In an accelerated 30-month timeline, a two million-square-foot expansion was completed in 2021 for the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. Te expanded property centers around the 21- story, luxury Sky Hotel Tower that ascends from an expansive three acre resort pool and offers increased gaming and entertainment opportunities, amenities, restaurants, and a world-class, curated collection of Choctaw art. One of the largest federally recognised tribes, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is a tribe of artists, professionals, musicians, storytellers, innovators, leaders, athletes, warriors, and caregivers. Drawing upon a decade-long collaborative relationship, the design team consulted closely with members of the Choctaw Nation to realise the tribe’s mission and contribute to the community’s economic resilience beyond the casino campus. As casino resorts nationwide strive to meet and exceed increasingly sophisticated market expectations, the design team developed an expansion that elevates the guest experience and sets the tone for future growth of the property, all while harmonising with the existing site and integrating an authentic representation of Choctaw history and culture.


AN ICON ON THE HORIZON


Visible on the horizon from miles away, the soaring 21-story, 1000- room hotel tower serves as a gateway for the expansive visitor base arriving from Dallas to the south and bookends the existing casino to the north, containing the


experiential energy onsite. Te new structure references the curved articulation of the existing Grand Tower, ensuring that both developments connect to tell one comprehensive story. Te two curved towers converge at the edge of US-75, physically embracing the property. Te Sky Tower’s sophisticated, sweeping contour creates an iconic statement as it captures the dynamic beauty of the Oklahoma skies throughout the day. Te design delicately balances a skyline-scaled expression with a pedestrian-scaled experience. When viewed from within the property, the gentle curve gracefully expands into the horizon. In this way, the gesture is both an impactful architectural statement and a humble, natural extension of the property. Detailed articulation on the tower reads as a pattern or expression of a textile from a close distance, bringing down the perceived scale of the tower for the guest. Shadows dance across the façade as the sun moves across the sky, creating a shifting visual spectacle.


A RESORT STATE OF MIND


Te design team sought to minimise impact on the existing site, developing the project footprint adjacent to the existing property, while remaining outside the boundaries of the nearby designated wetlands area. Approaching the tower, guests meander between the existing wetlands and the new three-acre pool deck featuring both adults- only and family-friendly swimming options. Te design team carefully ensured appropriate sun exposure throughout the day to


One of the largest


federally recognised tribes, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is a tribe of artists, professionals, musicians, storytellers,


innovators, leaders, athletes, warriors, and caregivers. The JCJ design team


consulted closely with members of the Choctaw Nation to realise the tribe’s mission.


WIRE / PULSE / INSIGHT / REPORTS P63


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