A Place in the Sun
Desert Diamond Casino
Desert Diamond Casinos , the gaming arm of the Tohono O ’ odham Nation , has begun construction on its fifth casino on 110 acres of reservation land in Maricopa County , Arizona , near Glendale .
Phase 1 of the $ 450 million resort will feature a 184,000-square-foot casino with 900 Class III slot machines ; 30 table games including blackjack , craps , roulette and baccarat ; a 12-table poker room ; a sportsbook ; a fine dining restaurant and a casual restaurant ; and a four-venue food hall .
At build-out , the property will include a hotel , a conference center , a pool and recreational amenities , an amphitheater and an event lawn space . The completed resort will employ approximately 1,300 people .
Ned Norris Jr ., chairman of the Tohono O ’ odham Nation , said , “ We are making good on our promise to provide for future generations of our tribal citizens . This groundbreaking serves as an important milestone to celebrate our progress as a nation .”
Nation CEO Mike Bean noted , “ With this latest major investment in the West Valley , our new Desert Diamond Casino will bring more jobs , economic opportunity and entertainment options to this vibrant region .”
The property is expected to open in 2024 .
OWNER : Tohono O ’ odham Nation Gaming Enterprise ARCHITECT : JCJ Architecture
Bullish on Locals
Durango Casino & Resort
Station Casinos has broken ground on its newest property , the Durango Casino & Resort , near what parent company Red Rock Resorts has called the “ fastest-growing population of any area in the Las Vegas Valley .”
The $ 750 million project , targeted at local customers , will feature a hotel with more than 200 rooms and suites , more than 73,000 square feet of gaming floor , and “ an experiential race and sportsbook .”
“ Station Casinos is bullish on the local and overall Las Vegas gaming market ,” said Scott Kreeger , president of Station Casinos . “ This brick-and-mortar investment will create thousands of construction and permanent jobs , generating tens of millions of dollars in economic impact and tax revenue to the state and county .”
Durango will borrow several design elements from the company ’ s signature Red Rock Resort in nearby Summerlin . Its entryway will be characterized by natural stone-clad floors and walls . The hotel lobby will flow seamlessly into the lobby bar , where cozy nooks , cool sofas and one-of-a-kind art pieces create the ideal place to meet and relax . The bar will take inspiration from the palette of the desert landscape , exuding sophistication and simplicity .
Guests may dine at four signature food-and-beverage outlets or a food hall concept featuring fast-casual favorite restaurants and eateries . The property will also feature a resort-style pool with private cabanas , an environmentally friendly event lawn , 20,000 square feet of meeting and convention space , and multiple bike lanes , as well as 40 electric vehicle charging stations .
Phase 1 of the property is expected to open in late 2023 . Additional features , such as a bowling alley and movie theater , will be added in future phases of development .
Architect of record the Friedmutter Group will collaborate on the resort with Station Casinos ’ in-house design and construction teams .
OWNER : Red Rock Resorts , Station Casinos ARCHITECT OF RECORD : Friedmutter Group
2023 CASINO STYLE 11