JCJ Architecture hascompleted the first phase of the 1.086 million s/f Resorts World Casino New York City, one of the largest entertainment centers 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 leisure and hospitality corporation. The entertainment complex will contribute approximately $350 million annually to the State of New York to support education while offering gaming, dining and entertainment options.
"Located within the Aqueduct Racetrack complex, Resorts World is an extraordinary example of creative repositioning and adaptive re-use. Working with Genting, we have transformed an aging landmark property 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 created more than 1,350 permanent jobs for the residents of New York."
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 s/f.

"Embodying Genting's design philosophy, we abandoned traditional, windowless, dark casino notions and reinvented an aesthetic that is much brighter, 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."
Proposed future phases at Resorts World include a multi-billion-dollar, multi-million s/f convention center and hotel.
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.
Resorts World is designed to be "uniquely New York," incorporating design elements that portray, evoke and celebrate many of the most recognizable and iconographic features of the city. Each of the casino's three levels reflects an atmosphere inspired by a New York City landmark:
* Times Square Casino: Located on the first floor, this casino evokes the energy and dazzle of Times Square, with 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 s/f event space, the largest in Queens, and is inspired by the 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," said 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." Tags: