Since it opened in 1992, the Stratosphere in Las Vegas has been known for its iconic “space needle.” At more than 1,140 feet high, it’s the tallest spire of its kind in the United States.
In 2017, Golden Entertainment acquired the Stratosphere, renamed it The Strat, and undertook a multimillion-dollar phased upgrade that’s now almost complete. The new look of the resort—which remained open throughout the upgrade—was meant not only to delight visitors, but to enliven the whole north end of the Vegas Strip.
The Strat’s former facade was “very imposing,” almost fortress-like, says Suzanne Couture, vice president of interior design for the Friedmutter Group, which was charged with reimagining and redesigning the iconic property. “We opened up the façade, pulled out some obstructive landscaping, and created a pedestrian-friendly plaza that’s much more inviting.”
Super-high-definition LED monitors also animate the exterior, along with playful sculptures, including “Look!” by Blaque Metal Works, three modernistic figures that seem to gaze, astonished, at the spectacular SkyPod. Bold new signage is white on a field of “Strat blue,” a crisp sky color chosen by Golden Entertainment CEO Blake Sartini.
“We’re telling a story of being above the clouds,” says Couture. “The tower is one of the only opportunities in Las Vegas where you can be that high up, and we wanted to capitalize on that. When you’re looking at the casino, you see tones of glowing blue, amber and bronze, all coming together.”
Inside, molecular light fixtures resembling clouds serve as wayfinders to guide guests through the resort’s various levels. Hotel rooms and suites got “a very nice facelift” with new furniture, drapes and finishes, plus a complete technology upgrade.
The comprehensive remodel also included the casino floor and the famous rotating restaurant, Top of the World, atop the spire, which gives diners a panoramic view of one of the world’s great skylines.
“We added a new palette, new custom carpet, and new furniture throughout for a fresher, lighter look,” says Couture of the glass-walled restaurant. “The color story there is almost ethereal, with tones of silver, light blues and pale bronzes to elevate that amazing view.”
For the fearless, the SkyPod is a literal jumping-off point. The SkyJump thrill ride lets daredevils climb into jumpsuits tethered to cables and leap into the air from a height of more than 800 feet.
There are plenty of “Instagram moments” in store for visitors to The Strat, says Couture. “So far, the response has been tremendous,” she adds. “We’re excited to continue with many other venues across the property.”
Project: The Strat Hotel, Casino & SkyPod
Owner: Golden Entertainment
Designer: Friedmutter Group
Art Consultant: Kevin Barry Fine Art
Signage: Young Electric Sign Company (Yesco)
“Look!” Sculpture: Nick Stiley, Adin Fly and James Talbert of Blaque Metal Works
Investment: Approximately $100 million
