The renovation of Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina seamlessly merged the existing facility with an expansion—forming a nearly 400,000 sq ft Vegas-worthy entertainment center. Nestled in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, Harrah’s Casino teamed up with the local Native tribe to incorporate cultural elements in this modern idea of what a casino could be. Recruiting Hunter Douglas to design a custom finishing color for the Cherokee Oak utilized in the 40,000 ft of linear wood ceilings was a subtle detail that embodied thoughtfulness in every inch.
Acousti’s teams focused on ceilings and creative sound-reduction elements in this project. One mission involved using Armstrong Soundscape Shapes to construct multiple “trees” in gaming areas. The assembly of these proved a logistical challenge due to the specificity with which security cameras need to be placed and angled to view card tables. Creatively, we executed the task by first erecting models out of drywall—as to not risk damage to costly materials. The trees are centerpieces to various areas of the gaming floor, adding a colorful design element as well as necessary auditory-insulating function in a space with music, beverage ordering, game machine chimes, and winning celebrations.
Throughout the lobby and Porte Cochere, suspended projection features were integrated in the ceilings. Our team collaborated with the architect, tweaking the original plan for the water-wall feature: creating a more polished, flowing design for the structure that encloses the waterfall and which welcomes guests. We also crafted nickel-plated beads to be suspended on cables in the check-in area. In dining areas, we were given the liberty to randomly place LED lights, poking through the wood paneling to give a star-like effect.
This highly specialized development was especially successful and rewarding thanks to our committed team and the Lead Foreman, Don Kerley. Although leaving with an overwhelming sense of pride, our Project Manager and crew were sad to put a close to this chapter having spent so much time and determination on the job site.
PM: Evan Verner
Main Foreman: Don Kerley
Architect: Cuningham Group
ADDTL Resources/Pictures:
https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-us/photos-videos/project-gallery/gallery/438600.html#photo2062
https://www.cuningham.com/portfolio/harrahs-cherokee-casino-resort-2/
https://candelacontrols.com/portfolio/project/harrahs-cherokee-casino
