Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG), architects of resort and gaming-design acclaim, announced that construction is now under way for a $90-million new casino project in the heart of Palm Springs for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The two-story, stucco Spa Resort Casino will cover an entire city block and feature 1,000 slots, 40 table games, a player’s club, three restaurants, a 150-seat entertainment lounge, and a central bar on the casino floor.

According to WATG project architect Brian Husting, AIA, the design integrates elements that represent the Agua Caliente culture through subtle use of patterns, details, and materials. “Fountains, railings, rounded turrets, and blue concrete roof tile evoke the tribe’s historic association with the Agua Caliente Spring and nearby water sources,” he said. “The décor includes a tribute to the tribe’s history and several Indian artifacts, but it’s not Indian-themed.”

Fast-tracking of design and construction—plus some great teamwork by the architects, clients, and consultants—allows the project to shoot for a target opening date of November 2003.

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