Red Hawk Casino
Placerville, California

OWNER: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians
DESIGN ARCHITECT: Cuningham Group Architecture
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Baker Barrios Architects
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Rudolph & Sletten, Inc.
TOTAL INVESTMENT: $132 million
CASINO FLOOR: 88,000 SQ FEET

The recently opened Red Hawk Casino evokes the rich history of its owner, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. The property, which opened its doors in January, tells a visual story, one that was inspired by interviews that design firms Cuningham Group and Baker Barrios Architects conducted with tribal elders.

“Three main cultural references were used,” says Cuningham Group Vice President Thomas Hoskens. “The curved structure in the entry porte cochere and entry roof is representative of the typical round form of the Miwok historic Winter House; the porte cochere waterfall is symbolic of the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers where the tribe lived for many years; and the native basket-weaving patterns in the shape of a ‘V,’ which symbolizes a basket full of blessings.”

The result is a beautiful, culturally significant property that draws visitors for both its design qualities and its gaming offerings. Red Hawk Casino features an 88,000-square-foot gaming floor. With more than 2,000 slot machines, 75 table games and a high-stakes section, it is the source of all the gaming action in its neck of the woods.

The property also offers plenty of amenities, including a buffet, five restaurants (including a high-end steakhouse), four bars, an arcade and a child care center for traveling parents.