NEWS & PUBLICATIONS
Churchill Downs Magazine
{Indulge in Excellece} Indiana’s Newest Luxury Destination, Terre Haute Casino Resort, is Now Open and Ready to Provide Extraordinary Experiences.
Known for delivering extraordinary experiences at entertainment venues throughout the country, Churchill Downs Incorporated leveraged that reputation and rolled the dice to win a gaming license in Indiana. Now, the community of Terre Haute has won the jackpot with a world class casino resort.
Nestled just five miles from the Indiana-Illinois border, Terre Haute, Indiana, rises majestically above the banks of the Wabash River, earning its title as ‘The Queen City of the Wabash Valley.’ With a rich history traced back to French-Canadian explorers in the early 18th century, the name Terre Haute, meaning ‘highland’, captures the essence of its remarkable location.
In 2021, CDI recognized the limitless potential offered by the location and beauty of the surrounding land and eager to invest in and become an integral part of Terre Haute’s thriving community, the company embarked on the challenging journey of securing a competitive gaming license. Partnering with the creative prowess of frequent collaborator, R2Architects (R2A), CDI meticulously crafted a proposal and designed for a new class-three gaming facility destined to reshape the landscape of the region.
Indian Gaming Magazine
The renovations and upgrades at Paragon Casino Resort was part of an overall property goal to improve the property’s three existing hotel towers – The Atrium tower with 200 guestrooms and suites, North Tower with 117 guestrooms and suites, and the South Tower with 214 guestrooms and suites. R2A and R2I were retained in late 2017 by the Tunica Biloxi Tribe, the owners of the Paragon Casino Resort, to prepare the master plan, design, and documentation to renovate, improve, and modernize the three hotel towers and other public areas in a phased approach spanning over 6 years.
The tribe’s goal for the project was to update the look of the three hotel towers’ interior spaces – improvements were to the living areas in the rooms and to the bathrooms, as well as the corridors and related public areas. The upgrades included new carpet, woodwork, custom lighting, paint, tile, custom furniture, drapes and AV.
The modernization of the bathroom in the South Tower was to make them brighter, create more spacious showers, and upgrade the interior finishes and plumbing fixtures.
Read more on page 30
Casino Style {GGB}
R2Architects and R2Interiors have been published multiple times throughout this magazine including the ground-up Terre Haute Casino Resort Project featured in the Building Excitement section: Read More About Terre Haute Casino Resort
R2Interiors Principals, David J. Rudzenski and John P. Ruiz, are quoted in the following articles in this issue including:
Food Halls: For Casinos, Still the F&B Choice
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.
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.”
CASINO STYLE 2022 {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.
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 four years.
FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
The 1937 Brewing Company sits in the heart of Delaware Park’s indoor facility. For the renovation, part of the dining room was the former high roller pit that was relocated. Part of the brewery bar area was Hops Bar, which sat next to the casino stage and entertainment venue now named Stage 37. The employee dining room was relocated to allow for the brewhouse to be placed in its current location. Guests at 1937 sit adjacent to casino gaming including slots, live table games and poker. Large TV screens throughout the brewery allow guests to place professional and college sports bets and watch the games from every area.
Despite the challenges, a striking renovation took place. Architects and interior designers R2Architects and R2Interiors of Voorhees, N.J., drew inspiration for the 1937 Brewing Company from the rich heritage and style of traditional and legendary English and Irish pubs. Following classic food and beverage eateries, this new space blends a classic pub with a contemporary microbrewery. The design features mosaic floor patterns, ornate carved woodwork and pressed tin ceilings. “The style is very welcoming, and the spaces are people-friendly in scale, which makes them popular with guests,” says John Ruiz, principal of design, R2Architects. This new space also features rich wood tones, decorative moldings, pattern floor layouts, a mix of brick accents, and jewel tones with large viewing windows and openings.
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
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