Project Name: Bally’s Kansas City Casino Expansion

Company Name: JCJ Architecture

Project Location: Kansas City, Missouri United States

Project Information/Details: Photography credit to Matthew Anderson Photography 

---

JCJ Architecture (JCJ), a nationally ranked planning, architecture, and interior design firm, proudly announces the grand opening of the Bally's Kansas City Casino expansion. Bally’s Corporation, a global casino-entertainment company headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, tapped JCJ to provide comprehensive architecture and interior design services for this strategic expansion project. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the endeavor includes the creation of a new and striking 38,470-square-foot land-based Commercial Center and significant reimagining of the existing casino’s riverboat-style exterior. “The Bally’s Kansas City expansion has brought a remarkable transformation of this iconic riverside property,” said Christine Faverio, Senior Associate and Senior Project Designer at JCJ. “Our goal was to create a striking architectural statement that establishes an exciting direction for Bally’s vision for redevelopment and for this reconceived destination to enhance the regional entertainment landscape and enrich the Kansas City’s architectural skyline.” Setting a new standard for entertainment in the region, the Bally’s Kansas City Casino expansion ushers in an era of enhanced retail and restaurant options, additional guest amenities, and compelling gaming experiences. Bally’s Kansas City embodies a bold departure from the current aesthetic, with the overarching objective to deliver fresh experiences that attract new visitors with open arms while also appealing to faithful patrons. "We are very excited to unveil a transformed Bally's Kansas City. From the moment guests arrive, they will be greeted with enhanced dining and gaming experiences. We are grateful for the collaborative work of the city and individuals who played a critical role in bringing this expansion to reality over the past two years," said Michael Donovan, Chief Marketing Officer & SVP of Gaming at Bally’s. The Bally’s Kansas City expansion includes: New Commercial Center: The centerpiece of Bally’s Kansas City’s evolution is the Commercial Center expansion. Strategically positioned as a highly visible gateway from the Christopher Bond Bridge, the Commercial Center’s architectural expression is a testament to creativity and innovation. Inspired by the majestic Missouri River and the Bond Bridge’s iconic design, the entry takes the form of triangular flares that look like they are reaching out toward the bridge and the riverfront, creating a dramatic and transcendent statement. Inside the Commercial Center, the floor and ceiling design uses geometric gradients and triangular elements that mirror the building's exterior. An open grid ceiling with triangular shaped ceiling tiles and grid-integrated LED strip lighting elevates the look, while elegant restrooms employ chevron accent tiles and custom trough sinks with wall mounted faucets. Reimagined Exterior of Existing Riverboat-Style Casino: Challenged with working around the still-operational riverboat-style casino, which floats in a small, pond-like moat, while working within prescribed construction cost parameters, the JCJ team drew inspiration from the iconic works of artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude to artfully conceal the existing steamboat. Utilizing bold, vibrant polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated fiberglass membrane with integrated and programmable LED technology, the result was an expansive building façade spanning 300 feet by 65 feet that changes color with the seasons and events. To add dimension and intrigue, the silver mesh PTFE triangles are suspended across the façade, breaking up the massive surface and forming a visual link to the Commercial Center. PTFE's lightweight properties minimized the load on the boat, while its self-cleaning nature simplified maintenance for this hard-to-reach façade. Chickie's & Pete's Crab House & Sports Bar: One of the project's unique features is the integration of Chickie's & Pete's Crab House & Sports Bar, a celebrated restaurant chain with a rich history. Balancing the chain's sense of tradition with the contemporary aesthetic of the building was key. The brand’s furniture standards were maintained while alternative finishes were incorporated to bring a new and updated feel. Varied seating options in the restaurant and bar area create distinct zones and large glass overhead doors allow dining to seamlessly extend to the outdoors. In addition, a back bar offers a "library" effect and an element of intrigue, with glass shelving showcasing a collection of liquor and sports memorabilia, including movable ladders for theatrical flair. Other custom features include a millwork display case showcasing an antique beer can collection, a large-scale TV wall in the dining area, and a gas fire pit with red Adirondack chairs on the patio. The transformation of Bally's Kansas City Casino is a testament to the power of visionary design and creative problem-solving. It merges contemporary aesthetics with the soul of Kansas City, offering an immersive experience that beckons guests from near and far. This project embodies the essence of transformation, where innovative architecture and interior design come together to create an iconic destination for entertainment and culture in the heart of Kansas City.

Project Name: Ewing Senior and Community Center

Company Name: DIGroup Architecture

Project Location: Ewing Township, New Jersey United States

Project Information/Details: In the early morning hours of Sept. 30, 2022, a five-alarm fire broke out on Lower Ferry Road in Ewing Township. Several hours later, when the fire had been contained and extinguished, it was clear that the Ewing Senior and Community Center (ESCC) had suffered tremendous damage – and this important community resource was rendered unsafe and closed indefinitely. Once known as the Trenton Jewish Community Center and Day Camp, the ESCC property is a notable resource on both the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. Originally constructed in 1955, the property also includes a historic bath house that sits on the same parcel of land. “At the same time as the fire, DIGroup Architecture was completing the design for the relocation of the Township’s Construction Office. It was only natural for me to ask how we could help,” said DIG President Vincent Myers. “DIG thrives on community-based revitalization projects and this one hit particularly close to home for me – literally. My family has called Ewing Township home for nearly 20 years, and I know how impactful the ESCC is within our community.” When it came time to award the bid, DIG was named Architect of Record – an acknowledgement of the firm’s performance on the construction office project; its recognition by the American Institute of Architects-New Jersey Chapter as 2022 Firm of the Year; and Myers’ strong connection to the community and personal volunteer efforts to redesign the basketball courts at Moody Park in the township. Community Center Rebuild Leads to Restoration of Historic Bath House Shortly after earning the bid to rebuild the ESCC, DIG was also asked to assist in the restoration of the historic bath house, an award that would immediately connect the firm to the architectural community and architectural historians on an international level. “It was a proposition we could never refuse,” said Myers. “The bath house was designed by famed architect Louis I. Kahn and sits immediately adjacent to the ESCC, so it only made sense that we support the restoration efforts there, as well.” While not impacted by the fire, the bath house was in desperate need of repairs and an overall visual refresh to bring it back to its original grandeur. Kahn, an Estonian-born architect based in Philadelphia, was hired to design the entire complex in the mid-1950s when the idea of a multi-use community center was a unique concept. Ironically, while the bath house was constructed, his completed plans for the community center were abandoned. To educate themselves and prepare for the design of the new ESCC and restoration of the bath house, Myers – along with DIG’s Jeffrey Venezia, CEO, and Scott Hoffman, associate – took a tour at the University of Pennsylvania where Kahn’s original drawings of the bath house are located. “We spent pretty much half a day marveling at the drawings,” said Myers. “We dove deep into its history for inspiration so we can deliver a design that respects and honors its architectural roots while delivering a cohesiveness to the entire property that echoes Kahn’s vision.” When completed, the ESCC will comprise approximately 70,000 square feet of space, doubling the building’s original 35,000 square feet. A community meeting was also held recently, where Mayor Bert Steinmann along with Myers conducted a public presentation and Q&A on the rebuilding effort. “Our goal with this important project is to create something that’s as iconic as the original bath house, while using forms and elements that connect both the ESCC and the bath house to one another – all while retaining the integrity of its history and ensuring it will remain a meaningful and sustainable pillar of the community,” said Myers.

Project Name: Imagine East Bank

Company Name: HDR

Project Location: Nashville, Tennessee United States

Project Information/Details: HDR has been selected to manage the transformation of more than 500 acres in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. The Imagine East Bank Vision Plan outlines the largest development project in the city’s history and envisions a new future for what is mostly underused land adjacent to its downtown. Currently dominated by parking lots and industrial sites, the city has developed a vision plan that imagines the area’s rebirth into dense urban neighborhoods, featuring multimodal access, mixed-use developments and a vibrant riverfront for Nashvillians to enjoy. A new professional football stadium and major corporate headquarters will be key parts of the transformation. “We are essentially creating a city from scratch," said Principal Program Manager Jim Czarnecky, who is leading HDR's work. "It will require expertise in utilities, planning, sustainability, engineering, project controls and much more. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and I’m thrilled to contribute to the growth of this city I love.” HDR’s team will work as an extension of Metro Nashville, providing oversight of planning, engineering and construction on both public and private East Bank projects. All development in the East Bank will be coordinated through the program management office, which will track activities, finances, schedules and how projects relate to each other. “A project of this size requires a dedicated team to help realize Metro’s vision in ensuring we build thriving neighborhoods and spaces dedicated to Nashvillians,” said Metro Nashville Chief Development Officer Bob Mendes. “We are thrilled to partner with HDR, who has proven experience bringing projects like this to life.” “The East Bank is bursting with unrealized possibilities for improving the lives of Nashville residents,” said HDR Principal-in-Charge Kyle Guthrie. “This program will create vibrant, equitable and livable neighborhoods where now there are acres of asphalt. It’s an honor to be part of this historic revitalization.”