Route 66 Casino - Round Bar and Steakhouse Remodel

Design inspiration is all round. All you have to do is keep your eyes open. Here are two projects that were recently completed for the Route 66 Casino in Albuquerque. These high impact areas are a circular bar/lounge environment and a steakhouse that takes it’s name and inspiration from an old movie from 1958 called Thunder Road. The goal for Route 66 was creating two new venues which were destination draws in their own right and which would increase existing customer loyalty as well. We also worked and made solutions to meet budget goals without compromising the impact of the areas and the owners are very happy with the result.  

For the lounge environment, the overall design inspiration was taken from nature in the swirling pattern of a nautilus shell and accents like multi-layered columns clad with iridescent metal and a beaded curtain with programmable color changing LED lighting, all flows together to create the overall effect. This lounge is designed to be a place to sit down and relax while still being in the center of the action. Within Thunder Road we combined southwest décor and old Route 66 imagery to create a truly unique entertainment experience. The police car above the bar is on a mechanical lift and when a band is performing the car raises up into the ceiling, revealing the stage. Another unique design element is the moonshiner’s car that has crashed through the wall and hangs into the dining area, making patrons wonder if the driver was sampling while on a delivery! All of the elements were designed by I5 and the entire installation was completed with no downtime for the casino.

These are just two examples of venue design and implementation that capture the attention and imagination of customers. The inspiration for these projects were from opposite ends of the concept spectrum, but that’s ok. Design possibilities are limited only by opening your eyes and ears. Enjoy the video and remember, design inspiration is all around.