Opened in 1998 as Ontario’s first permanent casino, this mixed-use entertainment complex established the gold standard for the province’s gaming industry. Inspired by the ships on the nearby Detroit River, the building’s white metal panels, blue-green glass and sail-shaped roofs evoke a nautical theme. Located on a 5.25-hectare site, the casino complex is surrounded by extensive landscaping, continuing the park setting to the south and including several major water features that echo the main theme, and also align with Windsor’s urban design guidelines. The original design concept features a radial plan around a central atrium linking three levels of activities and an integrated 21-storey, 400-suite hotel tower, with facilities that include a casino, three restaurants, meeting and convention space, as well as parking for 3,000 cars. The expansion, completed in 2009, is planned like a small city, with much attention paid to understanding how people arrive and navigate through a variety of entertainment options. The seamless connection of old and new is facilitated by a floating entertainment bridge that spans a city street. The expansion includes an interior renovation to update the casino complex to the luxurious standards of the Caesars brand, and the incorporation of a second hotel, ballroom and flexible entertainment centre for activities ranging from concerts to “flat floor” trade and convention events. The project won a Gold Medallion Design Award from Casino Executive Magazine for new casino facilities.
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