JCJ Architecture, a nationally ranked planning, architecture, and interior design firm, recently announced the grand opening of the Bally’s Kansas City Casino expansion.
Bally’s Corporation, headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, tapped JCJ to provide comprehensive architecture and interior design services for this strategic expansion project. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the endeavor includes the creation of a new and striking 38,470-square-foot land-based Commercial Center and significant reimagining of the existing casino’s riverboat-style exterior.
“The Bally’s Kansas City expansion has brought a remarkable transformation of this iconic riverside property,” said Christine Faverio, senior associate and senior project designer at JCJ. “Our goal was to create a striking architectural statement that establishes an exciting direction for Bally’s vision for redevelopment and for this reconceived destination to enhance the regional entertainment landscape and enrich the Kansas City’s architectural skyline.”
Setting a new standard for entertainment in the region, the Bally’s Kansas City Casino expansion ushers in an era of enhanced retail and restaurant options, additional guest amenities, and compelling gaming experiences. Bally’s Kansas City embodies a bold departure from the current aesthetic, with the overarching objective to deliver fresh experiences that attract new visitors with open arms while also appealing to faithful patrons.
“We are very excited to unveil a transformed Bally’s Kansas City. From the moment guests arrive, they will be greeted with enhanced dining and gaming experiences. We are grateful for the collaborative work of the city and individuals who played a critical role in bringing this expansion to reality over the past two years,” said Michael Donovan, chief marketing officer and SVP of gaming at Bally’s.
The Bally’s Kansas City expansion includes:
New Commercial Center: The centerpiece of Bally’s Kansas City’s evolution is the Commercial Center expansion. Strategically positioned as a highly visible gateway from the Christopher Bond Bridge, the Commercial Center’s architectural expression is a testament to creativity and innovation. Inspired by the majestic Missouri River and the Bond Bridge’s iconic design, the entry takes the form of triangular flares that look like they are reaching out toward the bridge and the riverfront, creating a dramatic and transcendent statement. Inside the Commercial Center, the floor and ceiling design uses geometric gradients and triangular elements that mirror the building’s exterior. An open grid ceiling with triangular shaped ceiling tiles and grid-integrated LED strip lighting elevates the look, while elegant restrooms employ chevron accent tiles and custom trough sinks with wall mounted faucets.
Reimagined Exterior of Existing Riverboat-Style Casino: Challenged with working around the still-operational riverboat-style casino, which floats in a small, pond-like moat, while working within prescribed construction cost parameters, the JCJ team drew inspiration from the iconic works of artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude to artfully conceal the existing steamboat. Utilizing bold, vibrant polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated fiberglass membrane with integrated and programmable LED technology, the result was an expansive building façade spanning 300 feet by 65 feet that changes color with the seasons and events. To add dimension and intrigue, the silver mesh PTFE triangles are suspended across the façade, breaking up the massive surface and forming a visual link to the Commercial Center. PTFE’s lightweight properties minimized the load on the boat, while its self-cleaning nature simplified maintenance for this hard-to-reach façade.
Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House & Sports Bar: One of the project’s unique features is the integration of Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House & Sports Bar, a celebrated restaurant chain with a rich history. Balancing the chain’s sense of tradition with the contemporary aesthetic of the building was key. The brand’s furniture standards were maintained while alternative finishes were incorporated to bring a new and updated feel. Varied seating options in the restaurant and bar area create distinct zones and large glass overhead doors allow dining to seamlessly extend to the outdoors. In addition, a back bar offers a “library” effect and an element of intrigue, with glass shelving showcasing a collection of liquor and sports memorabilia, including movable ladders for theatrical flair. Other custom features include a millwork display case showcasing an antique beer can collection, a large-scale TV wall in the dining area, and a gas fire pit with red Adirondack chairs on the patio.
