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.
Copyright 2003 The American Institute of Architects.
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