Winds of Change
Ribbon Town Conference and Events Center Four Winds South Bend Casino Resort
T
here ’ s a new landmark on the South Bend , Indiana skyline , and it ’ s awe-inspiring — a towering 23-story glass hotel that glows at sunset with a beautiful copper hue . But this impressive structure is more than a marvel of contemporary architecture ; it ’ s a testament to the Pokagon Tribe ’ s rich heritage and commitment to providing guests with an unforgettable destination experience .
Four Winds South Bend Casino Resort recently cut the ribbon on an incredible 317-key , 82-suite highend hotel , spa , F & B , rooftop pool and conference / events amenity expansion adjoining its popular casino . Conference and meetings industry professionals will be especially thrilled by the new 24,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities designed to drive the conference market and soar above the competition .
Ribbon Town is the original Pokagon name for South Bend . This heritage is celebrated in the casino ’ s new Ribbon Town Conference and Events Center . Guests ascend from the main hotel promenade to the second-floor multi-purpose conference and events space via a dramatic vertical collection of escalators and stairs . Here , guests are treated to a stunning entry experience , complete with a vaulted ceiling and cove lighting wrapped in large copper ring ceiling accents . The theatrical chandelier of suspended metallic shapes is a nod to the region ’ s Kankakee River and the lily pads that float on its surface .
Designers skillfully blended culturally significant motifs and design elements , such as copper , red cedar wood , birchwood and natural stacked stone to bring guests and visitors closer to the Pokagon Tribe ’ s heritage and native lands . The event center aesthetic mimics a sunset ’ s reflection on rippling water , with warm amber , gold , and deep violet hues in lighting fixtures , furnishings , and in the abstracted river pattern of the custom carpet . Stylish wood detailing , neutral accents , and copper accent trim on walls and columns add just the right finishing touches to enhance the venue ’ s exclusive aesthetic .
The 24,000-square-foot multi-purpose events center features a 10,000- square-foot ballroom with seating for 800 , a banquet kitchen and 16 flexible meeting rooms . Expansive windows along the event promenade filter abundant natural light to pre-function spaces with two bars , a lounge seating group , a business center , and an outdoor terrace .
The entire third-floor level is dedicated to elegant VIP and hospitality suites with more intimate venues to host catered parties and VIP receptions . Each suite exudes comfort and approachable luxury , with access to outdoor terraces , some with dedicated whirlpools .
The suites are distinguished in either lighter feminine or darker mascu-
line contemporary design aesthetics and equipped with serving bars , dining room nooks and a Quartzite-wrapped fireplace . Lavish living rooms and bedrooms are accented by furnishings upholstered in velvet and genuine leather , 100 percent wool inset carpeting , coffered and coved ceilings , classic wood paneling and natural stone and wood detailing .
The expansion represents Four Winds ’ second phase of growth in South Bend . The design team worked closely with the tribe to help ensure the design flowed cohesively with the Phase 1 casino . A beautiful blend of contemporary architecture and cultural heritage , upscale design and broad mix of entertainment options will offer guests and visitors an exceptional event experience , raising the bar in the region ’ s conference and meetings industry .
OWNER : Pokagon Tribe ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN : HBG Design
2023 CASINO STYLE 7