TROPICANA RESORT & CASINO RENOVATIONS , ATLANTIC CITY , NEW JERSEY SOSH Architects
AS PART OF A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR renovation plan , Tropicana Atlantic City partnered with SOSH Architects to upgrade the property and give it a fresh , new , modern look . Highlights of the revitalization include a completely renovated casino floor , a new casino bar
and lounge , and a spectacular new Boardwalk façade with a multimedia light and sound show . Last renovated in the 1980s , the North Tower section of Tropicana ’ s casino floor was outdated and underused . SOSH transformed the aging space into a timeless gaming atmosphere to showcase Tropicana ’ s advanced gaming product while embracing the Cuban flavor of The Quarter .
Adding to the design challenge was the need to seamlessly integrate an existing sports bar . The design team set the stage for a fresh new gaming floor experience by delivering a sophisticated design , a new high-limit zone and a pedestrian pathway that visually guides visitors from The Quarter to the North Tower casino . Havana-inspired colors , textures and other visual cues were woven into the design , creating a lively and engaging place to play and be entertained .
Directly off the new North Casino floor is a warm and contemporary bar , the 10 North Lounge . The space came with several design challenges , including low ceiling heights and numerous support columns for the hotel structure above . Using innovation to overcome these obstacles , SOSH delivered a bar design that is intimate and inviting . Back-to-back fireplaces create a special ambiance in two living-room lounges . Gleaming dark marble and 24 video slot machines span the 100-foot centerpiece bar . Behind the bar is a backlit glass wall set aglow with natural minerals , crystals and semi-precious stones .
The centerpiece of Tropicana ’ s extensive renovation project is the transformation of the property ’ s Boardwalk façade . SOSH , in conjunction with signage consultants YESCO and general contractor Massett , transformed the once-unassuming exterior into a flashy interactive light and sound display . The design consists of 15 screens , each 17 feet high , linked to create kinetic lighting effects to serve as the backdrop of the show . In addition , there are five high-definition video screens with moving strobe lights and an LED light and video “ column ” that rises 66 feet into the air , serving as the façade focal point .
The resort ’ s innovative renovation also included upgrades to the North Tower hotel rooms and a new state-of-the-art fitness center .
OWNER : Tropicana Entertainment CONTRACTOR : Massett Building Company
ARCHITECT / INTERIOR DESIGN : SOSH Architects INVESTMENT : $ 50 million
Southern Exposure
VIEJAS EXPANSION JCJ Architects
THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MARKET IS extremely competitive , and has heated up recently with additions , renovations and expansions . When the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay
Indians considered who to work with for a $ 40 million expansion , the choice was pretty evident . JCJ Architecture has been working with the tribe since 2000 , and the results have been outstanding , so the decision was a no-brainer .
The tribe ’ s hotel committee wanted to maintain the property ’ s “ Best in Class ” standard , and identified several areas that needed to be addressed . For the hotel , they wanted more rooms and suites . They also wanted a pool , hot tub and expansive outdoor spaces that translated into possible dual uses during the day and at night . In addition , a business center , fitness center and room service were added . And finally , 7,000 square feet were added to the property ’ s award-winning Harvest Buffet .
To meet these demands , JCJ developed architectural , furniture and artwork enhancements to evoke a comfortable residential atmosphere while elevating the guest experience beyond the traditional hotel room . The hotel committee identified the hotel bathroom as a point of differentiation . Throughout , oversized glass showers visually increase the size of the bathrooms and carefully selected accent materials to create a sense of refinement without a significant cost premium . In some suites , unique built-in millwork and glass feature walls were created to hold large-screen TVs , creating a distinctly Viejas element .
For their efforts , the Viejas hotel was recently awarded the AAA Four Diamond designation .
OWNER : Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians MANAGER : Viejas Enterprises ARCHITECT : JCJ Architecture INVESTMENT : $ 40 million
16 CASINO DESIGN 2015