Each design stands out because of its contemporary , sophisticated interpretation of Wisconsin ’ s unique landscape and the unexpected details derived from this inspiration , he indicates .
Wisconsin Dells takes its name from the Dells of the Wisconsin River , a scenic gorge that features striking sandstone formations along the river banks . It was the strong , powerful effect of water sculpted by the passage of time and the “ iconic striation ” patterns of these regional formations that inspired HBG designers to create bold architectural statements , Bacon asserts .
“ We added a grand new hotel lobby with a spectacular two-story interior feature wall crafted from natural , locally sourced birch wood slats ,” he says .
“ Horizontally stacked and linearly placed in dramatic curved form , this wall design was influenced by the natural striation patterns found on the Dells . The feature wall extends visually through to the exterior toward the full-length window wall and a see-through fireplace feature . A similar effect made of stone extends to the exterior .”
The Black River Falls property is in the birthplace of the Ho-Chunk Tribe — the source from which the tribe ’ s cultural and capital growth began . In its location in the North Woods , the landscape is shaped by abundant forests lush with towering evergreens . “ This inspiration led what we call the Sunset Tree Wall ,” he says . “ Our designers envisioned a sunset on a snow-covered winter morning through the trees of the pine forest . The bottom of the wall mimics a horizon line whereby all shadows move away from the center toward arriving guests . The exterior feature wall is illuminated and visible from the nearby interstate .”
Encore , Encore
Project : Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Expansion Location : Milwaukee , Wisconsin Owner : Forest County Potawatomi Community Designer : Cuningham Group Cost : $ 80 million
T
his is the definition of relationship building . Construct a property , please the client and return for an expansion a few years later .
The Cuningham Group in Minnesota has cherished its relationship with tribal properties since becoming a major industry player in the late 1980s . The company has won numerous awards and designed projects of varied sizes , establishing long-running ties with its clients .
Cuningham ’ s dynamic with the Forest County Potawatomi Community reflects that trend . Just five years after designing the original property , it enjoys the encore presentation of an expansion .
The Cuningham Group designed an $ 80 million expansion to the Potawatomi hotel tower that adds 119 rooms and suites , bringing the total room count to 500 and making it the second-largest hotel in Milwaukee . Owned and operated by the Potawatomi Community , the 189,000-square-foot expansion features a spa and additional meeting space . It ’ s expected to open this summer .
“ The heroic tower is located in downtown Milwaukee , and the design gracefully reflects the light chop of the emerald green water of Lake Michigan ,” says Tom Hoskens , Cuningham Group principal .
“ This has become an iconic gem of Milwaukee ’ s skyline , and the eloquent addition completes Potawatomi ’ s vision to be the premier regional destination resort . The new rooms , suites and spa add to the guest experience . The added rooms and amenities provide a wonderful attraction .”
The original Potawatomi Hotel & Casino opened in August 2014 for a cost of $ 123 million . The tower integrates both traditional Milwaukee architecture and modern design . The design also reflects the area ’ s culture and geography with subtle nods to the storied history of the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe .
The materials and color of the hotel ’ s base reflect the character of the industrial buildings throughout Milwaukee ’ s Menomonee Valley , as well as the existing casino . To reflect the modern entertainment offered in the expanded resort , the hotel tower rises from its masonry base adorned in a combination of green-tinted transparent and opaque glass to take on the look of Lake Michigan ’ s shimmery waves on a sunny day .
The top floor features a “ floating ” prow-like roofline which houses several suites . Additionally , a modern glass-enclosed “ flame ” at the top of the hotel ’ s tower references the Forest County Potawatomi ’ s role as “ Keepers of the Fire ,” and is intended to welcome guests .
For the tribe , it ’ s the latest stage in the evolution of a business that was launched in 1991 as a 2,000-seat bingo hall .
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