The success of Lifescapes International began in the middle of the desert
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The success of Lifescapes International began in the middle of the desert
By Mike Sheridan
Mirage
Create an oasis in the middle of a hot , sandy , arid desert .
That was the first casino resort assignment received by Don Brinkerhoff , CEO of Lifescapes International , and his team — on one of the greatest midways in the world .
The client ? Steve Wynn . The job ? Unique . The challenge ? Delivering an experience beyond any customer ’ s expectations .
Brinkerhoff ’ s solution ? Locate a mountain topped by a “ volcano ” at the apex of the turn along Las Vegas Boulevard . Guests approaching from Southern California , the largest market for Vegas at that time , would be enticed to discover the unique and bold attraction , which included cascading waterfalls and a jungle of majestic palms surrounded by a lush , verdant tropical rainforest complete with animals , swimming pools and a dolphin habitat .
The result ? A destination like nothing seen before in Clark County — or anywhere else . It would become the Mirage — the first casino resort to be built on the Las Vegas Strip in more than 16 years . Three decades later , it still draws millions of visitors from all over the world .
For three years , the Mirage had no competitors . Then other gaming operators , inspired by the casino ’ s success , built their own fully integrated resort destinations , hiring Lifescapes as the landscape architect on the vast majority of these new projects .
“ Lifescapes can take a blank canvas and make something so very special out of it ,” marvels Craig Cavileer , executive vice president of Majestic Realty Co . and CEO of its Silverton Casino Lodge in Las Vegas , a property that has undergone more than $ 250 million in renovation and expansion .
Loving the Landscape
Lifescapes ’ laser-like focus on creating financially successful landscape destinations to boost the owners ’ bottom line — and extend the customers ’ stay — has been at the heart of the firm ’ s business model since its inception six decades ago .
Working in collaboration with developers , operators , architects and consultants , Lifescapes ’ team has created memorable , iconic landscape environments at more than 15 casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip alone — and at 40 more across the country and around the world . The firm ’ s impressive portfolio has one thing in common : spectacular garden destinations .
Facilitating the owner ’ s vision requires commitment and participation by the entire development team . This requirement is a Lifescapes International prerequisite .
Encore Butterfly Garden
In addition to being beautiful and drawing multitudes of visitors , Lifescapes creations also produce additional income streams for their clients .
“ Don and Lifescapes showed that landscape architecture can be an attraction that can power up the revenue at many businesses ,” says Paul Steelman , CEO of Las Vegas-based Steelman Partners , who has worked closely with Lifescapes on numerous projects over the years .
Brinkerhoff ’ s substantial contributions and innovations in the gaming industry have been recognized by the American Gaming Association , which in 2016 inducted him into the AGA Hall of Fame — the first landscape designer ever so honored . The Hall of Fame honors achievements in gaming industry leadership and entertainment ; investiture is the highest respect accorded by the gaming entertainment industry .
At his induction , Brinkerhoff recognized members of his senior executive team , who worked side by side with him for four decades , and for the last decade have been successfully leading the company .
The induction was a well-deserved accolade for Brinkerhoff and his late wife , Barbara , who started Lifescapes in their bedroom with one drafting table
14 CASINO STYLE 2018