The Sandia Mountains north of Albuquerque, New Mexico, have been a home and a source of spirituality to the Pueblo of Sandia people for over 700 years. The tribe recently recognized that one of its most valuable income sources, an existing gaming facility, was neither sufficient to meet growing space demands nor luxurious enough to maximize success in the increasingly competitive gaming market. The tribe decided to develop a full resort with a larger improved casino, and a place to reflect on its culture. Having made the decision to proceed, the tribe settled upon an extraordinarily challenging schedule with a 12-month completion goal.
To accomplish the goal, it hired Leo A Daly to design the facility based on our previous gaming facility experience and recognition of the firm's sensitivity to unique Indian cultures. We also assisted the tribe in contractor selection.
Construction began almost immediately on the 210,000-SF crescent-shaped facility, incorporating traditional circular ancestral motifs and Pueblo design themes at larger-than-usual scale. Intense budget negotiations between the Leo A Daly team and the contractor, careful planning and scheduling and the designers' ability to manipulate a style typically reserved for small structures consequently delivered an award-winning facility.
"Leo A Daly was a pleasure to work with. They were professional and thorough. They listened to our staff, provided valuable input, and gave us the finest facility."
Steven R. PenhallGeneral ManagerPueblo of Sandia
"This is not just a building but a new experience. The design is based on centuries of culture, lifestyles and designs of the Pueblo community."
Robert MartinezProject ManagerPueblo of Sandia