Native Lights Casino
Native Lights Casino wanted to create a comfortable and inviting look and feel for their property that would help it stand out within the region and provide guests and employees with an enjoyable experience. A new interior and exterior design were created that produced a high-quality ambiance and served as the basis of design for the remodel project. The entire renovation was completed in 12 weeks onsite.
Location: Newkirk, Oklahoma
Duration: 12 Weeks
Project Size: 24,000 sf
Services: Design Build Remodel
Project Approach
Design & Planning
With a vibrant color palette and contrasting specialty finishes, I-5 worked to produce an updated gaming atmosphere that could draw new customers and increase loyalty among the existing customer base. Color-changing LED lighting was integrated throughout the property to keep a fresh, exciting environment throughout the year.
The design intent for the interior was to bring the focal level down to the gaming floor and provide a more comfortable, welcoming gaming environment. A lowered perimeter soffit brought the ceiling and light levels down around the outside of the floor, while a large central overhead beam system with integrated color-changing lighting provided a high-impact focal point to the space. In addition to the gaming spaces, the existing “Buffalo Grill & Lounge” was re-designed to provide a beautiful amenity to the property, as well as to provide a unique destination of its own.
The exterior was designed to feature a fully programmable color-changing LED lighting system as well as a series of multi-layered, architectural column displays, stacked stone cladding, and custom fabricated decorative wall-mounted light fixtures. Additionally, a new porte-cochere extension was created to provide a greater presence to the property from the adjacent highway and to strengthen the casino’s branding image. The existing pylon sign was also upgraded to feature the new branding image, and a new full-color programmable message center was included to add impact to the exterior and increase its marketing capability.
Build & Install
I-5 provided a comprehensive design/build solution to transform the entire interior and exterior of Native Lights Casino. The upgrade was performed with very little downtime to the casino’s operations while achieving excellent impact and “Wow” for the property.
Beginning with a 3D laser scan of the property to obtain precise layouts and information for the facility, I-5’s architectural team created plans, specifications, and detailed coordination drawings to facilitate the construction of the project. This information was also used to manufacture all of the specialty décor and finishes, the large overhead architectural structures, façade structures, and the signage. All of these items were fabricated and pre-assembled in-shop by I-5 to ensure a smooth and safe installation on-site, while drastically reducing any downtime for the casino. The onsite work was done with a highly expedited phasing plan which maximized returns even during the onsite implementation.
Throughout the project, I-5’s design team provided oversight to the lighting, finishes, textures, and fabrication pieces to ensure the highest level of design integrity, while creating the greatest impact for the finished project.
WATCH
Finished Project
The entire interior and exterior remodel was completed within 90 days on-site, with little interruption to the casino’s gaming operations. The casino team, the Tribe, and the customers have all had excellent feedback on the visual impact created by the casino renovation.
“Now that the renovation project has come to an end, I wanted to say that it was a pleasure working with you and the I-5 Design team once again.
As always I-5 Design went above and beyond during the Native Lights renovation project. This project truly transformed the property by creating the wow factor we were looking for. The team’s attention to detail and professionalism is commended. It was enjoyable working thru all of the phases with little or no disruption to the business.
So once again, I would like to say thank you to you and your staff at I-5 Design for a project well done! From the designers to the people working to build the project, everyone did amazing work.”
– Phillip Glass | General Manager
