• The Strat Las Vegas •
Since it opened in 1992 , the Stratosphere in Las Vegas has been known for its iconic “ space needle .” At more than 1,140 feet high , it ’ s the tallest spire of its kind in the United States .
In 2017 , Golden Entertainment acquired the Stratosphere , renamed it The Strat , and undertook a multimillion-dollar phased upgrade that ’ s now almost complete . The new look of the resort — which remained open throughout the upgrade — was meant not only to delight visitors , but to enliven the whole north end of the Vegas Strip .
The Strat ’ s former facade was “ very imposing ,” almost fortress-like , says Suzanne Couture , vice president of interior design for the Friedmutter Group , which was charged with reimagining and redesigning the iconic property . “ We opened up the façade , pulled out some obstructive landscaping , and created a pedestrian-friendly plaza that ’ s much more inviting .”
Super-high-definition LED monitors also animate the exterior , along with playful sculptures , including “ Look !” by Blaque Metal Works , three modernistic figures that seem to gaze , astonished , at the spectacular SkyPod . Bold new signage is white on a field of “ Strat blue ,” a crisp sky color chosen by Golden Entertainment CEO Blake Sartini .
“ We ’ re telling a story of being above the clouds ,” says Couture . “ The tower is one of the only opportunities in Las Vegas where you can be that high up , and we wanted to capitalize on that . When you ’ re looking at the casino , you see tones of glowing blue , amber and bronze , all coming together .”
Inside , molecular light fixtures resembling clouds serve as wayfinders to guide guests through the resort ’ s various levels . Hotel rooms and suites got “ a very nice facelift ” with new furniture , drapes and finishes , plus a complete technology upgrade .
The comprehensive remodel also included the casino floor and the famous rotating restaurant , Top of the World , atop the spire , which gives diners a panoramic view of one of the world ’ s great skylines .
“ We added a new palette , new custom carpet , and new furniture throughout for a fresher , lighter look ,” says Couture of the glass-walled restaurant . “ The color story there is almost ethereal , with tones of silver , light blues and pale bronzes to elevate that amazing view .”
For the fearless , the SkyPod is a literal jumping-off point . The SkyJump thrill ride lets daredevils climb into jumpsuits tethered to cables and leap into the air from a height of more than 800 feet .
There are plenty of “ Instagram moments ” in store for visitors to The Strat , says Couture . “ So far , the response has been tremendous ,” she adds . “ We ’ re excited to continue with many other venues across the property .” — Marjorie Preston
PROJECT : The Strat Hotel , Casino & SkyPod OWNER : Golden Entertainment DESIGNER : Friedmutter Group ART CONSULTANT : Kevin Barry Fine Art SIGNAGE : Young Electric Sign Company ( Yesco ) “ Look !” Sculpture : Nick Stiley , Adin Fly and James Talbert of Blaque Metal Works INVESTMENT : Approximately $ 100 million
12 CASINO STYLE 2019