NEWS & PUBLICATIONS
Tribal Government Gaming {GGB}
The Resort Side {Hotel Within a Hotel}
Those multi-purpose entertainment and recreation facilities go hand in hand with the newest hotel additions, and some projects repurpose old or unused hospitality space into something completely new. One example is the new Aspire “hotel within a hotel” at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
It is part of a $62 million renovation of 1,150 guest rooms and suites for which Mohegan enlisted R2Architects. “What makes this project really stand out is that while we were designing and documenting, and they were already starting to do the renovations in this tower—the Sky Tower is very tall, 36 stories—Massachusetts had a couple casinos coming online,” says Ruiz.
“So the leadership at Mohegan knew that this was going to potentially shift some tectonic plates. And they didn’t take it sitting down; they were very proactive.” The result was Aspire, the luxury hotel within the overall Mohegan resort complex. R2Architects transformed a 5,000-square-foot former bus terminal into an exclusive check-in area for Aspire.
“We created a new vehicular car canopy at the bottom of the Sky Tower, around the corner from the main hotel front desk canopy,” Ruiz says. “We created a really special front desk for folks that are staying for the Aspire experience.”
That is billed as a premium hotel experience, centered on the upper floors—including the reimagined Sky Club, a beautiful lounge on the 33rd floor. “If you have the credentials,” says Ruiz, “you get to hang out there, have snacks, have drinks. But we also brought table games into the lounge, so there’s a really high-end, unique intimate experience that goes on up there.”
Indian Gaming Magazine
Paragon’s Renovated South Tower Now Receiving Guests
Following last year’s renovation of the North Tower, Paragon Casino Resort’s South Tower renovation is now halfway complete, and the finished portions have begun to welcome guests. The upgrades impact 190 guest rooms and 24 suites for a total of 214 rooms, plus three hotel corridors. The project began in March of this year and guests are now able to see and experience the upgrades firsthand.
The upgraded rooms and suites feature new furniture, paint, lighting, carpeting, fixtures and window treatments. Each of the 24 new suites, similar to the 19 updated suites in the North Tower, features a whirlpool tub. The tower elevators have also been modernized for efficiency and operation.
Paragon Casino Resort is also constructing a brand-new bald eagle sculpture in the resort’s driveway designed by Gibco Nursery in Bunkie, LA. The new elaborate piece will be constructed of high-density foam and covered in a durable fiberglass material. The nearly 18-foot-tall statue will dazzle guests with live fire and waterfall features. The eagle is represented in the Tunica Biloxi Tribe’s logo. The eagle represents the messenger of Tunica-Biloxi traditional prayers to the sun, the Creator.
“We are always looking for ways to improve our guests’ experiences,” said Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr., Paragon Casino Resort General Manager. “The South Tower renovation is one project among several we are working on to upgrade our facilities. We are proud to be Central Louisiana’s premier entertainment destination, and we have our guests to thank for that.”
As Paragon Casino Resort approaches its 30th anniversary in summer 2024, the South Tower renovation and construction of the eagle sculpture are among a list of numerous improvements taking place at the Marksville, LA destination. Other updates include to-go ordering kiosks at The Draft Room sports bar and Roxy’s Diner, along with kiosks that will allow guests to sign up for and reprint Club Paragon player’s cards.
InspireDesign
Reflective Resort
The intersection of 7th Street and Wabash Avenue in Terre Haute, IN, is considered “The Crossroads of America” because it is where two historic roadways, U.S. Highway 41 (running North and South) and U. S. Highway 40 (running East to West), intersect.
Five miles southest of the historic spot, the R2Architecture – designed Terre Haute Casino Resort is close to wrapping up construction for a project opening in the first quarter of next year. When complete, it will feature a 125-room luxury hotel housed in a glass tower, a large casino with 1,000 slot machines and 34 table games with several food & beverage outlets.
John Ruiz, Principal and Managing Member, R2Architects, said the exterior has a “very updated modern look,” adding, “For the tower, we went with reflective glass so that, essentially, it’s reflecting sky and the landscape.”
Casino Style 2023 {A GGB Publication}
R2Architects and R2Interiors have been published multiple times throughout this magazine including the Caesars Atlantic City 1st and 2nd Floor Renovation Project: Read More About Our Project at Caesars Atlantic City
R2Architects Principals, David J. Rudzenski and John P. Ruiz are quoted in various artciles in this issue including:
Churchill Downs Magazine
Derby City Gaming Prepares to Open a 5-Story Hotel
With five years of successful operations as evidence, Derby City Gaming, Churchill Downs Incorporated’s first Historical Racing Machine entertainment, venue, was ready to upscale. Tucked away on Poplar Level Road in Louisville, Kentucky, it offered a sought-after gaming product, but identified an opportunity to offer a more comprehensive hospitality solution and an undeniably elevated guest experience.
In July, 2021, a massive $76 million expansion for Derby City Gaming was announced that would be anchored by the construction of a 5-story, 123-room hotel. Accompanied by additional gaming positions and expanded amenities, the plan for the next phase of the property was designed to better serve and attract guests. While Derby City Gaming had experienced unprecedented success since its opening in 2018, the location lacked nearby hotel options for guests who wished to travel from throughout the region for a weekend of entertainment or an overnight stay.
“Derby City Gaming continues to exceed the company’s expectations,” explain Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “The expansion of this premier gaming property in intended to create an elevated experience for our guests that is inclusive of all of the hospitality needs and is anticipated to fuel ongoing growth in purse contributions for Churchill Downs Racetrack.”
Tribal Government Gaming {A GGB Publication}
R2Architects is a nationally recognized architectural, interior design and planning firm based in Voorhees, New Jersey—just east of Philadelphia—with more than 25 years of trusted experience and expertise. The firm provides exceptional design services to the hospitality, gaming and racing industry.
R2Architects is proud to have continuing and long-lasting relationships with many of the premier names in the industry. Along with R2Architects’ affiliated company, R2Interiors, the firms have successfully completed projects for tribal properties from Connecticut to California to Louisiana. The companies are an energetic and creative collaboration of multicultural individuals rich in design experience, producing signature projects for clients that complement their business plan while respecting their design aesthetic, schedule and budget.
The DNA of R2Architects’ work is unique and specific to each one of its clients; they are the source of the design inspiration, no matter the scope or scale of the project. R2Architects innovates, creates and transforms clients’ visions into great design with the belief that everyone ought to “Dream Bigger.”
R2Architects believes in providing uncompromising service by maintaining a close working relationship with everyone. Team members listen to clients’ needs and are responsive to their requests. Efforts and resources are dedicated to providing exciting and dynamic designs that meet clients’ schedules and respect their budgets. R2Architects’ commitment to these principles allows the firm to deliver personalized service along with all the necessary effort, experience and accomplishments to produce highly acclaimed projects.
Casino Style {A GGB Publication}
‘New & Improved’
When Kentucky legalized historical horse racing machines (HHR), it saved a number of Kentucky racetracks, one of them being Turfway Park. But the facilities weren’t up to speed for a modern gaming floor, so the Louisville, Kentucky-based Churchill Downs Inc. understood it needed to upgrade and demolished the existing grandstand to build a brand new gaming operation.
It was under those circumstances that the company and R2Architects opened the doors to its new ground-up, state-of-the-art Turfway Park Racing & Gaming entertainment venue on September 1. The $230 million investment of this 153,000-square-foot facility and its grounds is in Florence, Kentucky, near the border between Kentucky and Ohio.
Turfway Park Racing & Gaming is a multi-faceted entertainment destination facility that features approximately 850 HHRs, tempting dining spots, live entertainment, sports bar, VIP gaming lounge and a 1,000-person special events space. It is the home to winter thoroughbred horse racing in Kentucky. Turfway Park is one of two live thoroughbred racetracks in the Cincinnati, Ohio, region. The new venue boasts major site improvements to the property’s grounds, a Tapeta synthetic racing surface, and upgrades to its backside facilities and equine operation infrastructure.
The facility opened its gaming floor with a grand opening that featured Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and other regional dignitaries. Senior leaders from Churchill Downs Inc. and Turfway Park commemorated the special occasion with a $50,000 charitable donation to be split between two local charities: Easter Seals Redwood and I Have Wings Breast Cancer Foundation.
BEACON: A Publication of Cape Regional Health System
“In conjunction with the expansion of the Emergency Department, our Radiology Department will also be relocated and expanded into 15,000 square feet of space. This newly expanded space will include a new state-of-the-art Interventional Radiology Suite, a state-of-the-art 128-slice CT scan, new X-ray and Ultrasound Suites, Fluoroscopy Suite, and other radiology modalities to ensure the highest quality radiology services in the county. A dedicated entrance and waiting area have been incorporated into the master plan for patient and family ease of access and convenience.”
Highlights of the new expanded radiology department include:
• New state-of-the-art Interventional Radiology Suite
• New state-of-the-art 128 slice CT Scan Suite
• New state-of-the-art Special Procedures Suite
• New state-of-the-art X-ray Suite
• New state-of-the-art Fluoroscopy Suite
Once complete, the new Emergency Department expansion will include:
• Nine additional patient bays with state-of-the-art technology providing improved privacy and efficiency that will enhance the emergency experience of our patients.
• Dedicated radiology equipment within the department, including CT Scan, X-Ray, and Ultrasound, reducing wait time for testing and diagnoses.
• Ability to convert the expanded nine-bed unit to negative pressure and isolation when needed.
CHURCHILL DOWNS MAGAZINE
R2Architects, LLC (R2A) and their MBE affiliate, R2Interiors, LLC (R2i), have been featured in Churchill Downs Magazine for the past three years. This issue features multiple projects designed by our two offices: Derby City Gaming, Turfway Park Racing & Gaming, Newport Racing & Gaming and Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel.
“When CDI opened Derby City Gaming in September 2018, the company effectively brought the world’s most advanced historical racing machines (HRMs) to the state of Kentucky. The $65 million state-of-the-art entertainment venue in Louisville was an examples of innovation and forward-thinking for the almost 150-year-old company.”
“The early success of Derby City Gaming not only generated large purse contributions to one of Kentucky’s signature industries, but also boosted Thoroughbred sales and breeding operations throughout the state, to say nothing of the hundreds of jobs and tens of million dollars in economic development for which the project could be credited.”
CASINO STYLE 2021 {A GGB PUBLICATION}
“But Caesars wasn’t the first sportsbook to open in Louisiana. That honor went to the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville when the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe partnered with Betfred Sports and R2Architects + R2Interiors to create the sportsbook at The Draft Room inside the casino almost a full month before any other sportsbook in the state opened. “
R2 Architects was retained to provide architectural, interior design, and planning services for this project.
The sportsbook features over 120 big-screen TVs and 200 seats including recliners, VIP sections, and slot machines. Betfred Sports will operate a traditional sportsbook in the Draft Room—Paragon’s newest amenity—comprised of traditional theater seating, a custom video wall, betting counters and kiosks. The Draft Room’s restaurant and bar offers fan favorite foods, cold draft beers, and multiple seating options sure to please any sports fan.
CHURCHILL DOWNS MAGAZINE
R2Architects, LLC (R2A) and their MBE affiliate, R2Interiors, LLC (R2i), have been featured in Churchill Downs Magazine for the past three years.
FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES MAGAZINE
1937 Brewing Company was featured in this magazine in October of 2021 located at Delaware Park. R2Architects was retained for architectural, interior design and planning services.
“The goal of the new brewery, pub-style restaurant and full-service bar, employee dining room and kitchen is to infuse more life into Delaware Park. Situated south of Wilmington and the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the 1937 facility’s name refers to the year the racetrack opened. “
“Attracting a large, younger crowd to our sports betting activities was a primary driver to opening a new operation,” says Bill Fasy, Delaware Park’s president and member of its board of directors. “Our events during the past four years have had a craft beer theme, which went over very well and attracted a younger, more affluent crowd.”
INDIAN GAMING MAGAZINE
R2Architects, LLC (R2A) and their MBE affiliate, R2Interiors, LLC (R2i), have been featured in Indian Gaming Magazine for a multitude of projects over the years. This past May, an artcile about the Draft Room at Paragon Casino Resort in Louisiana was featured on page 51.
“We do not believe that there is anything else in Louisiana that can mirror this right now,” said General Manager of Paragon Casino Resort, Jody Madigan. “Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, The DRaft Room is now here and ready for our patrons to enjoy. From unmatched audio visuals to our oyster bar and more, we are excited to offer these fun amenities.”
TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING MAGAZINE (GGB)
R2Architects, LLC (R2A) was featured in Tribal Government Gaming 2021 Issue this summer that included our design for Mohegan Sun Guest Rooms in Connecticut on page 14 .
Rooms to Move: Mohegan Sun Aspire Rooms & Suites, Mohegan Tribe Uncasville, Connecticut “Mohegan Sun turned to R2Architects to design the guest rooms and suites that would top off the 34-story tower. The project inlcuded typical guest rooms, suites, public corridors, main hotel lobby and tower floor lobbies totaling 1,150 rooms. The renovations called for the upgrading of all of the interior finishes, artwork, furniture and accessories as well as the upgrading of the guest room bathrooms.”
SJ MAGAZINE
The Mansion on Main Street was featured in the Best of South Jersey 2021 for Best Renovation. R2Architects, LLC (R2A) and their MBE affiliate, R2Interiors, LLC (R2i), were retained for Architectural, Interior Design, and Engineering services for the design and development of the exterior and interior upgrades at the Mansion on Main Street.
“When you open the doors to The Mansion, you’ll gasp. We’re certain of that. The extensive renovation has transformed this popular venue into a breathtaking, super-luxurious spot. White marble is everywhere, and the winding staircase is beyond cool. It’s been a year in the making, and the results are spectacular.”
Indian Gaming Magazine
Mohegan Sun VIP Check-In, VIP Lounge, Guestrooms & Suites
4 Diamond rated property soars 36 floors towards the sky. The gleaming glass tower structure is home to 1,150 custom appointed guest rooms and suites. R2Architects was retained to the Sky Tower as part of a multi-year $60 million project that included the complete renovation of the guestrooms and suites, the new Aspire VIP Guest Check-In Lobby and the 33rd floor VIP Guest Lounge. The design was prepared to comply with both the AAA 4 Diamond requirements and the upper VIP floors to Forbes 5 Star criteria. The guestrooms and suites were completely renovated and 93 of the guestrooms and suites on the upper tower floors were branded as part of the Aspire VIP experience.
INDIAN GAMING MAGAZINE
R2Architects, LLC (R2A) and their MBE affiliate, R2Interiors, LLC (R2i), are featured on the front page spread of The National Magazine of the American Indian Gaming Industry Buyer’s Guide & Directory, also known as the Industry Yellow Pages!
The magazine is organized in easy-to-use categories allowing easy access to supplier data.
This National Magazine Features in-depth articles, legal updates, industry news, openings, new games, products and more.
Visit sonarengrande.com
R2A and R2i are listed within the ‘yellow pages’ for Architecture & Design, Interior Design, as well as Consulting Services.
Keep a look out for their up coming AD campaigns and ‘must read’ articles throughout the year!
DREAM BIG.
We do.
The National Magazine of the American Indian Gaming Industry Buyer’s Guide & Directory