tohono O’odham Nation has a richcultural heritage tied to the desert. The nameTohono O’odham is translated as ‘desert people.’ The design team was immediatelyinspired by the owner’s native land – the vast

openness and diverse terrain of the Arizona landscape. ‘The Dynamic Earth’draws inspiration from the characteristicsof the desert that are uniquely experi-enced there – the life and breath of the desert’s unique weather; the ever-changing light and shadow of the endlesssky; and the solidity and sculptural elements of the land.

Easily visible from adjacent Interstate101, the signature arching roofline createsa beautiful contrast against the light andshadow of the desert sky. Its curved architecture integrates LED technologythat produces intricate lighting patternsmirroring the ever-changing drama of thedesert’s endless sky, beckoning guestswithin. The natural course, stratified rockof the exterior design is derived from theearth and highlighted with vibrant hues of

warm, bright copper and weathered, patinaed green. Copperis significant to the Nation, and large resources are minedon Tohono O’odham land.

The interior design team was challenged to translate the holistic ‘Dynamic Earth’ concept into unique designinterpretations for the casino floor, multiple F&B venues,VIP lounge, and other spaces. The resulting design cohesion

HBG DesignTohono O’odham Nation Project: New Casino Completed: February 2020

Desert Diamond West Valley CasinoGlendale, AZ

Easily visible from adjacent Interstate 101, the signature arching roofline creates a beautifulcontrast against the light and shadow of the desert sky.

Like lightening through the dynamic desert landscape – when the jackpot hits – theenergetic, pulsating gaming excitement springs to life throughout the casino floor.

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August 2020 Indian Gaming 35

speaks to high-end branding and a well-defined guest experience.

At each end of the casino and all parts in between, colorand light express a distinct range connected to the desertstory – from cooler ambient tones found at dawn, to richwarm ambers and reds as experienced at dusk. West and east atriumentry portals from the two parking structuresbookend each side of the casino. Clearstorywindows in each atrium space allow sunlightto filter inside, bounce around colored wallpanels and provide glimpses to sun angles atevery time of day.

The main attraction is the 75,000 sq. ft.gaming floor, which recalls the desert’s endless sky. The arching canopy ceiling isanimated with curving, cloud-like fins andilluminated by LED lighting that subtlychanges the “sky” to mimic the desert light and color throughout the morning,afternoon, and evening.

Wrapped in fractal-shaped LED lightpanels, the two-story Rock Bar loungegrounds the gaming floor. Its cragged structural elevation is inspired by the fractalenergy of the desert during a powerful monsoon thunderstorm. Like lighteningthrough the dynamic desert landscape, the Rock Bar’s walls and surrounding ceiling fins energize the casino with innovative audio-visual and lighting technology that creates a dazzling, vigorous light and music show

whenever a jackpot is hit.Accessed from a combination of stairs and

ramps, the 102-seat Rock Bar is the ultimatelounge experience, overlooking the active gaming floor and offering a performance stageand intimate table and bar groupings within.

Each dining and lounge venue has a uniqueidentity within ‘The Dynamic Earth’ scheme.Inspired by the desert night sky, the 18-seatEdge Bar’s deep navy palette contrasts with goldaccents and hanging pendant lights signifyingtwinkling stars. The signature Diamond VIPLounge intermingles upscale custom jewel-inspired patterns, finishes, fabrics, and lighting.

The desert’s lush vegetation informs thedesigns of the 80-seat Italian Bistro and foodcourt. Enlivening the bistro palette is a mix ofvibrant color and texture reminiscent of theregion’s tall Saguaro cacti and multi-hued flowers. A pendant light shaped like a live

Cholla cactus greets guests into the 167-seat food courtvenue. In the hot desert summer, the Cholla dries into asubdued gray color uniquely patterned to resemble holes ina tree trunk – the inspiration for the distinctive screeningpattern that wraps the food court dining area.

Within the 182-seat café, light and shadow balance tocreate comfortable seating groups, while shapes and formscollide in the 99-seat steakhouse design – just like the desertwind as it flows through the endless sky sculpting the vividelements of the Sonoran Desert landscape. ®

Wrapped in fractal-shaped LED light panels, the two-story Rock Bar lounge groundsthe gaming floor.

The Diamond Lounge brings to life jewel-inspired interiors to create a layered VIP guestexperience.