Manila Masterpiece
CITY OF DREAMS MANILA Hnedak Bobo Group
ENTERTAINMENT CITY , A COLLECTION OF four $ 1 billion-dollar-plus integrated resorts , has been a dream of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp . ( PAGCOR ) for the last decade . On reclaimed land next to Manila Bay , the dream came to life in 2013 with the opening of Solaire , a property owned by a company controlled by Philippine billionaire Ricky Razon .
In late 2014 , City of Dreams Manila debuted , a joint venture between Melco Crown Entertainment of Macau and the Belle Corp ., a subsidiary of Henry Sy ’ s SM Investments . Melco Crown bought into the project — originally designed as the Belle Grande Manila — after construction was under way , but still managed to put the Melco Crown signature upon it .
Working with architect firm Asya Design , interior design firm Arlen P . De Guzman Design Associates and general contractor Leighton Contractors , Melco Crown added and subtracted elements to present a truly unique experience for its Philippine customers .
Three hotels grace the property : Crown Towers , Hyatt and only the second Nobu hotel in the world . Nobu , whose owners include noted Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa , actor Robert DeNiro and others ( now including James Packer ’ s Crown Resorts ), is a luxury hotel that includes a Nobu Restaurant , an extensive spa and fitness center and the Nobu pool .
The casino includes a VIP Club , a Signature Club and a PokerStars card room . Several levels of dining are included . In addition to Nobu , the Tasting Room and Crystal Dragon cater to the high end . Wave and Red Dragon present casual fare , and other restaurants cater to other demographics and price points .
Dreamworks ’ DreamPlay is a unique interactive play center where kids of all ages can connect with their favorite characters . Play games with Kung Fu Panda , Shreck and Donkey . Ride a dragon . Enjoy the antics of the Penguins of Madagascar . All in one venue .
Bars and nightclubs include Centerplay on the casino floor , along with the clubs Pangea and Chaos .
Two more integrated resorts are set to join Solaire and City of Dreams within the next few years , but Manila is fast becoming a major gaming hub for the Asia-Pacific region .
OWNER : Melco Crown Entertainment and the Belle Corp .
MANAGER : Melco Crown Entertainment ARCHITECT / DESIGNER : Asya Design GENERAL CONTRACTOR : Leighton Contractors INVESTMENT : $ 1.3 billion
6 CASINO DESIGN 2015