BUILDING EXCITEMENT
A WALK IN THE MOUNTAINS
HARRAH ’ S CHEROKEE CASINO HOTEL
Cherokee , North Carolina
HARRAH ’ S CHEROKEE CASINO HOTEL , set among the natural splendors of North Carolina ’ s Great Smoky Mountains , has been a mainstay of entertainment in the Southeastern U . S . since 1997 . Now , following a dramatic five-year renovation , the resort may truly be called world-class .
Caesars Entertainment and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians lavished $ 650 million on the multi-phase upgrade , which added more than 8,300 square feet of retail space , a 10,000-square-foot VIP lounge , a 3,001-seat event center , the 18,000- square-foot Mandara Spa , and the new 21- story Creek Tower hotel . The expansion doubled the casino floor to an impressive 360,000 square feet , with 4,000 slots and 100 table games .
Working with Cuningham Group Architecture , designers created an aesthetic that celebrates the grandeur of the resort ’ s environment along with the rich history of the seven clans of the Eastern Band . The mighty rotunda entrance includes soaring tree-like elements that come to life with light and sound for a remarkable sensory experience . Eight 60-foot tall trees are set with more than 30,000 colored , digitally programmed LED lights that flicker in vivid , ever-changing patterns . Dual 68-foot interior waterfalls cascade from ceiling to floor . An immense floating spiral staircase seems to defy gravity . And a giant wrap-around video screen tells the story of the Cherokee in a dazzling sound-and-light show .
On the gaming floor , designers crafted a quartet of distinct nature-themed zones to usher guests through the casino . Together they are meant to suggest a walk from the foothills into the mountains and upward , with ever-changing geographic features , bright foliage and shifting light .
The “ Earth Water ” section , with finishes that evoke stratified layers of earth , features 460 new electronic games plus a full bar , lounge and 560-seat Chefs Stage Buffet . “ River Valley ” winds into a more sophisticated gaming area with the VIP Lounge , high-limit area and the Le Fu Men Asian gaming area . The retail concourse in this zone is highlighted by threads of glass lights that recall mountain dew on a spider web .
“ Woodland Moon ” has a “ cabin-in-thewoods ” feel , says the architect , with rustic finishes and elements that suggest dappled light filtering through a canopy of trees . And “ Mountain Breeze ” is distinguished by strong vertical elements and heavy materials , as well as design features that call to mind swaying trees , campfires and a mountaintop . The event center is located at the pinnacle , befitting its destination status .
The natural theme , by turns subtle and spectacular , continues at the new 21-story Creek Tower , an upscale 420,000-squarefoot hotel . The lobby incorporates architectural elements such as native river cane , stonework and rich woodwork . Ceiling elements and columns are “ symbolic of tree trunks ,” says the architect . “ A cozy fire lounge is nestled in the heart of the lobby , while the Lobby Café features a sculptural fixture reminiscent of a bonfire with ‘ flame and smoke ’ billowing up ” to the second level check-in . New restaurants include Ruth ’ s Chris Steakhouse and the Brio Tuscan Grill .
The new Harrah ’ s Cherokee debuted to the public in March 2013 . The Great Smokies resort , a popular regional destination , is now ready to welcome the world .
— MARJORIE PRESTON
OWNER : Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
OPERATORS : Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise / Caesars Entertainment Corp .
ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN : Cuningham Group Architecture , Inc .
GENERAL CONTRACTORS ( CASINO EXPANSION , HOTEL ): Turner Construction Co ., Yates / Rentenbach
12 CASINO DESIGN 2013