On June 1, global architectural design firm Cuningham announced the completion of the Emerald Queen Casino and Hotel in Tacoma, Washington, on behalf of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.
The resort totals 310,000 square feet and includes approximately 100,000 square feet of slots and table games, a 2,000-seat event center, five food and beverage venues, two parking garages, and a 12-story, 155-room hotel.
Cuningham led the architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture efforts for the brand-new facility, which replaces a previous nearby location that consisted of a converted bingo hall and tents.
“This state-of-the-art, resort-style gaming destination is the culmination of a long-term vision of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians,” said Brett K. Ewing, AIA, principal and executive director of Cuningham’s Play Studio. “The tribe first acquired the Emerald Queen Casino as a paddle-boat casino nearly 25 years ago, eventually expanding to two locations, and now is solidifying its footprint with a ground-up development that brings a fresh, exciting experience with a venue that represents deep ties to the tribe’s culture and the local landscape.”
The facility is also one of the first tribal casino developments to be built above ground spanning multiple parcels and city streets. This is in line with the trend of tribes pursuing development opportunities in urban settings on unclaimed land trusts, driving higher return on investment.
“Integrating the hotel and casino, especially the expanse of the gaming floor, into Tacoma’s urban infrastructure required a one-of-a-kind, innovative design solution,” said Ewing. “Due to site constraints, the Emerald Queen Casino’s gaming floor and amenities are strategically placed four levels above the ground floor and structurally supported by two parking garages. This unique layout required that we obtain air rights from the city and NIGC approval for gaming over public streets.”
Not only does this layout reclaim the lost space above a restrictive city grid, it results in a building that is highly visible from the interstate and provides views of Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound. Large expanses of glass windows enhance these views, provide exceptional daylighting, and emphasize an exterior and interior connection, noted Ewing.
The proximity and visibility of these landmarks guided the Cuningham team in bringing the client’s vision to life and looking at how the natural landscape could enhance the architecture and interior design.
Michele Espeland, CID, principal and executive director of strategy at Cuningham, added, “The goal of the Emerald Queen Casino and Hotel’s design was not only to craft a venue that is both beautiful and functional, but one that takes guests on a storytelling journey with at every turn. The key was ensuring the design team truly understood the rich history and culture of the Puyallup tribe and the story they intended to tell patrons. This was achieved through meetings with a tribal historians and very close collaboration with the council, keeping that story a common thread woven through all discussions at every step of the way.”
The interior design team identified key points of interest in the guest experience that lent themselves to artistic moments. The design was enhanced by custom pieces of artwork by talented tribal members led by Shaun Peterson.
“Guests are presented with both the glamor of a Las Vegas-style resort and the tribe’s rich history concurrently through a layout and design elements that are purposefully intended to surprise, delight, and allow for renewed experiences,” said Espeland. “From the open arms of welcoming wooden figures, carved by Peterson in the style of the regional tribes of the Pacific Northwest, that greet guests as they arrive, to the organization of the casino floor, to the fluid ribbon geometry and the carefully selected materials—every aspect of the design contributes to an exciting, immersive, and vibrant journey.”
