JCJ Architecture announced the completion of Hollywood Casino York and Hollywood Casino Morgantown, in York County, Pennsylvania and Berks County, Pennsylvania, respectively.
JCJ collaborated with gaming operator Penn National Gaming on both Category 4 casinos, as part of the company’s mission to expand its reach in the area surrounding its flagship property, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.
“These two projects are the latest completed in a nearly decade-long partnership between JCJ and Penn National,” said Jim Murphy, principal at JCJ. “We’re honored to help Penn National expand its reach to new audiences and contribute to the vitality of Southeastern Pennsylvania.”
The two satellite properties take a future-facing approach to gaming, incorporating new concepts and venues such as Barstool Sportsbooks. Additionally, the design team added subtle and contemporary updates to the Hollywood Casino brand in order to broaden the brand’s appeal to a new customer base while maintaining recognition with existing patrons.
For both projects, JCJ served as architect of record and had responsibility for planning and overall project oversight, as well as exterior and back-of-house design, while Gensler designed front-of-house interiors for Hollywood Casino York and Morgantown, and Barker/Nestor designed the Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Morgantown.
Located in the York Galleria Mall in Springettsbury Township, Hollywood Casino York opened its doors in August 2021. Penn National chose to retrofit a former Sears department store as a means of contributing to the revitalization of an aging suburban property. The 80,000 square-foot space features over 500 slot machines, 24 table games, and a variety of dining options including the state’s first Barstool Sportsbook. Additional dining options include “Diner & Drinks,” a casual restaurant that serves a wide array of food and beverages, and a 24-hour Classic Grill.
Hollywood Casino Morgantown opened in Caernarvon Township on December 22. A ground-up build, the approximately 80,000 square-foot space features 750 slot machines, 30 table games, a climate-controlled external gaming terrace, an Asian gaming area, and dining options that include the famous Tony Luke’s, Red Lotus Asian Kitchen, and Bar 76.
In addition, Hollywood Casino Morgantown includes the first full new buildout of a Barstool Sportsbook location, which includes an exterior dining porch and terrace with a fireplace. Designed to appeal to a younger demographic, the Barstool Sportsbook features large-format screens, bleacher seating, betting windows and kiosks, all set among the imagery of stadiums of old.
“Both Hollywood Casino York and Hollywood Casino Morgantown are exciting additions to our nationwide portfolio,” said Erin Chamberlin, senior vice president of regional operations at Penn National. “We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with JCJ and their collaboration to bring these two projects to life.”
