August 12, 2010
Steelman Partners Announces Grand Opening of Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Las Vegas, Nevada - Steelman Partners announces the grand opening of the redesigned Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, CA, for which they were the creative forces behind the interior and lighting design work, as well as the designers of the building exterior - including the podium, hotel tower, parking garage and porte-cochere. The contemporary resort includes restaurants, bars, an expanded and remodeled casino, poker room, full service spa, pool, retail, banquet/entertainment/meeting space as well as a new parking structure and hotel tower.
The nature-inspired resort is representational of bringing the outside in. Organic shapes and materials, such as oak leaves - which symbolize money, luck and strength; and acorns - which are known to represent masculinity, luck and prosperity, as well as inter-woven basket-like patterns are strategically positioned throughout the 172,250 square feet of interiors. These images incorporate both the terrain and native symbolism of the indigenous tribes of the Sacramento Delta. The ornate, gold leaf accentuated 5,500 sf lobby has a vastly open feel to comfortably accommodate a large number of guests. The focal point is a sculpture of the Red Tailed Hawk, an esteemed and powerful creature that is native to the area and representational of instinct and insight. Clean lines and earth tones compliment the natural stone columns and flooring, while the wall, ceiling coverings and upholstery incorporate acorns and oak leafs. Overhanging chandeliers comprised of tree branches and leafing provide an organic feel, while the patterned woven carpeting emulates indigenous Maidu and Miwok baskets.
Aspiration to unify the 75,000 sf of remodeled existing casino with the 40,000 sf of new casino expansion led to the integration of well lit gaming areas, use of red rust colorization and nature inspired carpeting. Red beaded chandeliers are the main feature in both gaming areas. The 3,850 sf poker room brought in geometric and tribal influenced carpeting to create a masculine space with natural stone columns, arrowhead based sconces and cork wall coverings. The 6,000 sf High Steaks Steakhouse was transformed into a more formal, upscale and sophisticated dining facility. Strong, deep colors and teakwood marble columns provide a masculine feel. Picturesque backdrops to the elegantly upholstered booths are contemporary floor lamps and acrylic artwork panels that hang in the center of the restaurant.
The 24-hour Thunder Cafe's clean architecture and bright finishes provide a sleek and modern look. The desire to convey tribal traditions and natural influences produced commissioned photography, Native American artistry and crafted blown glass orbs that are suspended from above; eliciting colors and a sense of motion from the river, plant life and animals native to the area. Mingle, the 4,000 sf center bar, is the place to see and be seen. Framed in on all 4 sides, the patron inside feels like they are the center of attention, while the guest outside gets a sense of peeking into another realm. Natural influences are represented by hawk feathers that hang from the chandeliers, as well as the flame inspired drapery and ice-block bar. The many plasma screens and lounge seating groups encourage comfortable sports viewing, socializing and spirit consumption in a festive and casual setting.
The remodeled Falls Bar has new light fixture shades to provide a softer feel. Purple and green tints were utilized to grant a more sophisticated look to the intimate 2,500 sf space. The hotel houses an elegant 10,000 square-foot banquet and entertainment hall, meeting rooms and a retail gift shop where specialty light-fixtures and clean lines brightly accentuate the merchandise.
The resort has an expansive pool that includes private cabanas, 175 hand woven, lightweight rattan chaise lounges and Coconut, a poolside bar. Vibrant shades of orange are set against the natural shades of tan found on the pool deck and planters. Intimate seating arrangements allow guests to be pampered poolside while keeping cool in private cabanas, bronzing in the sun on captivating daybeds or mingling at the poolside bar. The Spa at Thunder Valley boasts an authentic natural atmosphere. The reception desk is cut from a tree and heads the warm and welcoming reception area. Photos of oak leaves, artifacts and large stone and obsidian sculptures accentuate the space, and the carpet incorporates a feather motif. A dark and calming transitional corridor leads to the individual treatment rooms. Spa guests can enjoy a wide variety of amenities and treatments including massage, reflexology, salon, steam, sauna and the exclusive 24-carat gold leaf facial. Located 30 miles east of Sacramento, Thunder Valley Casino Resort was opened by the United Auburn Indian Community in June 2003. The newly completed resort is Northern California's first casino offering all the elements of Las Vegas - gaming, service, fine cuisine and entertainment.
About Steelman Partners
Steelman Partners, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international architectural firm specializing in the multi-disciplinary facets of entertainment architecture, interior design, graphic design, planning, theater design, purchasing, 3D design and lighting. The company has satellite offices in Santa Monica, Zhuhai, Macau and Ho Chi Minh City, and a new European location opening in 2010. Established in 1987, Steelman Partners has positioned itself as the premier touchstone in entertainment architecture. The firm is well known within the gaming industry with a client list that includes, MGM, Harrah's, Wynn, Venetian, Lady Luck, Swiss Casinos, Sheraton, Hyatt, Plaza/El-Ad, Crown SDJM, Melco, Caesars plus many others. The company has grown in size from $155,000 in revenue with 4 employees in 1987, to now $42,000,000 USD in revenue with approximately 200 employees to date.
For more information, please visit our website at www.steelmanpartners.com
