For years, casinos somewhat begrudgingly offered onsite restaurants to their patrons. Management of gaming establishments preferred providing as few amenities as possible that could district patrons from table games and slot machines (save live entertainment and other crowd-drawing frills, or bars whose libations could induce gamblers to dispense more cash).
However, as gambling has expanded far afield from the longstanding meccas of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the increased competition has compelled casino operators to offer aesthetically pleasing restaurants, nightclubs and other onsite venues that help provide an inviting atmosphere. Many Native American tribes, who have embraced casinos as moneymakers that create jobs for their members, have created opulent showplaces to attract gaming enthusiasts as well as those simply seeking a fun night out.
The Kalispel Indian Tribe, which resides in Usk, WA, contracted Hnedak Bobo Group, a Memphis-based architecture firm, to design signage and graphics for the tribe’s Northern Quest Casino near Spokane. In turn, Hnedak Bobo hired Lorenc+Yoo Design (Roswell, GA) to design the program and Tube Art Group (Seattle) to fabricate the signage. Although most of the sign program incorporates the typical colorful, hyperkinetic graphics normally associated with a casino, they purposely created a comparatively sedate oasis with the Liquid Bar. Jan Lorenc, Lorenc+Yoo co-principal, said, “With all the casino’s sound and movement, Liquid needed to be a subtle, modern focal point.”
The primary sign measures 4½ x 6 ft. and protrudes from its backdrop. To avoid rolled edges, Tube Art cut and mitered the components. Tube Art fabricated the signage using Altuglas Intl. of Arkema Inc. Plexiglas® acrylic and SloanLED blue modules. To mute the diodes, the shop installed 3M Graphics Market Center diffuser film, according to Jeff Battista, Tube Art’s sales executive for the project.
“Originally, we wanted cast pieces to limit seams or unbalanced lighting, but we worked with Tube Art to develop acrylic forms with internal diffusers that accomplish the same feel,” Lorenc said.
Tube Art is currently fabricating a second phase, which includes signage, wayfinding and ADA graphics for a new resort that will be opened later this year.