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JCJ Announces Completion of Phase One Resorts World New York

New York, NY, USA (March 3, 2012) /BUSINESS WIRE/ — JCJ Architecture announced the completed first phase of the 1,086,000-square-foot Resorts World Casino New York City in Queens, N.Y., reportedly the largest entertainment center in New York City’s metro area and the city’s only casino. Developed and operated by Malaysian-based Genting Group, the project is the first company-owned U.S. venture for the leading global leisure and hospitality corporation. The complex will contribute approximately $350 million annually to the State of New York to support education while offering locals and tourists alike world-class gaming, dining and entertainment options.

“Located within the Aqueduct Racetrack complex, Resorts World is an extraordinary example of creative repositioning and adaptive reuse. Working with Genting, we have transformed an aging landmark into a vibrant and energetic entertainment destination,” said Peter Stevens, President of JCJ Architecture. “Not only will Resorts World donate one percent of pre-tax profits to the local community, it has also created more than 1,350 permanent jobs for the city’s residents.”

Adding 1,200 new construction jobs with a total construction cost of $510 million, the three-level complex required extensive site redevelopment and improvements on 64 acres, renovation of existing facilities, and new construction totaling approximately 736,000 square feet.

“Embodying Genting’s design philosophy, we abandoned traditional, windowless casino notions and reinvented a brighter aesthetic that is more vibrant and uplifting,” said Brian Davis, Design Principal of JCJ Architecture, who along with Bill Dow, Principal, led the project. “Everything from the vaulted ceilings to the 60-foot chandelier in the lobby to the ornate detailing of the terrazzo floors evokes a sense of grandeur and expansiveness.”

Resorts World, designed to be ‘uniquely New York,’ subtly incorporates design elements that celebrate many of the most iconographic features of the city. Each of the casino’s three levels reflects a distinctive atmosphere inspired by a New York City landmark:

  • Times Square Casino: Located on the first floor, this casino evokes the energy of Times Square with dramatic interactive digital billboards, streaming video displays presenting music videos and sporting events, and Bar 360 – a multi-level entertainment venue, featuring the largest video screen of its kind in the nation. An outdoor terrace extends beyond Bar 360 and the Aqueduct Buffet, providing patrons with similar views of Aqueduct Racetrack from which past visitors cheered famed champions Secretariat, Man O’ War and Seabiscuit.
  • Fifth Avenue Casino: Positioned on the second floor, this casino features high-stakes gaming set amidst an elevated level of refinement and luxury. Upscale dining offerings include Genting Palace and RW Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. The Liberty Bar provides guests an exciting view of the first-floor entertainment as well as the “Light of Nations,” a 60-foot crystal chandelier with 193 hand-blown glass balls etched with the name of every nation recognized by the United Nations.
  • Central Park: The third floor features an expansive 70,000-square-foot event space, the largest in Queens, and is inspired by Central Park’s open spaces, verdant colors, and natural textures. The space includes a central performance area for high-profile events and can also be segmented for more intimate gatherings such as weddings and private receptions.

The facility incorporated flexible design elements to accommodate future modifications while also preserving the building’s existing structural integrity, such as incorporating its numerous columns into the overall geometry of the space. Other design highlights include:
A climate-controlled bridge to the Aqueduct A train subway station providing direct access to Manhattan and the AirTrain transit system to nearby Kennedy International Airport. The location is also easily accessible from La Guardia airport, rail transport, and major highways.
A five-level, 2,365-space parking garage with bus drop-off area.
5,000 video lottery terminals and electronic table games.
Sustainable design strategies and materials throughout the project, exceeding New York’s energy efficiency standards (Executive Order 111).

“Our vision for Resorts World was to create a vibrant venue with entertainment options that appeal to a broad audience,” added Mike Speller, President of Resorts World Casino New York. “Through our collaboration with JCJ Architecture, that vision has become a reality, and now one of the greatest cities in the world has a gaming and entertainment destination it can call its own.”

Proposed future phases at Resorts World include a multi-billion-dollar, multi-million-square-foot convention center and hotel, making it the premier conference destination for both domestic and international markets.

JCJ Architecture served as architect and interior design firm for the project. The project team included professionals from across JCJ’s network of offices, led by senior executives from JCJ including Bill Dow, Brian Davis, Scott Celella, Alexandra Lopatynsky, Jeff Wynkoop and Peter Fabian. Tutor Perini served as construction manager.

ABOUT JCJ ARCHITECTURE

Founded in 1936 and headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, JCJ has offices in San Diego, Phoenix, New York City and Boston. The firm is recognized nationally as one of the country’s most respected architectural firms, providing clients with comprehensive planning, programming, architectural and interior design, project management and construction administrative services. With a long-standing reputation for creativity, excellence and business acumen, JCJ Architecture works across a broad range of industries including hospitality, education, civic, science and technology and commercial design. For more information, visit www.jcj.com.

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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