Minneapolis, MN––August 1, 2012 - The International design firm Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc. (Cuningham Group®) announced the recent completion of work on two high-profile resort casinos. In late May, the Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant had its grand opening in Biloxi, MS, featuring a tropical environment inspired by the songs and lifestyle of legendary singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett. Meanwhile, in Atlantic City, NJ, Cuningham Group’s architectural and interior design leadership was an integral part of the rebranding of the former Trump Marina Hotel and Casino, into a Golden Nugget resort.  Built around several of Landry’s Inc.’s award-winning dining concepts—including Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse and Grotto Italian Ristorante—the Golden Nugget’s grand opening was held in April. Both projects feature powerful and iconic brands in distinctly different resort destinations.

The Golden Nugget opened in April.

Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant With shops, restaurants and a casino that opens to Biloxi’s marina and bay, Margaritaville is an entirely new style of gaming establishment, with an outdoor and beach-like feel of an ongoing party. “Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville group works very hard to keep its brand consistent, which is all about a laid-back way to live, party and experience life,” said Cuningham Group Principal Tom Hoskens. “And that’s exactly what you’ll find in this casino.” The gaming area has huge windows with a vista of the bay that includes the expansive Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge, quite different from gambling areas that are traditionally enclosed.

Biloxi’s Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant.

“The tropical environment includes the Margaritaville brand’s trademark Volcano Bar, fishing and shrimp boats fitted with booths so that they’re coveted places to dine, an airplane hanging from the rafters, palm trees, torches, and even a waterfall. Altogether they carry the festive theme,” said Hoskens. “A great deal of credit should go to The McBride Company—which created the distinct Margaritaville restaurant and casino look—and which in Biloxi seamlessly pulled the marina and boat elements right into the dining areas.”

Golden Nugget

Landry’s Inc. acquired the Marina Hotel from Trump Entertainment Resorts in 2011, with the belief that a rebranded Golden Nugget will have the same re-energizing effect on Atlantic City as its namesake previously had on downtown Las Vegas. Landry’s anticipates that the redesign and refurbishing of the bayfront Trump property—the only area casino with a full-service marina—will make the luxurious casino, hotel and entertainment experience a must-stay destination in Atlantic City’s upscale Marina District.

The property has been transformed with a completely remodeled casino floor including a new luxurious High Limit Salon, and plush new Poker Room , complemented by high-energy live entertainment at the Rush Lounge on the casino floor as well as the Live Bar, and updated hotel rooms and suites.   “Landry’s has placed a variety of restaurants around a sophisticated gaming area, with modern details and a contemporary urban feel,” explained Cuningham Group Principal David Solner. “It’s also colorful, with a huge, 260-foot wide LED light show on the exterior facade, creating an experience that starts outside and continues within.”

The Golden Nugget’s group of Landry’s restaurant brands also includes Lillie’s Asian Cuisine, Sushi and Noodle Bar, and Chart House. The brand new H2O  Pool + Bar is the property’s sleek outdoor poolside lounge featuring contemporary built-in seating areas, fire pits and all-season hot tubs unlike anything else in Atlantic City. Cuningham Group also designed more tranquil spaces, including a new Spa and Salon as well as a Wine & Wi-Fi lounge.  Added Solner: “We believe these new and fresh elements, built around a modern gaming facility, will appeal to a broad section of the population.”

About Cuningham Group
Cuningham Group^® transcends tradition with architecture, interior design, urban design and planning services for a diverse mix of client and project types.  The firm’s client-centered, collaborative approach incorporates trend-setting architecture and environmental responsiveness to create projects that weave seamlessly into the urban fabric. Consistently recognized as a leader in a variety of markets, Cuningham and has grown to over 240 employees in the United States, Korea and China. For more information, please visit www.cuningham.com.