Durango Casino & Resort as seen from the Durano Drive Entry. Photo by Rodrigo Hernandez/boogie 702.

The New Southwest

Unveiling Durango Casino & Resort

BY BRIAN G. THORNTON

Vibrant

Well, at least that was my initial takeaway. My inaugural visit to the Southwest Vegas Valley’s newest luxury resort off the Strip gaming destination. Welcome to Durango Casino & Resort. Nestled in the vibrant landscape of Southwest Las Vegas, Durango Casino & Resort stands as a testament to perseverance and innovation.

Between the natural light flowing into the $780 million resort, the inside-out concept of some of the property’s restaurants, the light color scheme, and plenty of open space, there’s no question this is a modern resort. Standing tall just across the I-215 beltway from IKEA, it has emerged from nearly two decades of dormancy; this architectural marvel opened its doors in 2023 to resounding acclaim. As a seasoned writer in the art, architecture, and design arenas, I embarked on a journey to uncover the storied history, exquisite design, and profound impact of Durango Casino & Resort. I invite you to delve into the heart of this gem of the new Southwest.

Historic Journey

Station Casinos, a Red Rock Resorts, Inc. subsidiary, purchased the property from developer Jim Rhodes in 2000 with plans for a 1000-room resort. On December 5, 2023, Chairman and CEO of Red Rock Resorts Frank J. Fertitta and Vice Chairman of Red Rock Resorts Lorenzo J. Fertitta commemorated the grand opening with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. That may be one of the few ‘traditional’ elements one might attribute to the resort.

Situating Durango Casino & Resort opening amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous economic landscape, where recessions and the pandemic cast shadows of uncertainty, amplifies the significance of its completion. Despite the challenges, Durango Casino & Resort emerged as a beacon of hope and revitalization, transforming the dormant 71 acres into a vibrant hub of desert entertainment and hospitality. A second phase is planned for a 500-room hotel tower, spa, movie theater, bowling alley, music venue, additional convention space, and gaming space. According to Joseph Greff of JP Morgan, groundbreaking to expand Durango Casino & Resort will occur before the end of 2024.

Contemporary Desert Southwest Design

The Friedmutter Group got it right again. The Friedmutter Group has worked successfully on other Station properties, such as Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock Casino. Durango Casino & Resort is upscale and modern and has a distinctive desert vibe. The 15-story tower is a new landmark seen for miles driving the beltway. Its east elevation is animated by the four standalone restaurants and the associated outdoor dining patios.

With architectural and meticulous attention to detail, Durango Casino & Resort embodies the essence of contemporary desert southwest design, seamlessly blending modern aesthetics with regional influences. From the intricate lines of its facade to the carefully curated interiors, every aspect of Durango Casino & Resort exudes a sense of sophistication and cultural resonance.

Colorways inspired by the hues of the desert were incorporated along the stylized agave plant, a common motif in the Southwestern style. Stacked and textured concrete has become popular for exterior and privacy walls. A recurring grid trellis grid appears in the curtain wall with copper reflective glass and several canopies and vertical screens. The casino’s flooring also incorporates natural materials, from light-toned terrazzo, porcelain ceramic, and broken tile to travertine. Durango employed a neutral background for a clean and organized appearance. Adding to the neutral backdrop are several scaled texture walls on the interior that appear as a horizontal stripe and large stone panels throughout the public space. One unexpected favorite is the gilt concave apses in the Bel-Aire Lounge.

Architectural Visionaries and Design Maestros

Upon arrival, guests are immediately greeted by natural stone-clad floors and walls while the texture, light, and neutral tones flood the space. Durango’s inviting hotel lobby has relaxed energy and a breeze, and its thoughtful design and warm light greet guests at the open doors. The stunning space flows into the lobby bar, where cozy nooks, cool sofas, and one-of-a-kind art pieces create the perfect chemistry of conversations, relaxation, and a sense of place. Bel-Aire Lounge serves as the lobby bar. It’s a private oasis tucked away from the hotel’s main entrance, located at the west end of the building, a sophisticated space with a long linear fireplace and myriad seating groups encircling the center bar. Its surprise offerings include clever oversized flat TV monitors that glide elegantly into the ceiling when not featuring event and sports content. A central DJ booth furthers the nighttime vibe when the lobby needs some stirring and adds even more bounce to the destination bar. Bel-Aire Lounge takes inspiration from travels worldwide and the beautiful palette of the desert landscape.

Looney & Associates was the interior designer along with Avenue Interior Design for the Bel-Aire Lounge and Backyard. Keeping cool is key when you live in the desert. Visitors will absorb the luxurious feel and ambiance of the calm color palettes. The southwestern desert style allows for fun pops of color throughout the space.

Gaming Floor Amenities and Experiences

Spanning an impressive expanse, the gaming floor of Durango Casino & Resort delivers unparalleled excitement and exhilaration for enthusiasts. The elegantly designed casino floor is spacious and bright, filled with natural light and unique elements merging to create a visually appealing and welcoming gaming environment, including wide stone walkways and high ceilings. A vibrant, floral, agave-inspired carpet design with flourishes of color that visually pulls the patrons through the casino is a welcome surprise. It is simply arranged as a large rectangle with natural light north and south connecting the gaming floor with its surrounding landscape. Within the 83,000 square feet of casino space, it offers 2,300 of the newest slots and 60-plus table games, alongside individual high-limit slots and table games rooms for high-stakes bettors. Proving the new Southwest offers locals the same experience off the Strip, Durango Casino & Resort’s bespoke STN Sportsbook is a 10,000-square-foot space featuring a sizeable 205-seat sportsbook and the 24-hour vibe of the co-located The George Sportsmen’s Lounge.

Culinary Delights

A contemporary gaming resort must include a range or variety of dining and drink options to offer a little or a lot of something for everyone. In addition to the food court Eat Your Heart Out with its 11 restaurants, there are standalone restaurants to discover, too. From the upscale ambiance of Nicco’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish to the cozy charm of Mijo Modern Mexican to the California-inspired Summer House and its decadent bakery, all offer unique dining experiences. The architecture of each venue is expressed along the Durango Drive elevation of the building. Each features lush outdoor dining experiences seen from the adjacent parking field. Durango Casino & Resort tantalizes taste buds with a diverse array of culinary offerings.

You won’t easily stumble upon Wax Rabbit, the clandestine speakeasy and tequila bar. It is a hidden gem that adds an element of mystery and allure. Clue: find the secluded entry inside the Mijo Restaurant.

The George Sportsmen’s Lounge is a brilliant indoor-outdoor 24-hour dining and entertainment lounge. New trivia is that its name came from classic Vegas big tippers, commonly called “a George” – a nod to the recognizable portrait on the one-dollar bill.

Eat Your Heart Out is described as a “next-generation food hall” with eclectic cuisines and a focus on communal dining experience. Spanning 25,000 square feet, the eatery is home to enticing culinary offerings from local favorites, including Shang Artisan Noodle, Vesta Coffee, Nielsen’s Frozen Custard, Yu-Or-Mi Sushi, Oyster Bar, and DRNK bar. The addition of exciting offerings is new-to-market concepts, including Los Angeles staple Irv’s Burgers, New York’s Prince Street Pizza, Philadelphia’s Fiorella by Marc Vetri, and the Hawaii-centric Ai Pono Café.

Outdoor Oasis

Lifescapes International, Inc., a renowned design firm out of Newport Beach, understands gardens and landscapes. No matter where you enter the property, there is a welcome desert-inspired island of trees or cleverly textured softscape to greet you. As seen from afar on the north face of the building, the Durango logo is the agave plant – a nod to the desert landscapes in which the resort sits. The new brand’s color pallet is imbued with warm colors and styled to fit the landscape. Durango Casino & Resort’s outdoor spaces, crafted by Lifescapes International, Inc. serve as a casual escape for leisure and relaxation, weaving in the surrounding desert grounds.

According to LII, “The distinct entries reflect the character of the surrounding neighborhood and increase in size and magnificence as you approach the property. With its more intimate design, the main entrance highlights the grandeur of date palms, signature Palo Verde trees, Washingtonia palms, southern live oaks, fan palms, Holly oak, and cork oak. Another unique outdoor amenity is the adjacent event lawn, ample enough to host large-scale events, with space for a stage for live performances.”

Impacting the Community

Beyond its architectural splendor, Durango Casino & Resort stands as a catalyst for economic growth, generating countless construction jobs and permanent employment opportunities for the local community. David Horn, vice president and general manager of Durango Casino & Resort, says, “We are eager to extend this warm hospitality to the Las Vegas community, recognizing the vibrant and diverse tapestry that makes this city truly unique. Our aim is to be more than just a place to stay or play; we want to be an integral part of the community, where residents and visitors alike can find a sense of comfort, enjoyment, and entertainment.”

It’s expected that the management will frame the goal of the Station’s hospitality to reach and embrace the community. It’s quickly become a favorite for visiting locals.

The New Southwest

Durango Casino & Resort is a gift to locals. This is the opposite for those who only make it to The Strip to play host to visiting family and friends, navigate the traffic, and pay to park. Durango is well positioned in the Southwest valley off the beltway with plenty of free parking. That is an advantage for locals and tourists.

Sunsets over the vast expanse of Southwest Las Vegas now include Durango Casino & Resort: a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. From its storied history to its contemporary allure, this oasis in the desert represents the epitome of the new Southwest—a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Sometimes, you can’t be all things to all people, yet this works. As they grow further into their comfort zone, locals like me will adjust their visits to get the desired vibe out of this resort. Durango is a welcomed new neighbor. With each visit, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a world where luxury meets authenticity, and every corner tells a tale of perseverance and possibility. Durango Casino & Resort: where the spirit of the new Southwest finds its home.

Station Casinos and Lifescapes International, Inc. contributed to the content of this article.