POP
5 tribal casino renovations and updates that will make a difference
by Dave Bontempo
The renovation of tribal casinos is a new industry for designers , builders and the owners of the gaming properties that might have gotten a little long in the tooth — and short on amenities .
Gaming has provided a tribal enterprise for many of the gaming tribes across the country , and to stay competitive in an overheated market , many tribes are opting to add more hotel rooms , restaurants , spas , entertainment centers and other amenities that will set them apart from any nearby casino .
In this year ’ s Tribal Government Gaming , we recognize the forward-thinking tribes that understand you can ’ t stand still ; you must always move ahead .
Center Bar at Ho-Chunk Black River Falls
Total Makeover X3
Projects : Ho-Chunk Nation Expansion , Wisconsin Location : Wisconsin Dells , Black River Falls , Wittenberg Owner : Ho-Chunk Nation Designer : HBG Design Cost : $ 100 million-plus
Bing , bang , boom . A hot idea can spread across three properties and be linked to one time frame . The Ho-Chunk Nation launched three recent concurrent expansion and renovation projects , at Wisconsin Dells , Black River Falls and Wittenberg , Wisconsin . Their combined effect visually unites a reinterpretation of the Ho-Chunk brand in a common design language , yet gives each property individuality through design features . Ho-Chunk selected highly decorated HBG Design in Memphis to deliver all three .
Dike Bacon , principal at HBG , said the cost for all three exceeded $ 100 million and each comprised more than 100,000 square feet . Black River Falls was unveiled in July 2017 . Wisconsin Dell followed in December 2017 and Wittenberg was finished in April 2018 .
“ Brand repositioning can sometimes be different than a simple property expansion , because it requires defining a long-term vision for the brand that is often bigger than a single current project ,” he says . “ With that said , though , fundamentally the best approach to any expansion is done within the context of how best to express a brand holistically .
“ Each of the Ho-Chunk Nation ’ s completed new projects received bold , new arrival and entry experiences with new porte cochere structures that prominently integrate branded architectural accents and the Ho- Chunk Gaming logo identity ,” he adds .
18 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2019