New Project in Welch Minnesota
Architectural Showcase: New Projects in Indian Country
Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Indian Gaming Magazine Aug 2017
RSP Architects and Knutson Construction have successfully partnered with Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Red Wing, MN for 20 years. This trusted relationship and deep understanding of the campus has allowed RSP and Knutson to push the envelope – going above and beyond what one would expect in a traditional tribal casino. Their teams have modernized spaces across the campus, introducing more open and healthier environments throughout. These projects have significantly increased the casino’s overall appeal, creating a world-class resort destination that is attracting a growing guest base.
Currently, Treasure Island is embarking on an $86 million series of renovations and expansions. The most recent project infilled the original hotel pool, generating valuable space for two new amenities: Casino 8, the property’s first non-smoking gaming floor, and the Element Bar and Lounge, a new bar near the recently renovated lobby.
Now, when guests enter the lobby, they know they have arrived at an entertainment destination. The Element Bar and Lounge beckons. An enticing feature wall – made of “fin-like” millwork with ocean blue up-lighting sets a distinct mood and creates a sense of motion. The water design becomes a visual focal point as it wraps around the corner and into the ‘L’-shaped bar and lounge. The new space allows guests to get a drink and relax away from their rooms without having to go deep into the casino. Element’s overall design is clean, tropical and ultra-modern. It is finished with the same high-end features afforded to the newly completed Casino 8, located directly adjacent to the lounge.
Casino 8 was designed with one clear objective in mind: to create a space where guests can have a completely different experience – one that is cleaner, brighter and healthier. The 10,000 sq. ft. non-smoking gaming floor, with over 100 new gaming devices, is lined with an exterior wall of large-paned windows to improve daylighting. Reflective, chevron-shaped ceiling fixtures break up the high ceiling and catch the lights and colors of the activity below, adding depth and interest to the space. Custom exotic metallic finishes were used to line the upper interior walls and ceilings. Upgraded LED lighting provides additional excitement to the space, while air curtains and glass doors divide the cleaner air in Casino 8 from the rest of the casino.
Since the opening of Treasure Island’s new Lagoon Water Park and Wave Spa in February 2016, there have been over 80,000 additional visitors to the resort destination. As a result, the demand for hotel rooms is up, with occupancy rates at nearly 100%. The popularity of the water park, plus the facility’s many events, conferences and entertainment, has drastically increased the need for Treasure Island to add more hotel rooms to the facility.
In direct response to these high occupancy rates, RSP Architects and Knutson Construction are designing and building two new hotel towers. The 184,000 sq. ft. expansion will add 300 guest rooms, bringing the resort’s total to over 800. The eighth story will be a special all-suite floor that will provide enlarged rooms with full-height windows, providing sweeping views of the Mississippi River bluffs.
The new hotel towers will feature upscale furnishings and upgraded amenities throughout, including spacious walk-in showers and access to the latest technology. Because there will be more room availability, visitors who come to Southeastern Minnesota for other reasons will be able to stay and explore all of the amenities and gaming options that Treasure Island offers. The resort will be able to accommodate not only casino guests, but also concert- goers, conference attendees and families.
In addition to the hotel expansion, the existing hotel lobby will be completely renovated with enhanced front desk facilities to improve the overall check-in experience for guests. The redesign will also add a relaxing lounge area and coffee bar. Other upgrades include self-check-in stations and VIP access with an expanded concierge desk. The design aesthetic is a continuation of the more upscale and contemporary look that RSP and Knutson have been introducing over the past two years.
