A Change in the Winds
• Angel of the Winds Casino , Arlington , Washington •
The Angel of the Winds Casino in Arlington , Washington , located in the Seattle metro area , recently undertook the largest expansion in its history . Representing a $ 64 million investment by the state ’ s Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians , the expansion — on the drawing board since 2016 — will add 300,000 square feet to the property , including a parking garage for up to 575 vehicles , space for up to 300 new slot machines and 16 gaming tables , a 200-seat buffet and an upscale steakhouse called Whiskey Prime .
To maximize revenues , a new 750-capacity , 8,500-square-foot multi-purpose entertainment facility will house concerts , performances , conferences and private events . The expansion also will add a 12-lane , 8,500-square-foot bowling alley .
The project , which broke ground in January , is scheduled to be complete next summer and create new jobs at least 150 people , tribal officials said . It ’ s the second major expansion at Angel of the Winds , which opened in October 2004 and commissioned a $ 27 million addition including a luxury hotel 10 years later .
Brett Ewing , principal architect with the Cuningham Group , which designed the expansion , said the Angel of the Winds ’ slogan —“ The World ’ s Friendliest Casino ”— is “ very true .”
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony , Ewing noted , “ The service here is the reason you ’ re successful . It ’ s not necessarily bricks and mortar . It ’ s the staff that you have , and it starts from the top and works its way down .”
Not to downplay the bricks and mortar , and a design that blends the natural with the nouveau . According to the architect , the look of the addition takes its cues from organic forms in the Washington landscape and uses modern details for balance . The main casino design creates a dynamic guest experience with sweeping pathways and ceiling elements . The food venues complement the casino and provide a diverse offering of spaces . The entertainment block channels a “ Rock , Roll & Bowl ” atmosphere with dramatic lighting and bold colors .
As construction continues at the site , crews labor under a banner that promises “ A Change is in the Winds .”
“ Angel of the Winds is proud to be the entertainment destination for so many here in the Pacific Northwest and for travelers from around the world ,” said General Manager Travis O ’ Neil . “ This expansion will allow us to add a new level of excitement for our customers through unique amenities , while still maintaining our warm and welcoming atmosphere .” — Marjorie Preston
OWNER : Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians ARCHITECT : Cuningham Group CONTRACTOR : Swinerton Builders SITE WORK : SCI Infrastructure INVESTMENT : $ 60 million
Pool Paradise
• Pechanga Resort & Casino , Temecula , California •
The $ 300 million expansion project completed this spring at Pechanga Resort & Casino has many elements : a new 14-story AAA Four Diamond hotel tower with 568 rooms and suites ; 67,000 square feet of event space ; a luxury two-story spa and salon with 17 treatment rooms and a fitness center .
The new hotel tower is made up of two buildings near the Journey at Pechanga golf course , and its rooms and suites include amenities such as large-screen TVs with HDMI outlets , floor-toceiling windows and native decor .
The new convention and meeting space will serve a rising meetings business at Pechanga , California ’ s largest Native American resort .
But the heart of the expansion is the new 4.5-acre pool complex , a vacation-style attraction made up of eight pools — five swimming pools and three smaller pools , with four whirlpool spas — one with a natural rock waterfall feature — a drought-tolerant roof garden , a family pool and an outdoor cafe . The central pool covers 7,600 square feet and features a swim-up bar with underwater seating and a Baja ledge for chaises and daybeds that skim the water . The family pool ( 2,400 square feet ) features two twisting water slides that splash guests into a beach-entry pool . Next to the pool is a large run-through sprinkler feature .
There also is a 1,200-square-foot “ VIP Pool ” and two other small soaking pools .
The new area , called the Cove , includes a large , grassy field used as an outdoor concert and event center .
The waterfall feature was created by Lifescapes International , a landscape architect with its signature all over the pool complex . Lifescapes was part of a design team led by San Diego-based Delawie Architects , the original designers of the Pechanga resort . Lifescapes , based in Newport , California , was selected as the pool-area landscape architect .
The firm has designed iconic landscapes at resorts such as the Bellagio , Wynn and Venetian in Las Vegas . This was Lifescapes ’ first project with Pechanga Resort , owned by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians .
Lifescapes created an outdoor atmosphere surrounding the pools and central bar area . The landscape is dotted with a variety of oak trees , considered sacred to the Pechanga community . The project also features mostly drought-tolerant , desert-sensitive plant materials , reflecting the tribe ’ s commitment to sustainable landscaping .
Finally , an indoor / outdoor restaurant and bar serves poolside dining in an area that is already one of the highlights of the property .
Tutor-Perini was brought on as the project ’ s builder . Cleo Design was tasked with all interior designs of the new spaces . — Frank Legato
OWNER : Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians ARCHITECT : Delawie Architects and Planners LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT : Lifescapes International , Inc . INTERIORS : Cleo Design CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR : Tutor-Perini INVESTMENT : $ 300 million
8 CASINO STYLE 2018