FireKeepers Casino
Battle Creek, Michigan
Terri and Ian Dreyer designed the iconic and nationally recognized 240,000 SF FireKeepers Casino from conceptual planning through Design Development. A significant component of this large-scale assembly space was the long-term strategic vision and understanding of an additional future expansion. Mindful of the facility’s upcoming phased development, Terri and Ian designed the exterior façade and structural modules to best accommodate the future expansion such that it would occur while occupied with little to no impact to the visitors and occupants.
Location
Battle Creek, Michigan
Size
240,000
Status
2008
Category
Retail + Hospitality, Convention, Sports, + Entertainment
Project Team
Terri Dreyer, Ian Dreyer
Through a rigorous analysis of the history, heritage, and culture of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, the FireKeepers Casino successfully and sensitively reflects the Band’s cultural identity, while successfully meeting the commercial needs of the surrounding Midwest entertainment and tourism-based economy.
After opening its doors in 2009, the Casino immediately became an anchor gaming destination in the Midwest that provided over 1,500 jobs within the local community. After completion, the resulting 240,000 SF facility houses multiple gaming venues, six eating establishments and lounges, a sports bar, entertainment venues, administrative and service areas, and a 6-story parking garage.
The intricate attention to detail and broad oversight required to coordinate, phase, and design the various venues, facilities, restaurants, and public areas allowed for the planned expansion in 2012 to be easily achieved.
“Terri and Ian were always innovative and creative in their design efforts with a view of ongoing operations. Their focus and preparation were critical to the facility’s success. Today, the building continues to welcome guests and operates successfully more than ten years after delivery.” – James P. Dacey, Vice President, Full House Resorts