Rockin ’ Out
HARD ROCK ROCKSINO NORTHFIELD PARK Northfield , Ohio
AS HARD ROCK ’ S 2012 PROJECT Development Partner of the Year , SOSH Architects , in partnership with Richard L . Bowen and Associates , was chosen to design the entertainment company ’ s gaming property to be branded as the first-ever “ rocksino .”
The 155,000-square-foot stand-alone facility was built adjacent to racetrack Northfield Park ’ s grandstand to expand guests ’ entertainment options . Northfield Park offers more than 200 live harness racing dates every year . Venues within the all-new Rocksino include a gaming floor boasting 2,300 slot machines , a 2,000-seat live music arena , a 200- seat buffet , steakhouse , bistro , promotions , bus and travel lounge and two player ’ s clubs . To convey Hard Rock ’ s rocksino image , SOSH incorporated timeless yet contemporary design elements for a Hard Rock Cafe and casino center bar , a high-limit slot room , and multiple outdoor gaming rooms and smoking areas .
The design of Hard Rock Rocksino is unique because the casino is located in the center with clear circulation around the perimeter , showcasing wall space for Hard Rock ’ s famous memorabilia as well as the restaurant , dining and entertainment areas .
Unique features of the property include articulating TVs and memorabilia cases that raise out of sight to provide a direct view of the Hard Rock stage during a band performance . Seven color-changing LED light fixtures created from millions of hand-applied crystal elements are programmed to lead the visitor from the entry to the Hard Rock Cafe . Black walnut liveedge wood planks hang overhead , welcoming visitors to Bernie Kosar ’ s Wood-Fired Grill .
True to Cleveland ’ s musical history as a birthplace of rock ‘ n ’ roll , the Rocksino offers the legendary vibe of the Hard Rock brand , including more than 2,200 gaming devices , varied dining options and live music events . The Hard Rock Live music venue , the fifth of its kind , hosts sell-out crowds of more than 2,000 guests for live entertainment by renowned musicians , in addition to hosting guests for a variety of functions and banquets .
In addition , the Rocksino has a 300-seat live venue , The Club , featuring comedians and illusion acts that are also readily available for private parties and events .
The supporting areas use a color palette of rich neutral tones with accents of reds , ambers and merlots . Principal materials used include masonry , glass and metal panels on the exterior , and stacked reclaimed wood paneling , Nathan Allen art glass , Shimmer Screen metal beaded curtains , natural stone flooring and countertops , and custom-design wall covering in the interiors . — DAVE BONTEMPO
OWNER : Brock Milstein ( operated by Hard Rock International )
GENERAL CONTRACTOR : Gilbane Building Company and Adam Building Company
INTERIOR / DESIGN ARCHITECT : SOSH Architects
ARCHITECT OF RECORD : Richard L . Bowen and Associates
INVESTMENT : $ 200 million
Signature Style
GRATON RESORT & CASINO
Rohnert Park , California
STATION CASINOS , WHICH manages the operations at the Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park , California , has a signature design style for its upscale casinos in Las Vegas , using the natural elements of the surrounding environment . Red Rock Casino Resort reflects the rich earth tones and beauty of the nearby Red Rock State Park , and Green Valley Ranch on the east side of town has the suburban serenity and neighborhood welcoming atmosphere .
The Friedmutter Group of Las Vegas is the “ go to ” designer for Station , and was responsible for the natural incorporation of Graton into the nearby Sonoma wine country .
While there are many tribal casinos in California , there are none closer to the Bay Area , just 50 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge . With this location and easy access off the freeway , Graton has been successful since the start . But it ’ s been the design that has pleased the crowds . The design was a result of a unique collaboration among Station Casinos , the Friedmutter Group and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria , particularly its visionary chairman Greg Sarris .
The team decided to incorporate a “ California casual elegance ” theme , which included the resort ’ s natural surroundings . The exterior lines of Graton Casino Resort emulate the famous landscape and give the impression of the gentle foothills in the distance . The natural materials of the façade , including stone , aged dark woods and copper panels , are complemented with vertical gardens in living green walls , together creating a linear hillside . Waterfalls that may appear through the hills are imagined in the water features framing the porte cochere , adding further depth and integration of nature . Hill formations frame the entries , creating a natural pathway into the property . The surrounding environment is well-represented with generous use of indigenous color and materials . California varietal flowers abound within stone and greenery , and , along with Sonoma ’ s beautiful scenery , provide bountiful inspiration , as Graton Casino Resort becomes a natural addition to the landscape .
The design includes warm modern lines , and vivid striking colors throughout the welcoming space , setting the tone and atmosphere of sophistication found throughout the Northern California region . The natural elements of the surrounding Sonoma County were the inspiration for the flowing ceiling elements ( reminiscent of the rolling hills of wine country ), and flowers in the carpet and terrazzo flooring were inspired by the many colorful floral varietals and botanicals found in the area .
Although the resort currently lacks a hotel , it makes up for it in non-gaming amenities like spectacular restaurants , including such Bay Area favorites as Tony ’ s of North Beach and Martin Yan ’ s M . Y . Noodles . The Marketplace includes eight eclectic choices from burgers to barbecue to pizza and ice cream . Three bars and lounges and an event center round out the offerings .
The gaming is , of course , the centerpiece of the property , with 131 table games and more than 3,000 slot machines scattered over more than 300,000 square feet .
— PATRICK ROBERTS
OWNER : The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
OPERATOR : Station Casinos ARCHITECT : The Friedmutter Group INVESTMENT : $ 820 million
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