In the hyper-competitive Oklahoma gaming market, tribal casinos must take different approaches to attract and retain loyal customers. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is well aware of this. Whenever it opens up or renovates a property, it adds non-gaming amenities that the competition lacks.
HBG Design’s architecture and interior design team worked with the Choctaw Nation on key improvements to the existing operation, with goals of alleviating traffic flow challenges. They added a new 96-room hotel tower with 23 luxury suites, an expanded pool and bar/lounge environment, new and expanded food and beverage venues, and new gaming amenities.
The Choctaw Casino Resort in Grant, Oklahoma is a great example of the upgrades the nation insists upon. With architectural duties handled by HBG, it coined the term “refined rustic” to explain the design approach. At once contemporary, edgy and rustic in its interpretation, the concept builds on the Choctaw brand’s warm color palette as well as the existing property’s affinity for transitional styling, natural textures and materials, wood tones and wooden trim. Designers worked to enhance the materials currently in use, while introducing several new surprises involving unique textures and distinctive detailing.
They drew inspiration from the surrounding Oklahoma landscape: tall, tan grain stalks blowing in the fields, the vast open sky above and a deep contrast of colors all helping to inform the palette. Designers were especially taken with the shape and texture of the area’s weather worn grain silos. These aged structures have a timeless, iconic aesthetic that combines wood and metal in a multitude of patterns, textures and patinas. It is this raw materiality within a distinctive contemporary form that designers have crafted to create visual interest and consistency between new and existing building elements.
Continuity of the “Choctaw red” color accents further solidifies the expansion design within the context of the existing property and serve to reinforce the brand.
OWNER: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
ARCHITECT: HBG Design
FEATURES: 96 rooms, expanded pool, additional F&B options
INVESTMENT: $50 million
