BUILDING
Modern Luxury , Frontier Charm
The Landmark Casino • Cuningham Architects
The recently opened Landmark Casino in Deadwood , South Dakota , seamlessly blends modern luxury with the town ’ s historic charm . Located in an 1890s-era structure known as the Adams Block building , the casino brings life back to a vacant space that was nearly demolished .
The Landmark Casino ’ s historic facade evokes the region ’ s frontier past , while its updated interior features contemporary elements such as sleek glass surfaces and dynamic lighting to complement the gaming floor ’ s 100-plus slot machines and six gaming tables . Cuningham provided interior design services for the project , which includes a split floor layout : a casino floor and slot machines on the ground level , a sportsbook and table games on the second floor , and two bars ( one on each level ).
Due to its location within a historic district , the Landmark Casino could not use flashy signs or bright screens on the building ’ s exterior to attract patrons . To create intrigue for passersby , Cuningham designers added a striking , statement art piece strategically positioned in a prominent corner of the building and allowed the large glass windows at the street level to show off the flurry of activity inside .
The art piece — appropriately titled “ It ’ s Raining Gold At The Landmark ”— is a meticulously crafted 26-foot-tall chain sculpture that evokes the vibrant hues synonymous with Black Hills Gold . It was a collaborative effort between Cuningham and Kriskadecor in Montblanc , Spain . Not only does
the piece establish a visual cohesion between the two levels , it effortlessly marries contemporary aesthetics with an homage to Deadwood ’ s regional context .
The existing space had seen multiple tenants and several haphazard additions throughout the years , leaving designers to contend with a piecemeal layout contrary to the large , open-space gaming floors typical of most modern casinos . Cuningham ’ s designers navigated these spatial eccentricities by adding creative solutions for flow and wayfinding within the interior . Swooping lines on the ceilings and floors create a sense of movement and guide users throughout the space , while elements like trim and lighting are carefully designed to serve both aesthetic and functional purposes , doubling as wayfinding cues .
Cuningham ’ s design leaves the original brick exposed and integrates its red clay color throughout the interior material palette . Imperfections from time and wear are highlighted , rather than concealed , creating a visible connection to Deadwood ’ s history as a frontier town . By pairing this approach with sleek , modern design elements , Cuningham creates a casino that thoughtfully balances tradition and innovation , establishing it as a standout destination in the vibrant gaming landscape .
OWNER-OPERATOR : THE LANDMARK CASINO INTERIOR DESIGN : CUNINGHAM
6 CASINO STYLE 2024