Isleta Casino
The Isleta Tribe needed to rebrand their casino from "The Hard Rock" to a more traditional, welcoming ambiance for the property. This transformation needed to happen in a very tight schedule across the entire 60,000 sf of gaming floor, all without closing the property. I-5 created a plan that would recapture the Tribe’s identity within a modern Pueblo design style and create a world-class destination feel for the property while completing the project ahead of schedule.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Duration: 8 Weeks
Project Size: 60,000 sf
Services: Design Build Renovation
Project Approach
Design & Planning
A new interior and exterior theme and casino design concept were created for Isleta Casino, rebranding the existing space with vivid colors and unforgettable elements from the region’s scenic landscape.
Distinct, large-scale lighting fixtures were created for the casino gaming floor and main entry. The massive entry chandelier serves as the design anchor to set the tone for the new Isleta theme, lighting, and finishes throughout the casino. Acting as a key focal point to the gaming floor, the central bar is defined by four large 25-foot columns with integrated amber, gold, and turquoise LED accent lighting. Integrated cove lighting creates an intense blue glow above the bar, and two layers of shimmer screen cascade down, adding an alluring draw for the venue.
A large custom valance with recessed LED lighting, wood-grain finishes, and specialty earth-toned metal accents completes the high-impact feel of the upgraded area. A new custom facade element draws attention to the gaming floor cashier, which features a strata-inspired dimensional background and custom iridescent etched metal finishes. Each component of the décor plan was pre-fabricated during the off-site production phase. Custom-designed dimensional signage throughout the interior and exterior was created to enhance and support the new Isleta brand image and welcome guests back to the re-branded property.
Build & Install
As with each casino design and renovation project, I-5 designed, fabricated, and installed all of the custom décor solutions, utilizing the existing structure of the facility to maximize the visual impact of the budget for the gaming floor.
The aggressive project schedule was streamlined for even greater efficiency during the phased implementation, allowing completion to happen two weeks ahead of schedule.
I-5 worked with the Isleta Pueblo to complete the design and implementation of the casino re-branding and renovation project in just 5 months. From custom lighting to wall colors and finishes, each décor element worked with the others to carry out design intent and create a new exciting feel for guests.
To complete the phased implementation, the custom décor for each zone was fabricated and pre-assembled off-site and shipped on-site for the implementation phase. I-5 personnel managed the entire project for the casino and worked with the facilities people to coordinate opening and closing zones so the gaming floor stayed open throughout the entire renovation with minimal interruption to guests. The renovation included converting the gaming floor, the 505 Fusion Bar, casino restrooms, and the Bingo/Showroom to work with the overall design plan for the property.
Finished Project
The entire remodel, including the food and beverage areas, encompassed approximately 60,000 square feet of space and was completely transformed three weeks ahead of the eleven-week on-site deadline.
The plan for the new casino design theme was created to maximize impact for each area and establish unity throughout the space, while at the same time working within a tight project budget and limited time constraints for implementation. The resort’s new look is bold and welcoming, with cool turquoise, blue, and warm copper tones integrated throughout the interior. This project creates an entirely new look and feel and creates a welcoming identity that the Tribe and its employees can take great pride in.
“The remodel looks outstanding, and the feedback I’m receiving is tremendous. I’ve opened several properties and have never seen a crew like yours. They have made the remodel a performance and an excellent experience for employees and for our guests.”
Pam Gallegos, CEO