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Inspired by History
Terre Haute Casino Resort • R2Architects
In April , Churchill Downs Inc . ( CDI ) celebrated the grand opening of its
$ 290 million Terre Haute Casino Resort in Indiana . New Jersey-based R2Architects led the project in master planning , architecture and interior design , crafting an exceptional , multifaceted entertainment experience . Terre Haute Casino Resort is the first luxury hotel in America ’ s Crossroads City , and CDI ’ s first foray into Indiana , as it expands into its 14th state .
A total of 122 hotel rooms and suites feature sleek , contemporary lines , a palette of restful neutrals , sumptuous baths with marble flooring , and breathtaking views . Vintage photos and art in each room offer nods to local history .
Regionally inspired bars and restaurants include the Four Cornered Steakhouse , which takes its cues from Terre Haute ’ s legendary Four Cornered Racetrack , and the Rockwood Bar & Grill , named for the local Rockwood family . The whimsical Soda Shoppe , a classic of diner style , is a nod to Terre Haute ’ s Coca-Cola bottling factory , the first in the U . S ., where the famous green contoured bottle was created in the 1930s .
For guests ’ convenience , the hotel is directly connected to the excitement of the casino floor , with 1,000 slot machines and 36 tables offering blackjack , roulette , craps and live poker . Sports fans can get in on the action at the Crossroads Center Bar , a sports bar with a one-of-a-kind , custom 60-foot diameter double-sided LED curved video wall and state-of-the-art betting terminals .
The fun doesn ’ t stop there . The Altitude Bar & Lounge on the hotel ’ s 10th floor provides a truly elevated experience , with an indoor / outdoor bar in a visually rich environment powered by high-fidelity audio . An elevator from the lobby opens directly into the bar . From this vantage point , guests can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding Terre Haute landscape .
Celebrating the official opening of the 122-room luxury hotel on May 15 , CEO of CDI Bill Carstanjen shared , “ Terre Haute Casino Resort has already attracted thousands of visitors from the region to enjoy an unparalleled gaming experience . The opening of the new luxury hotel component furthers our commitment to bringing new vibrancy to Terre Haute with this premier entertainment destination , and marks a significant milestone for Churchill Downs Inc .”
OWNER : CHURCHILL DOWNS INC . MASTER PLANNING , ARCHITECTURE , INTERIOR DESIGN : R2ARCHITECTS
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Derby City Gaming Downtown • Westar Architects
Derby City Gaming Downtown is an incredibly important project for the city of Louisville , Kentucky . It has become the cornerstone of redevelopment in the city ’ s core , sparking new projects in the surrounding area . It ’ s a career highlight for Westar Architects , who repurposed a closed 1970s bank building into a jewel the city is using to promote its rebirth .
The facade is clad in glowing red cut-out roses , as a nod to the Kentucky Derby winners and a beacon of hope for a fun night out on the town . The corner LED panel creates three-dimensional scenes of horse racing . It has quickly become a must-see attraction to add to the other landmarks in Louisville .
The building contains a feminine Wine and Charcuterie Bar based upon a fascinator theme draped in botanicals , pinks and creams . The Trophy Bar features an amazing collection of bourbon , leather furnishings and an outdoor smoking lounge .
The casino features 500 slot machines , a sports bar , and outdoor smoking slots , all anchored by a champagne bubble light fixture that celebrates your victories .
And patrons love to stop by and take a picture with a life-sized replica of the Kentucky Derby trophy .
OWNER-OPERATOR : CHURCHILL DOWNS INC . ARCHITECT OF RECORD , INTERIOR DESIGN : WESTAR ARCHITECTS
12 CASINO STYLE 2024