Casino board, staff tour design facility for sports bar remodel

By Alexander Bliven

Smoke Signals intern

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, Spirit Mountain Casino CEO Camille Mercier, casino executive staff and Spirit Mountain Gaming Inc. board member Kathleen George toured an I-5 Design Build warehouse in Lacey, Washington, to view construction and assembly of components for the casino’s new sports bar, The Zone.

The visit provided the group with an up-close look at the manufacturing and design process behind The Zone, which is part of ongoing renovations at the casino.

The casino’s current sports bar, Mountain View Sports Bar, closed Monday, July 27, and then temporarily relocated Thursday, July 30, to the former Happy Dragon restaurant space near SIPS Coffee Bar and the casino gift shop.

Mercier said the tour gave executive staff an opportunity to observe I-5 Design Build’s process and review components and materials that will be used in the sports bar.

“Rather than completing everything at the casino, many of the components are being constructed and assembled off site,” she said. “The warehouse visit allowed us to see those concepts become tangible, including elements such as the center bar, tables and other components that will ultimately be installed in the new sports bar.”

Mercier continued, “It also allows for greater quality control because components can be fabricated in a controlled environment, while design, fabrication and construction teams can work concurrently. This coordinated process should help minimize the impact on our guests and employees while allowing us to move more efficiently toward opening the new spaces.”

I-5 Design Build is a firm that works in the retail, gaming and entertainment industries. According to the company’s website, it has worked on more than 100 gaming locations and redesigned or remodeled more than 220 individual venues throughout the United States and Canada.

George said the visit provided an opportunity to see how the casino’s executive team communicates its business needs and works to maximize the value of the project.

“A project of this scale is a major investment for our Tribe,” she said. “It’s our role (as board members) to work with the executive team to help maximize the productivity of our business and support the work of our leadership.”

George also said the visit offered a chance to better understand the processes and logistics involved during a large remodeling project.

“It was also a good opportunity to see the manufacturing and design process up close, which gave me a better understanding of the timeline and the details that go into a remodel of this size,” she said.

During the tour, the group also met with Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel General Manager Michael Lucas, who shared his perspective on the current gaming market and the conditions and challenges facing a casino operated by another Tribe.

Mercier said work on The Zone is progressing well and remains on track.

The Zone is expected to open in December after the components being constructed offsite are transported to the casino and installed.