Our project at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino involved a major expansion of the casino and hotel, including the addition of a 388,000-square-foot, 11-story, 230-room hotel tower, a conference center with multi-use ballroom and event space, a 730-car parking garage, additional restaurants and a spa. The expansion complements the existing resort-style guest suites by integrating contemporary design, enhanced connectivity to the casino, and expansive views into a community atmosphere showcasing the Ak-Chin Indian Community. The project was also expanded to include a new pedestrian bridge connecting the new conference center with an existing adjacent family entertainment center, as well as an expansion of the existing central plant that serves all of the surrounding properties. This seamless entertainment complex is now the largest Indian gaming venue in Arizona.

The joint venture team, along with design-build architect TBE, made extensive outreach efforts with the Ak-Chin Community, a key result of which was the creation of an art and design committee made up of community members who each provided a unique perspective to the project. The group worked to ensure facilities are representative of the Ak-Chin people and their heritage, which is reflected throughout the design. Some of the most impactful outcomes of this partnership are visible in the second-floor promenade connecting the new parking garage with the new conference facility. This expansive walkway features displays of contemporary Native American art, an Ak-Chin Veterans display, and an interpretive exhibit describing the history of the Ak-Chin Community.