• Emerald Queen Casino , Tacoma , Washington •
Cuningham Group and Full Circle Indigenous Planning worked with the Puyallup Tribe to balance eye-catching flash of a Las Vegas-style resort with memorable references to Puyallup tribal culture for the new Emerald Queen Casino and Hotel .
The 310,000-square-foot facility in downtown Tacoma , Washington , opened on June 8 , relocates the tribe ’ s existing gaming operations to a highly visible site along Interstate 5 . The 155-room attached hotel is expected to open at the end of 2020 .
The design and integration of the Emerald Queen Casino into Tacoma ’ s urban infrastructure sets a groundbreaking precedent while creating an iconic landmark . Due to site and infrastructure constraints , the gaming floor and amenities are strategically placed four levels above the ground floor , spanning over two city streets and supported structurally by two parking garages .
This unusual and unexpected design approach creates a breathtaking building that is highly visible from the highway and provides panoramic views to downtown and to the culturally significant Mount Rainier and Puget Sound .
The Cuningham Group and Full Circle design team provided master planning , architecture and interior design services , while incorporating meaningful cultural elements .
The team collaborated with Puyallup cultural leaders to develop an interior design concept that draws influence from the textures , shapes and colors of the mountains , rivers , forests and sound that define Puyallup tribal land . Traditional and contemporary Puyallup art , cultural patterns and language adorn the casino .
The casino further distinguishes itself by incorporating large windows and daylighting into the gaming floor , maintaining guests ’ connection with nature and providing sweeping views of Mount Ranier , Puget Sound and downtown Tacoma .
Completion of the casino and construction of the hotel have continued through the unprecedented challenges of 2020 . The teams developed creative solutions to deliver a seamless transition to a more remote process , and the tribe ’ s willingness and dedication to adapt are key factors in the successful completion of this project .
OWNER : Puyallup Tribe of Indians SIZE : 310,000 square feet OPENED : June 8 , 2020 ARCHITECT : Cuningham Group ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING : Full Circle Indigenous Planning INVESTMENT : $ 370 million
14 CASINO STYLE 2020