Casino Enterprise Management

Among the beiges, browns and ochres, the sloping mountains, endless dirt and spindly brush of the Desert Southwest, the cool blues of running water are a rare and welcome sight. Likewise, among the sprawling suburbs and endless highways southeast of Phoenix, the glowing lights and long planes of the new Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino rise from the desert as a refreshing and inviting respite.

Wild Horse Pass offers more than 1,000 slot machines and 71 table games in its 100,000 square foot casino, 12,000 square feet of meeting space, 242 rooms and suites, retail shopping, five lounges, a night club and a 1,400-seat theatre/entertainment venue. The property opened its doors in October 2009, and according to JCJ Architecture, the creative team behind the project’s design, it is an architectural exploration and expression of the energy and dynamic expression of water. A precious resource in the desert, water holds great cultural significance to the Gila River Indian Community as a provider and sustainer of life.

From the exterior walls to the lobby and the casino floor, the visual imagery of water is prolific. “Everywhere you look there is a depiction or experience of water—the very thing the desert most hungers for,” said Stephanie Lee, designer of the project. “Only here, you’re able to quench your thirst as soon as you enter the building.”

The exterior walls are gently curved and colored to mimic the patterns and textures of a desert landscape affected by flowing river water. This theme continues inside, where guests are greeted with lighting, interior features and a color palette that metaphorically reflects the patterns, textures, hues and movement of water.

Mosaic tile patterns and design motifs throughout the property evoke the feeling of the river during a gentle rain storm. Design materials include polished stone, lacquered wood and glass, all of which are slick, shiny or transparent to mimic water and raindrops. The fluid pattern of the carpet and floor tiles complete the atmosphere, creating a cool refuge from the dry heat of southern Arizona outside.

The property further incorporates the Gila River Community’s tribal heritage through the design of its three main areas, which reflect the different types of buildings found in a traditional Akimel O’otham village. “Guests should feel as though the history was celebrated in a manner that relates to everyone, yet keeps tribal history sacred to the community,” said Kristina Ennis, RA, principal and director of Native American design at JCJ Architecture.

The hotel lobby is modeled after an olas-ki, or “round house,” with a dominant domed roof and sloped walls that were painted and finished to resemble traditional rammed-earth construction. A large expanse of textured art glass coupled with a daring shaft of skylight bring an airy lightness to the entire space and provide a dramatic counterpoint to the traditional forms and the centerpiece of the space, a wild stallion sculpture by Native American artist David A. Montour.

The entertainment hub and food and beverage area is modeled after a vah-ki, or “rain house,” and serves as the main intersection point between the casino and the hotel buildings. “This space is a confluence, where several ‘rivers’ flow together,” Ennis explained.

The hotel, casino and entertainment venue meet here, transitioning each space and function fluidly into another. “As river water would gather and pool in these areas, so will the casino and hotel patrons stop to rest, relax and retreat from the busy activity of the casino,” Ennis added.

The Pass Wall is perhaps the most unique characteristic of the property. Dominating the interior, the two-story textured walls open to the casino, recalling desert canyons and the vistas beyond. The casino floor is modeled after a gu-ki, or “big house,” traditionally used as a meeting and gathering space. Likewise, the casino was designed to house large and diverse groups of patrons. “The gaming floor represents life after a monsoon—everything growing, full of energy, movement and anticipation,” Ennis said. Every finish has movement, reflection and brilliant color, set against a backdrop of subtlety and serenity.

While the main gaming floor uses warm sand and earth tones to complement various community and individual banks of games, the Airia nightclub shimmers like a mirage on the horizon. Pendant lighting highlighted in black and silver tones adds visual interest to the multi-hued illuminated bar and plush circular booths. Surrounded by rich wood, metal and mosaic wall panels, brilliant visuals flow throughout the space, complemented by a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The chic and elegant venue provides an exhilarating pulse to the entire entertainment experience.

Overall, the natural surroundings and traditional influences of Wild Horse Pass merge to create a property as refreshing as an oasis in the desert—clean, contemporary vision that offers endless entertainment and amenities with the desert’s natural surroundings.

KEY PLAYERS
Owner: Gila River Indian Community
Project Developer: Casino Expansion Owners Team (CEOT)
General Manager: John Strauss, General Manager, GRGE
Operator: Gila River Gaming Enterprise
Architect: JCJ Architecture
Interior Design: JCJ Architecture
Contractor: Kitchell
Owner’s Rep.: Parsons Tynan Group
Structural Engineers: Chavez-Grieves Consulting Engineers & Caruso, Turley, Scott Inc.
Civil & MEP: WHPacific   
Landscape: Urban Earth Design
Lighting: ILA Zammit
Food & Beverage: William Caruso & Associates
Food Service Operator: Ovations

JCJ ARCHITECTURE TEAM
Designer: Stephanie Lee
Project Director: Kristina Ennis, RA, Principal, Director of Native American Design
Principal in Charge: Peter N. Stevens, LEED AP, President
Project Manager: Joe Baruffaldi, AIA
Architects: Joel Sharpe, AIA
David Bali
Mike Wimer
Carol Pierotti
Interior Designers: Monika Kwiatkowska
Kris McCann
Sharmista Mitra-Kelly
Construction Admins: Julie Kim
Doug Goulet

Mary Huyck is the Senior Associate Editor at Casino Enterprise Management. She can be reached at (701) 293-7775 or editor5@aceme.org.