Resort Pools Enhance Guest Experiences: Design Thinking
Pools have long been an integral part of casino resorts, serving as a vital attraction that enhances their competitiveness. The pool environment within these properties acts as a haven for retreat and escapism. It contributes significantly to guest satisfaction and the overall resort experience.
A leader in designing exceptional resort environments, ɫèapp has created stunning poolscapes, complete with lazy rivers, whirlpools, and man-made lakes. Each pool environment is specially designed to support other non-gaming experiences, such as the hotel, the event center, F&B, and spa.
The Spa Pool
One remarkable example of ɫèapp’s expertise in crafting spa adjacent pools is the Astral Spa Pool at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, nestled in scenic Hot Springs, Arkansas. The design of this pool area perfectly combines tranquility and luxury, ensuring guests are able to unwind and rejuvenate in a serene setting, while providing spaces for active wellness such as yoga.
The Event Centered Pool Environment
ɫèapp excels in creating captivating pool environments that are seamlessly connected to events and entertainment. For instance, the rooftop pool at Four Winds South Bend Casino in South Bend, Indiana, provides a stunning setting for guests to relax and enjoy breathtaking views from the resort hotel’s new third floor event suite/VIP suite level dedicated to smaller receptions and small group events.
Similarly, the indoor pool and event complex at Gun Lake Casino in Wayland, Michigan, currently in the construction phase, promises to be an exceptional addition to the casino resort scene. This multifunctional venue will offer guests a delightful, year-round climate-controlled space to enjoy pool activities and large events and concerts, providing yet another reason for visitors to choose Gun Lake Casino Resort as their ultimate destination.
“Michigan receives a lot of lake effect snow and wind, and Gun Lake Casino’s new multipurpose indoor pool and events complex will become a resort oasis for guests, especially in winter months,” says Paul Bell, AIA, HBG Principal and Project Manager for the Gun Lake expansion.
The F&B Centered Pool Environment
ɫèapp has designed pools that cater to events and enrich the food and beverage (F&B) opportunities within the resorts, thereby serving as separate revenue generators. The new Cascades pool complex at WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, is an excellent example of the synergy between the pool and F&B experience.
Spanning over 5 acres, this meticulously designed pool experience encompasses a series of six exquisite pools, varying types of private cabanas, and seven distinct buildings accommodating bars and lounges, food and beverage and guest services, and retail. Every amenity has been thoughtfully positioned to maximize sunlight and water access and lounging, while offering ample shaded space for social interaction and outdoor dining and bar lounging.
“Inspired by the mesmerizing forms of ocean currents and naturally shaped archipelagos, the design of the Cascades pool complex is formed by organic, curvilinear shapes that adjoin to provide intimate lounge and cabana spaces in between,” adds Jurbergs.
By offering these exceptional pool environments, casino resorts aim to create distinctive experiences that transcend mere accommodation and gaming. These carefully designed pools elevate the overall appeal of the resort, capturing the imagination of guests and ensuring they are presented with an unforgettable escapism experience. Such thoughtful integration of pools within the resort not only enhances guest satisfaction but also maximizes the revenue potential of the property.
Resort pool environments are much more than just recreational spaces; they are vital components of a successful casino resort. By understanding the value these pools bring to resort success, property owners and ɫèapp designers are continuously pushing the boundaries to create captivating poolscapes that truly elevate the resort experience. Whether it is a tranquil spa pool or an exciting rooftop oasis, these carefully crafted environments contribute to making casino resorts destinations of choice for travelers seeking a remarkable and memorable stay.
ULI: Embracing Memphis' Past and Present Through Urban Renewal and Hotel Design
From Urban Land Magazine, Online Issue, July 2023
Located on the iconic bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Memphis, Tennessee’s downtown district is a distinct representation of the city’s rich commercial and industrial legacy with rows of ornate 19th century buildings and warehouses lining the bustling urban thoroughfares. Even today, the river continues its steady stream of barge traffic, providing a mesmerizing backdrop to this cultural melting pot where the past—from the city’s legendary blues music heritage to Elvis Presley’s Graceland—rubs shoulders with the present.
The latest additions to downtown hospitality include the Canopy by Hilton Downtown Memphis, the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis, and the Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis. Each new high-profile hotel development integrates and transforms Memphis’ obsolete infrastructure for the benefit of Memphis tourism and contemporary livability.
“Adaptive use has become the cornerstone of redevelopment in downtown Memphis,” says Brandon Herrington, ULI Memphis Management Committee chair-elect and director of marketing and business development for Montgomery Martin Contractors in Memphis. “The hospitality sector, especially, has embraced the wealth of historical structures across the central business district. Whether wholesale reuse of a building or the salvage of prominent historical elements, these hotels are now integral to Memphis’ historical fabric.”
Mark Weaver, FAIA, principal at ɫèapp, the national hospitality design firm and architect of record for the three hotels says, “Lying vacant for 20 years, the site of the former 1940s era Benchmark hotel, a riverside lot and its adjacent 19th century machine shop were each initially viewed as being of limited interest to prospective tenants—some even considered them to be urban blight.”
Through a new lens, each hotel project unveiled opportunities to elaborate on existing site and infrastructure characteristics and iconic identifiers to create urban renewal that meets the community where it is now, Weaver explains.
From Urban Land Magazine, Online Issue, July 2023
Read more about the Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Hotel
Read more about the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Hotel
An Interview with HBG's F&B Designer Alexandra Milkovich
ɫèapp's F&B Design Specialist Alexandra Milkovich, IIDA, NCIDQ, recently provided her perspective on . Here, Alexandra expands on her perspective about F&B design and trends. An Associate and Lead Interior Designer in ɫèapp’s San Diego office, Alexandra has undertaken extensive research in restaurant operations and design, culinary arts, and food blogging. She is one of HBG’s go-to F&B venue design specialists and offers exceptional experience in boutique F&B design including amenity renovations.
ɫèapp is seeing continued interest in incorporating established F&B brands into the casino resort environment. Co-branding with recognizable names from outside the casino industry to anchor key amenities is not a new concept but is gaining more traction with casinos as a means to broaden market appeal and greater name recognition from an expanding customer base. For a while it seemed like expensive branding fees were deterring the introduction of new branded venues into the casino resort. But integrated branding appears to have made a comeback on an even grander scale and commitment.
Q: Alexandra, when looking to build a new food/ beverage offering at a casino, what are some of the benefits of choosing a big-name brand or celebrity chef?
AM: Having a celebrity name attached to a property is, of course, a great marketing tool for a casino owner. Celebrity chefs are influencers and have a large following of people who want to be part of the next big “thing” in the industry. Unique food and beverage venues provide the ultimate sensory experience in sight, sound, smell, and taste.
We are currently designing a confidential food and beverage amenity with a celebrity chef at a casino property. One of the benefits of working with a celebrity chef is not only their expertise in the culinary field, but also their unique understanding and perspective of how restaurants operate successfully.
Q: What are the benefits of opening an original venue?
AM: Original venues provide the freedom and opportunity to create something unique and progressive, depending on what type of experience the client is seeking to create for its guests. The thrill lies in the possibilities of what could be, in the design, branding and menu. Newness draws crowds, targeting guests looking for unique experiences.
More recently, we see notable brands that are extending into new territory, providing originality of experience with the comfort and reliability of an established brand.
Noted F&B brand Rock & Brews is known for its iconic restaurant and bars, many already integrated within casino properties across the country. The gaming machines located near the Rock & Brews restaurant have typically been some of the most popular with the 65+ demographic, especially.
Rock & Brews is now moving their brand into all parts of the casino, by opening their first ever Rock & Brews Casino and Restaurant in partnership with The Kaw Nation and Kaw Gaming in Braman, Oklahoma, a project designed by ɫèapp and opened in mid-2022.
The 71,000 square foot gaming project–part ground-up and part renovation–features an expertly curated interactive rock-inspired entertainment experience that only Rock & Brews--and its co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of iconic rock band, KISS--can provide. The Rock & Brews brand and venues are noted for their heavy integration of rock and roll imagery and iconography.
Across the casino and restaurant, references to musical instruments and vinyl records and murals of rock bands and performers--including a large KISS mural--adorn the walls and ceilings, lending a casual rocker lair vibe.
Inside the large, vaulted Rock & Brews brewhouse, practically every inch of ceiling space is covered with theatrical banners and backlit framed graphics showcasing signature rock and roll graphics. The graphics are framed by a dramatic performance stage lighting truss hanging from the pitched ceiling, painted the signature Rock & Brews branded red. Colorful murals enliven brick walls.
The new Rock & Brews Casino rock and roll vibe fully immerses gaming guests in a concert style environment and high-quality audio and visual experiences with the high-profile F&B brand name proven to attract dining customers.
Q: What are the drawbacks for either?
AM: There are pros and cons to every F&B venture, and every client must decide what is best for their casino operation, their guests and the regional or local market.
Creating a brand-new concept from scratch requires a lot of well-thought-out planning and implementation – from developing the branded concept, to researching and trademarking the name of the restaurant, to creating the menu and the venue design. Most clients we work with will hire branding strategy companies to help craft the concept and streamline the development process. Our designers then shape the physical venue concepts to meet that brand vision.
A celebrity chef driven concept is often tied to the reputation of one individual. Your venue’s success could potentially be affected by the publicity that celebrity receives.
Q: Does the decision change at all for new construction vs. renovating an existing space?
AM: New-build casinos offer the freedom to fully translate an F&B brand concept abundantly into the physical space without confinement. At the recently opened Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville, California, a new-build development, the new Redwood Taphouse features a soaring redwood ceiling with a grand center bar element wrapped in natural wood panels. As a ground-up structure, the Redwood Taphouse design was implemented as part of the casino build, allowing the F&B spaces to flow cohesively with the brand language, featuring subtle nods to the tribe’s culture woven throughout the grand spaces.
We also renovate existing space inside existing casinos for new F&B, to remain responsive to changing market conditions and new branding opportunities and to refresh a property’s offerings. Our team is adept at new construction and renovations to achieve brand vision.
The restaurant brand concept often dictates the design concept. Depending on how the concept is translated, there may be physical limitations of existing space infill that make renovation more costly. Nothing is impossible, but there are always cost implications tied to construction and addition. Some clients have preferred to reuse space and rebrand by changing finishes and furnishings, rather than making wide-scale structural alterations.
AM: For example, Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Michigan, renovated the space of their former two-story Hard Rock Café restaurant and bar venue to accommodate their original Kankakee Grille brand concept, which had already opened at their South Bend location. The Kankakee Grille venue is a combination of performance venue, bar, and restaurant with the ambiance of a casual pub with a high contrast, neutral palette, and contemporary transitional design.
The New Buffalo Kankakee Grille design preserves and incorporates the distinctive 12,000 square foot two-level layout, structural framework, and distinguishing metal railings of the former Hard Rock Café space, also by ɫèapp.
Near the entrance, a former HRC retail shop was converted to the Kankakee Grille’s new private dining room. The main bar and main dining room tables and booths remain situated on existing tiered levels to accommodate optimal views toward the ‘Kankakee Live’ performance stage. Mezzanine level bar seating provides birds eye views to the stage excitement.
A large decorative light canopy remains over the main bar from its Hard Rock Café incarnation, and the space is separated from the dining floor by custom decorative screening and stone half walls. The Hard Rock Cafe memorabilia cases were replaced by screen ornamentation details that tie to significant Tribal motifs, such as abstracted cattail and sweet grass designs to represent the Kankakee River’s edge.
To blend with Four Winds Casino’s natural aesthetic, the new F&B concept design incorporates a very modern interpretation of stacked stone and uses wooden plank textures at the entrance and throughout the venue interior. Branded elements have been reimagined within a subdued natural gray, tan and cream-colored design palette that ties to the casino’s contemporary cultural aesthetic.
Q: How does the location of the casino itself impact the process of selecting food/bev options?
AM: Food and beverage options are the first consideration in F&B branding. As F&B venue designers, we are often inspired by these edible selections as we design restaurant and bar spaces that enhance these culinary delights.
The venue location, the local market, and the Owner’s target guest are the #1 driver for all types of design. Some locales are better served by warm, comfortable designs, what we sometimes call approachable luxury. Some casinos, especially those in urban markets, require a higher level of luxury, and that means an elevated dining experience overall. The ɫèapp team undertakes extensive research with our clients at the beginning of every project to create space designs that are in sync with the F&B culinary options, and that help attract the target market to the casino property.
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Hosts the 2023 AIA Tennessee Conference
ɫèapp's Mark Weaver, FAIA, was recently interviewed about our firm's design of the 2023 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Tennessee Chapter Conference Host Hotel, the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis.
Not within the recent history of the AIA Tennessee conferences has the host hotel and conference space been a recently built building designed by a firm based in that city that knows the ins and outs of the local culture. To continue our feature on the 2023 host hotel, we have a special interview with the architect and principal designer Mark Weaver of Memphis based ɫèapp to talk more about how much the local culture inspired the design.
What design features are you most excited for your peer architects to see and enjoy?
I am extremely proud of what our talented HBG team accomplished in creating the Hyatt Centric and Caption by Hyatt hotel designs. And I’m even more excited for the opportunity to share these remarkable spaces with the esteemed members of the AIA Tennessee community. For me, these hotels are a showcase of meaningful contemporary architecture and placemaking that honors Memphis’ iconic music history and its heritage of riverfront industry.
The Centric and Caption represent a convergence of this legacy – being the first hotels built on Beale Street on the historic site of the William C. Ellis and Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop, just one block from the Mississippi River. Our team took great care to preserve the Ellis building structures and their historic character to create distinctive must-visit experiences for hotel and conference guests. Visitors will enjoy the charming street-front beer garden and the Talk Shop all-day hangout and lounge at the Caption hotel. We also modernized other Ellis structures for the Centric and Caption’s shared conference and meeting space.
The serpentine-shaped glass wall at the Centric hotel lobby and CIMAS restaurant is a window to the lively atmosphere of downtown Memphis, between Beale Street’s main entertainment district and the riverfront. But my personal favorite spot is the Centric rooftop whiskey bar and lounge deck, called Beck and Call. In my opinion, the venue offers downtown’s best views of the Mississippi River, the “M Bridge” light show and the city skyline. It’s the perfect place to entertain visitors or unwind after a long day.
Four Winds South Bend Elevates its Competitive Edge
SOARING ABOVE THE COMPETITION:
Four Winds South Bend Casino Elevates its Competitive Edge
With New HBG-Designed 23-Story Resort Hotel, Spa, and Event Amenities
ɫèapp's longstanding design collaboration with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians has resulted in a one-of-a-kind resort experience that combines contemporary luxury and highly desired modern hotel, spa, conference/events and gaming amenities within a celebration of heritage that flows through every corner of the resort.
There’s a new landmark on the South Bend, Indiana skyline, and it’s an awe-inspiring sight - a towering 23-story glass hotel that glows at sunset with a beautiful copper hue. But this impressive structure is more than a marvel of contemporary architecture; it's a testament to the Pokagon Tribe's rich heritage and commitment to providing guests with an unforgettable destination experience.
From the moment visitors enter the new 317-key, 82-suite hotel, the 10,000 SF Cedar Spa, the 24,000 SF conference and events expansion at Four Winds South Bend, they are greeted with a seamlessly exquisite display of sophisticated design that flows through every space in a celebration of culture and the natural elements of native lands.
The impact of the new expansion at Four Winds Casino Resort in South Bend, Indiana has been nothing short of profound, as a stunning resort experience for guests seeking respite, a flourishing economic driver for gaming and events, and a remarkable legacy for the Pokagon tribal community.
Three Gold Awards for Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort!
We are thrilled to announce that our designs for Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, the Astral Spa at Oaklawn, and the Oak Room & Bar at Oaklawn have all won Gold Awards from the American Society of Interior Designers, South Central Chapter's 'Excellence in Design' Awards Program!
Hospitality/Living - Gold Award: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort Expansion
Hospitality/Service - Gold Award: Astral Spa at Oaklawn Resort
Hospitality/Service - Gold Award: The Oak Room & Bar at Oaklawn Resort
Many thanks to our incredible team who made these projects possible and proud of the recognition from ASID South Central Chapter. @sc_asid
Gun Lake Casino: Tribal Gaming's Next Wave Integrated Resort
Tribal Government Gaming Magazine, March 2023
Tribal Casinos 3.0
Integrated resorts were once the bailiwick of Las Vegas and Asia, but today’s tribal casinos are entering that territory eagerly.
Article Excerpt: Loaded Gun
The Gun Lake Casino was just a glimmer in the eye of Michigan’s Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, better known as the Gun Lake Tribe, when the Mashantucket Pequots opened Foxwoods in the early 1990s. In fact, at that time, the Gun Lake Tribe had only just applied for federal recognition, often a long and drawn-out process. But the tribe had all the required history and could back it up, so five years later, it achieved recognition and began the equally arduous process of taking land into trust for a reservation.
Five years after that, the process was concluded and the tribe hired Station Casinos to build and operate the Gun Lake Casino, which opened in 2011, ushering in a new era of economic prosperity. Station built a serviceable casino for the tribe but it quickly realized something larger would be necessary, and the first expansion was under way. Now in phase five of its expansion project, led by current President and CEO Sal Semola, who was hired following the end of the Station management contract, the Gun Lake Casino is about to add a hotel and a pool and events complex with multiple pools and areas for banquets and entertainment.
Semola came on board at the end of phase four and is enthusiastically supporting the fifth. But even phase five is playing catchup, as the two closest competitors will still have larger properties than Gun Lake.
“When I first came on, I came on midway through what was characterized as the phase three expansion, which was rather modest in the sense it was maybe 100 slot machine additions to the casino floor,” Semola says. “But it was really about a connector building for a parking garage that was needed in anticipation of meeting the needs of future expansions due to the increased traffic and also the depletion of existing surface parking.
“And then phase four, which we just completed in September 2021, consisted of three new F&B outlets and began to set the table for phase five.”
Paul Bell, the lead architect for ɫèapp, says the expansion was a reaction to the desires of Gun Lake tribal leadership.
“The Gun Lake owners have set their sights on creating a premier entertainment destination resort in the Midwest,” says Bell. “They want to expand their catchment zone to include larger cities as far away as Chicago and Detroit. I think this fifth phase will create that true super-regional resort with an expansion program designed to drive that traffic in from both of those metropolitan areas.”
Semola explains the location of Gun Lake Casino and why it has been necessary to constantly grow.
“We are just outside of Grand Rapids located off highway 31, which is the north-south artery for Western Michigan,” he says. “So it’s highly trafficked, and we’re equidistant between Grand Rapids, which is the second-largest city in the state, and Kalamazoo, Michigan as well.”
Semola says that the area is growing quickly.
“Our area is somewhat rural—we’re in the town of Wayland—but in just the time that I’ve been here, we’ve seen a lot of growth and development in the area. Even the airport—Grand Rapids International Airport—is undergoing an expansion. And Grand Rapids itself is kind of moving south towards where the casino’s located. So, they’ll continue to benefit from that growth as well.”
Although phase five is the first project that HBG, which has 40-plus other tribal clients, is doing with the Gun Lake tribe, Bell is already impressed with the leadership.
“I and many of my colleagues here at ɫèapp we’ve realized that competition in most markets continues to be intense,” he says. “Progressive owners are always elevating their amenity offerings to keep up with that. While the casinos will always have their bread-and-butter patrons at the resort, we also see a continuing trend of owners working to attract more diverse, multi-generational customers through unique out-of-the-box non-gaming amenities, the pool and events complex being a prime example of this.
“In addition, retail, other non-gaming entertainment brings in all ages of people to fit this goal. Owners create through this, these opportunities, a lot more revenue and continue to stay relevant and top-of-mind in the market.”
Bell praises tribal leadership for bringing their vision to the tribal economy. They are currently developing a non-gaming mixed-use development on tribal land that will diversify the economy.
Semola agrees about the foresight of tribal leadership.
“The tribal leaders are extremely forward-thinking,” he says. “I think that when you take into account that they’ve only been on their own, outside of the umbrella of a management company for four years, they’re much further along in terms of that cycle of evolution, in terms of how they look at business and the future. So, as tribal gaming enterprises become more mature over time, they realize that there’s economic opportunities that they can comfortably participate in outside of the sovereignty umbrella, and they become more comfortable investing in that area.”
Bell also credits Semola as being a driving force behind the gaming expansion.
“He has been an absolute joy to work with,” says Bell. “He is a very fun, energetic leader. He’s extremely passionate, an entrepreneurial leader for Gun Lake. He has been engaged in the design process from the beginning. He’s really a key driver in Gun Lake’s long-term development vision.
“I believe beyond what we’re working on with him right now, the current phase five project, as he is constantly looking ahead for new opportunities to identify the next big thing that will attract the market to Gun Lake Casino Resort and maintain a cutting-edge position across the industry and marketplace.”
Semola says the idea for the pool and events complex came to him while he was at a conference at Harrah’s Atlantic City, which has a similar facility, a dome over several pools and hot tubs. But the pool and events complex is different, he says.
“The pool and events complex is designed to be a multi-purpose atrium, and it has three pools. It has a family-oriented pool which is located adjacent to a concession snack bar and some locker rooms. It also has an adult pool that is tiered with a VIP-level pool with a swim up-bar. That creates this great vibrant environment during the day—hot or cold seasons—where their guests can come and enjoy the aqua elements.
“But at night, this facility then converts over to an entertainment facility that is able to provide live performances as well, and sell VIP cabanas and so forth around the pool for those live concerts or DJ dance events, whatever type of entertainment we would choose to engage in based upon their market feasibility and entertainment preferences.”
The tribe chose the right designer for this kind of element—Bell says that although the idea for the pool and events complex came from the tribe, HBG has lots of examples.
“We have done massive atriums in the past for Gaylord resort properties,” Bell says. “One in Orlando, the Gaylord Palms, and we did another one in Grapevine, Texas called the Gaylord Texan. Those were much larger than this. So we have learned through those project experiences how to design a dynamic atrium environment.
“Now while those were designed for a completely different purpose than what this one is designed for, we went to the school of hard knocks on both of those projects. The shape of the pool and events complex really is derived from all the sun angles and site analysis to create an optimal environment for indoor swimming and aquatic activities during the day.”
Semola wanted more from the pool and events complex than just swimming, however.
“We were focused on building a hotel convention space and the pool and events complex, all three of those pieces, from a construction standpoint, from a financial performance standpoint, and without question, the pool and events complex modeled the best,” Semola says. “But what it didn’t give us was that even playing field as it pertains to some of the other casinos in the area, where they could do a sit-down concert or a large banquet. We needed a 2,000-capacity event type of space. So looking at the [complex], the challenge was how, do we get as much versatility in that space as possible?
“Ultimately working with the HBG design team, we came up with the idea of the pools being pushed out of the center, not just one pool, but multiple pools pushed out, which opened up the center. So now we can have that sight line for those types of concerts, or we can just make it a party with a DJ—your typical nightlife. For banquets, we built a production kitchen where we can easily accommodate up to 800 people. We are just looking to try to create as much versatility and utility value out of the space as possible. And I’m really happy with the way that it’s evolved thus far.”
ɫèappers Select Their Pick of the Trends
ɫèapp is on the forefront of the latest ideas in 2023 hospitality and entertainment design. Read our lead designers’ pick of the trends for the year ahead.
HBG ‘Design Thinking’ Contributors:
- Emily Marshall, IIDA, NCIDQ, Principal / Interior Design Director
- Alexandra Milkovich, IIDA, NCIDQ, Associate / Lead Interior Designer
- Landon Shockey, IIDA, NCIDQ, Lead Interior Designer
- Thor Harland. Lead Architectural Designer
ɫèapping Capital Budgets on Distinctive Amenities and Unexpected Experiences to Attract a Wider Market
Competition in most markets will continue to be intense in 2023. Properties large and small across the U.S. are elevating competitive advantage by renovating and expanding new market-driven, revenue-generating amenities. Many of our resort clients are betting BIG on unique features to bring in a new untapped customer base from greater distances. “Fǰ Gun Lake Casino Resort in Wayland, Michigan, that ‘wow’ factor is a large multi-purpose pool and events complex. The new six-story, 32,000 SF architectural marvel is set to be an oasis for ‘superregional’ customers in Chicago and Detroit looking to escape those harsh Midwest winters,” says Thor Harland. “With a year-round temperature of 82 degrees, The complex is a never-before-seen expansive, mixed-use environment, completely climate-controlled under a stunning glass roof. At its heart are terraced, landscaped pools that transform into a one-of-a-kind event center within the atrium environment. A resort pool by day and a performance complex by night, the concept includes three distinct pools, a swim-up bar, live palm trees and tropical flora, and a large entertainment stage that can host events for up to 2,400 people.”
“We always work closely with our clients and their operations teams to keep project costs down,” says Emily Marshall, IIDA, NCIDQ. “By identifying and eliminating superfluous or unnecessary square footage, we help Owners focus their design budgets on those eye popping, revenue-generating amenities that create visual and experiential distinction in their markets.”
Multi-Functional Hotel Lobbies and Centralized F&B
Gone are the days of guests zipping through the lobby as a passageway to other destinations. The new hotel lobby beckons you to sit and stay a while. “Furthering the residential trend that has taken off in the hospitality space, lobbies are appearing more like a comfortable living room – offering a place to eat, drink, work, and play,” says Marshall. The new lobby lounge coined ‘Talk Shop' at Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis reimagines the guest arrival experience with a lively multi-functional welcome area, all-day lounge and workspace, coffee shop, eatery, grab-and-go artisanal market and cocktail bar. “Energy reverberates throughout the colorful space, which was designed to encourage social interaction inside and outside at the adjoining beer garden courtyard,” she adds. Similarly, the adjacent Hyatt Centric Beale Street Hotel’s lobby offers a variety of amenities to suit visitors, locals and remote workers alike, including a large lobby bar and lounge, a communal worktable with integrated outlets and charging stations, a convenient grab and go market, and high-profile dining venue.
“We are also leading changes in F&B design that improves operational efficiency, as a direct outgrowth of the industry’s ongoing staffing shortages,” says Marshall. She explains that menus and food selections may be branded around an experience, but online ordering and room service / delivery / locational pickup means that food preparation no longer needs to be in separate kitchens attached to individual venues.
“Another good example is a property like Resorts World in Las Vegas where food and beverage operations are streamlined by creating centralized, shared hub and spoke type kitchens that service all dining venues on property.” There are many diverse solutions; it all comes down to creating efficiency and functionality that produces high quality with reduced resources.”
Dark, Dramatic, Statement-Making Design
“We are taking bright colors like coral, violet or turquoise and deepening their tonality to create more subdued, rich, darker shades that are visually interesting and restorative,” says Landon Shockey, IIDA, NCIDQ.
The simplicity of white interiors and a minimalist palette is always in style, yet as casino resort designers we LOVE that deep, moody colors are back. One example: The Oak Room at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, Arkansas–a perfect blending of contemporary and traditional design–features an early 1900s era aesthetic reminiscent of a dimly lit, moody speakeasy. mixes deep, luxe tones and geometric patterns with brilliantly colored, stunningly energetic LeRoy Neiman original paintings as a playful contrast in the eclectic eatery. Globe pendants, tufted leather banquettes, and custom oak detailing finish the look while transporting guests to a different era.
“Complementing inky hues, we’re blending rich textures like leather, velvet, natural stones, and a variety of woodwork that adds depth and softness which is irresistibly cozy and welcoming,” adds Alexandra Milkovich, IIDA, NCIDQ.
Continued Alignment of Sustainability and Design
Sustainability is taking center stage these days and major hospitality brands like Hilton, Hyatt, Starwood and Marriott are committing to significantly reducing their environmental footprint in the coming years and focusing on wellness as a key benefit for guests.
“ɫèapp is actively aligning our design concepts and interior selections to help clients down this path,” says Milkovich. “Our teams have prioritized sustainable materials in our interiors library and are training designers to select materials for their durability and ease of maintenance and to extend the duration between property refreshes/renovations.”
"Durability leads to a longer lifecycle, especially for furnishings; and the lifetime of a product is something that is extremely important to not only the environment, but also to our client’s bottom line,” adds Milkovich. “Fǰ instance, instead of using an exotic wood species such as Mahogany or Walnut that may be overharvested, we would specify Eucalyptus, which is a more renewable species and sustainably sourced. Today’s products made from Eucalyptus can often mimic the appearance of a rarer wood.”
Design That Supports Guest Wellness and Well-Being
Many of our clients are excited to promote wellness, mindfulness and health benefits among their guests, making spas within the resort environment even more popular today.
“Reduction of stress and increased well-being and healing are some of the overall benefits of biophilic design through the infusion of natural and nature-inspired materials into the built environment,” says Marshall.
The new Cedar Spa at Four Winds Casino Resort in South Bend, Indiana, is a great example of how the demand for wellness is being incorporated into gaming resort properties. At Four Winds, the resort’s signature design elements of copper, cedar, birchwood and stone--each representing significant cultural elements of the Owner’s heritage--are integrated throughout the spa, holistically adding to the wellness experience. Located on the first level of the new 23-story, 317-room hotel tower, The Cedar Spa provides a variety of traditional and unique spa therapies, including steam rooms, saunas, vitality pools and separate lounges for women and men.
“The transition from the high energy zone of the gaming floor to the relaxation zone of the spa is highlighted by an illuminated feature that appears as sunlight shining through a canopy of cedar trees,” adds Marshall. “This simulation was created through ornate copper ceiling elements allowing pockets of light to peek through, creating dancing shadows around the spa entry.”
GGB Casino Style Magazine: Designing Emotional Connection
“An entertainment experience is all about emotion—basically about having fun and enjoying yourself in an extraordinary environment,” says Dike Bacon, principal at ɫèapp. “Fǰ many casino patrons, the resort is their country club. It’s their escape. It’s what they do to have fun.
“I use the analogy of a golfer. Even in tough economic times, golfers will find the money to play golf because that’s what they like to do. Even in tough times, gamblers will find the money to gamble because that’s what they like to do.”
Gaming operators jockey to find an edge. They mirror the Field of Dreams concept from the famous movie: if you build it, they will come.
“Owners and operators are expanding with larger, more targeted and exceptional property developments and improvements,” Bacon indicates. “From small-scale renovations and incremental expansions to huge multi-faceted super-regional resort-level entertainment additions. There are also exciting expansions to existing jurisdictions like Illinois and New York and huge investments in new jurisdictions like Virginia.”
Bacon hails the industry’s resilience. It faces headwinds regarding economics, the pandemic and oversaturation, but finds a way to emerge stronger.
“The industry seems to always be battling Chicken Little headwinds in some form or fashion, but always seems to just push through better than ever,” Bacon says.
“Owners are currently molding and reshaping their expansions and renovations to accommodate changing economic conditions, but many regional gaming properties continue to ride a wave of success. In many markets, expanded facilities are creating entertainment experiences that often rival or eclipse what’s offered in Las Vegas. At ɫèapp, we are working with great clients; we are busy; and we are doing great things.”
Designing Emotional Connection
Gun Lake Casino Resort, Wayland, Michigan
One of ɫèapp's largest projects is the $300 million Gun Lake Casino expansion for the Gun Lake Tribe in Wayland, Michigan. The project is located just south of Grand Rapids, which is only a few hours’ drive from Chicago and Detroit. Gun Lake owners have set their sights on creating the premier entertainment destination in the Midwest, Bacon says. It’s a true super-regional resort with an expansion program designed to drive traffic from those two major metropolitan areas. The new project will consist of a 252-room hotel tower, multiple support amenities, and a new climate-controlled atrium pool and events complex.
Rock & Brews Casino, Braman, Oklahoma
The first-ever HBG-designed Rock & Brews Casino and Restaurant owned by Kaw Gaming opened for business in Braman, Oklahoma this year. Co-branding with recognizable names from outside the casino industry to anchor key amenities is not a new concept, but is gaining more traction with tribally owned casinos as a means to broaden market appeal and greater name recognition from an expanding customer base, Bacon says. The 71,000-square-foot gaming project features an expertly curated interactive rock-inspired entertainment experience that only Rock & Brews—and its co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of iconic rock band KISS—can provide. The Rock & Brews brand and venues are noted for using heavy integration of rock ‘n’ roll imagery and iconography to elicit emotion and nostalgia in customers.