Harrah’s held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 8 to celebrate its expansion project for the Ak-Chin Casino Hotel and Resort. The expansion, which is due to be completed in July 2011, will include a five-story tower and add 152 rooms to the property.
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Ak-Chin Indian Community and City of Maricopa dignitaries, and Harrah’s staff, included many participants from the many groups involved shoveling dirt.
General Manager Geoff Andres welcomed the invited guests to the event, which included a backdrop of the proposed project’s architectural rendering. Several participants commented that the hotel is full “every night.” Andres joked that if you “Want a room for tonight? Well, you can’t have one. We’re full!”
The added rooms will give the local community the possibility of having a place for guests to stay.
Ak-Chin Chairman Louis Manuel Jr. announced that Harrah’s contract has been renewed for five years and said the addition is “at the right time, the right place, and was the right thing to do.” He commented that the addition would meet community needs, provide jobs, and meet “hard goals” with the economy struggling. Manuel also emphasized the cultural traditions of the Native American community and understanding of the culture as an important part of the project.
Also in attendance were the other members of the Ak-Chin Council: Anthony Narcia, Sr., William J. Antone, Vice Chairman – Leslie Carlyle-Burnett, and Gabriel L. Lopez.
Maricopa Councilmember Marvin Brown, who serves as Council Representative to the Ak-Chin Community, “Applauded you for moving forward.” Maricopa, stated Brown, has “established a commitment to their Ak-Chin neighbors and has made progress in that note.” He spoke of several productive and “wonderful experiences” working with the Ak-Chin Indian Community.
Vice Mayor Edward Farrell was also in attendance.
During the event, Ken Albert of Penta Building Group presented the Ak-Chin Community with a check for $40,000 for education programs.
Prior to the actual groundbreaking ceremony, Joseph Enos, of the Tohono O’odham Nation, offered traditional blessings for the new addition and all those assembled.
Changes and additions
Andres explained that the lobby, hotel entrance, and a new wall of windows would change the hotel. The old “vertical” architectural features on top of the current casino will be removed so the sleeker new tower can define the new look. A sculpture and cactus garden will also be added. The lobby will have “fire elements” to add additional interest.
Once the new wing is added, the additional 152 rooms will be a bit smaller, at 320-350 sq. ft., but will have very upgraded amenities. Each room will have controls that are activated by a room key, enabling the lights and air conditioning to respond to full capacity only when a person is actually occupying the room. Granite counter tops, 50” TVs, big showers, 9-foot ceilings, and high-end amenities will be included, as well as upgraded wireless Internet, iPod hook-ups, and laptop access.
Five VIP suites will be added, as part of the 152 rooms, as well as 15 new, handicapped accessible rooms.
In addition to new rooms, the expanded hotel will mean the addition of 30-50 new positions for staffing the facility. Rachael Reed, Director of Human Resources, said they are currently looking for candidates for several positions. (See their website at http://harrahs.hodesiq.com/harrahsiq/joblist.asp.) Current positions available include Restaurant Supervisor, Inside Sales, and other positions.
Other “green amenities”
Joel Delia, project manager for Penta Building Group, commented that, although they will not seek official LEED certification for the new addition (that can be an expensive process), the addition would be “green and have LEED certified elements.”
Energy efficient light bulbs, low flow showerheads, and recycling will be incorporated in each room.
Timeline for development
Delia detailed the building timeline. First, a fence will be built to surround the building area, followed by surveying and utility location. By the end of July or early August, the structure’s foundation will be laid. He anticipated over 170 employees hired to work on the construction.
When the structure is up, a waterproof skin will be added to the building’s surface. Simultaneously with the final building elements, interior furnishings will be added in the spring or summer of 2011. “Green screens” will be added to the building’s exterior, so vines can grow and shade the building.