Cuningham Group and Full Circle Indigenous Planning worked with the Puyallup Tribe to balance eye-catching flash of a Las Vegas-style resort with memorable references to Puyallup tribal culture for the new Emerald Queen Casino and Hotel.
The 310,000-square-foot facility in downtown Tacoma, Washington, opened on June 8, relocates the tribe’s existing gaming operations to a highly visible site along Interstate 5. The 155-room attached hotel is expected to open at the end of 2020.
The design and integration of the Emerald Queen Casino into Tacoma’s urban infrastructure sets a groundbreaking precedent while creating an iconic landmark. Due to site and infrastructure constraints, the gaming floor and amenities are strategically placed four levels above the ground floor, spanning over two city streets and supported structurally by two parking garages.
This unusual and unexpected design approach creates a breathtaking building that is highly visible from the highway and provides panoramic views to downtown and to the culturally significant Mount Rainier and Puget Sound.
The Cuningham Group and Full Circle design team provided master planning, architecture and interior design services, while incorporating meaningful cultural elements.
The team collaborated with Puyallup cultural leaders to develop an interior design concept that draws influence from the textures, shapes and colors of the mountains, rivers, forests and sound that define Puyallup tribal land. Traditional and contemporary Puyallup art, cultural patterns and language adorn the casino.
The casino further distinguishes itself by incorporating large windows and daylighting into the gaming floor, maintaining guests’ connection with nature and providing sweeping views of Mount Ranier, Puget Sound and downtown Tacoma.
Completion of the casino and construction of the hotel have continued through the unprecedented challenges of 2020. The teams developed creative solutions to deliver a seamless transition to a more remote process, and the tribe’s willingness and dedication to adapt are key factors in the successful completion of this project.
OWNER: Puyallup Tribe of Indians
SIZE: 310,000 square feet
OPENED: June 8, 2020
ARCHITECT: Cuningham Group
ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING: Full Circle Indigenous Planning
INVESTMENT: $370 million
