Adaptive reuse with cultural impact, delivered in just 8 weeks
After closing its buffet, Little Creek Casino saw an opportunity to repurpose the space for a new use
Working with I-5, a plan was created to dramatically convert the space into a featured gaming destination for guests and a new revenue generator for the casino. The entire project was completed onsite in just 8 weeks, and both the casino and the Tribe have reported excellent results.
Location
Project Size
Time-frame
Work Performed
Integrating specific cultural elements into the design of the new space was a high-priority goal for the Tribe. Bespoke imagery, artwork, and iconography inspired by the Tribe’s greater Salish culture were woven throughout the new physical and digital design features of the resort. Vibrant blue color palettes pay homage to the Tribe’s coastal heritage while also creating excitement and flow throughout the overall design.
A central ceiling chandelier provides a strong visual statement and features rich totem pole style iconography complete with salmon, bear, fish, and other animal life from the local landscape and lore. Meanwhile, LED video ribbons wind their way around the perimeter of the space, achieving a modern, high-tech wow factor. Custom video content featuring more native animal renderings and animations further brings the casino to life, while simultaneously capturing the culture and history of the Tribe.
In order to achieve the Tribe's aggressive schedule, approximately 75% of the project was constructed offsite, in parallel with the demolition and re-routing of infrastructure in the space. Not only did this strategy accelerate the timeline, but it also meant that even though the area under construction was adjacent to a busy gaming floor, the construction never impacted casino guests or ongoing gaming operations in any way. Instead, Little Creek continued to generate consistent revenues throughout the entire construction process.
Little Creek’s former buffet restaurant was fully transformed from a closed-off area no longer producing cash flow, into a new revenue generator and exciting entertainment area for guests. Leveraging a design-build approach was key to helping infuse the Tribe’s cultural symbolism throughout the resort, and is part of what allowed this comprehensive renovation to be completed in just 8 weeks. The Tribe is thrilled with the redesigned space and the new revenues it has generated for the property.
