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Durango Casino & Resort: A Desert-Inspired Oasis in Las Vegas01-22-25 | Feature

Durango Casino & Resort: A Desert-Inspired Oasis in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV
by Shelby Gleba, Vice President of Marketing (with contributions from Fernando Ortiz, Al Amador and Mike Meyers), Lifescapes International

Located within a dozen miles from the Las Vegas Strip, the Durango Resort & Casino project - designed by Lifescapes International from Irvine, California - focuses on blending natural beauty with modern hospitality. The nearly two-acre Bel-Aire Backyard at the pool area features date palms (Phoenix dactylifera) for shaded relaxation, a thermoplastic pebble pool deck surfacing, and artificial turf in lounge and multi-use spaces, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
The overhead view of the Bel-Aire Backyard pool area shows a nearby lawn for additional cabanas, events, or activities. On the upper right, above one of the two bar stations, a dining area features a retractable shade cover for cocktails and outdoor dining.
Collaboration between the property owner and the design team led to the inclusion of a shallow portion of the pool called a Baja ledge. Several lounge chairs were positioned on the ledge to provide addition opportunities for cool, desert relaxation.
A custom water feature jets up from the center of the pool. The structure, lined in blue tile mosaic, was added to provide ambiance and movement while acting as a focal point during the evening when it is illuminated.
Located on the east side of the property, a dining area off the Bel-Aire Backyard patio has a custom, retractable shade structure that allows covered seating by the pool and bar. Palms and planting provide welcome greenery and softness.
The resort features a porte-coch?(C)re entrance with Belgard's Orco pavers on the driveway laid out in a mixed pattern to add a textural appearance. There are a variety of cacti and agaves that capture the desert spirit and greet hotel guests as they enter.
The entrance to Nicco's Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish was outfitted with a fountain inspired by the angles of the architecture and the materials on the fa??ade. A stone veneer planter sits between the fountain and the entrance. The restaurant's patio contains a large southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) as the centerpiece and a custom water feature made of porcelain tile, steel, Corten steel, and GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete).
The entrance to Nicco's Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish was outfitted with a fountain inspired by the angles of the architecture and the materials on the fa??ade. A stone veneer planter sits between the fountain and the entrance. The restaurant's patio contains a large southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) as the centerpiece and a custom water feature made of porcelain tile, steel, Corten steel, and GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete).
Influenced by mid-century modern design, this overhead structure at the East Entrance has large, 30-foot-tall date palms (Phoenix dactylifera) piercing through the canopy as guests enter the casino. The entrance features a desert palette with tree aloe (Aloidendron barberae), Majestic Beauty Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis x 'Montic'), and Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) for color, texture, and form.
An additional dining option, the Mijo Restaurant welcomes guests with concrete water features that capture the colors and forms of the desert and surrounding architecture. This area includes Japanese blueberry (Elaeocarpus decipiens), Montrose Cactus (Cereus peruvianus monstrose), and European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis).

Nestled in the heart of southwest Las Vegas, Durango Casino & Resort stands as a testament to thoughtful design, innovative landscaping, and a commitment to the local community. Approximately 10 miles off the bustling Las Vegas Strip, this project - led by Lifescapes International from Irvine, California - embodies a unique vision that brings the spirit of the desert to life while offering a welcoming environment for both visitors and locals. From its inception, the resort was intended to blend the natural beauty of its surroundings with modern hospitality, creating a place where the indoors and outdoors seamlessly merge.

The Location and History
The Durango Casino & Resort project received enthusiastic support from the City of Las Vegas, reflecting the broader community's excitement about a new entertainment destination outside the Strip's core. Positioned to serve the growing local neighborhoods, the resort's location allows it to cater to both tourists seeking an alternative to the Strip and locals looking for high-quality entertainment and dining options close to home.

The property was envisioned to be more than just another casino, it was designed to be a vibrant community hub. This goal is reflected in every aspect of its layout and amenities, which cater to everyday users as much as visitors. The resort's location offers easy access and ample parking, making it convenient for the community to enjoy its offerings without navigating the high-traffic areas closer to the Strip.

Project Goals: Blurring the Line Between Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
Durango Casino & Resort was designed with a specific goal to reflect the spirit of the desert and create a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, so guests feel connected to the beautiful exterior even when inside. This approach allowed the resort to stand out by contributing a fresh perspective on what a Las Vegas property could be - rooted in its surroundings and committed to providing an immersive, nature-inspired experience.

Key features of the resort include 209 guest rooms, an expansive 83,000-square-foot casino, a state-of-the-art sportsbook, and a stunning pool deck. The design places a strong emphasis on easy access to amenities like dining and gaming, with wide pedestrian pathways ensuring that guests find the space comfortable and convenient. This attention to detail underscores the resort's focus on providing a destination that feels welcoming and approachable.

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Landscape Design: A Symphony of Desert-Inspired Elements
The landscape design is an integral part of the overall experience, with every area meticulously crafted to enhance the resort's connection to the desert environment. Throughout the property, African sumacs (Rhus lancea) and Desert Museum Palo Verde (Parkinsonia x 'Desert Museum') fill the spaces with rich greens and beautiful yellow flowers. Southern (Quercus virginiana) and holly oak trees (Quercus ilex) line the streets and parking areas to provide much needed shade. The desert spirit is further reflected in the generous use of agaves, cacti, and palms.
Each of the four entry points to the property offers a unique visual experience. The scale at the main entrance is smaller and more intimate. Guests are greeted by a sophisticated display of fan palms (Washingtonia) and cork oak (Quercus suber) among several others. This design choice creates a comfortable yet grand ambiance, setting the tone for a high-end experience right from the start.

The porte-cochére entrance, framed by rows of oak trees and date palms, creates a warm and elegant atmosphere that welcomes guests with style. This area showcases the resort's focus on combining native plant material with design elements that evoke luxury.

The east entry island features a blend of date palms and large oaks surrounding a multilevel water fountain. The fountain includes large urns with olive trees and a fire element that lights up the night, adding a touch of magic and excitement to the entrance. A standout feature is the palm trees growing through openings in the "roof," a playful nod to mid-century modernism. These living sculptures bring greenery to the space and highlight the timeless beauty of nature in the midst of man-made materials.

As guests approach the north entry, they encounter large pines, Palo Verde trees, and a variety of cacti set against a backdrop of meandering rock groundcover. The addition of Pipe Organ Cacti (Stenocereus thurberi) and Sable Palms (Sabal palmetto) in low planters introduces a touch of elegance and sophistication to the landscape, making it a striking visual point.

Throughout the property, textural walls with mid-century-modern patterns add a timeless and upscale feel, while artificial turf in select areas supports water conservation efforts. The lush softscape integrates seamlessly with the desert landscape, using a variety of textures and plant materials that flourish in the region's climate. Notably, majestic 40-foot-tall pine trees were relocated from the famous Siegfried and Roy estate to the pool and parking garage areas to provide a sense of age and history to the property.

Indoor/Outdoor Experience: Connecting Guests with Nature
Durango Casino & Resort takes the concept of indoor/outdoor environments to the next level, with patios that flow seamlessly from interior spaces to the outside. The sportsbook and various restaurant patios spill out into the landscaped surroundings, offering guests a chance to enjoy the fresh desert air. The food hall patio garden, adorned with agaves and stone cobble, creates a serene setting where patrons can relax and unwind.

Each restaurant patio features a distinct water element designed to complement the architecture and provide a visual focal point for diners. The water features capture the colors and forms of the desert and architecture, creating a continuous blend between the natural and built environment. The tiered water feature near the Summer House patio - which incorporates a fire element at its center - adds a dramatic touch, offering a captivating sight day or night.

Pool Area: A Relaxing Desert Retreat
One of the most stunning features of Durango Casino & Resort is its pool area. A water feature jets from the center of the pool while guests lounge on daybeds on the Baja ledge or find respite from the heat in private cabanas. The design focused on maximizing views and creating an illusion of space, making the pool area feel expansive and inviting. Similarly, a sense of openness pervades the area despite the relatively compact footprint.
Surrounded by towering Medjool date palms (Phoenix dactylifera), the pool becomes a tropical oasis amidst the desert landscape. Two poolside bars with outdoor seating provide guests the opportunity to enjoy refreshing drinks and upscale bites while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Adjacent to the pool, an event lawn features ample space for gatherings, concerts, and live performances, further enhancing the resort's role as a community hub.

Overcoming Challenges: Weather and Installation
One of the key challenges during construction was the extreme heat of the Las Vegas summer. With temperatures often exceeding 110 degrees during the installation process, the project team had to take extra precautions to ensure the well-being of workers and the proper handling of plant materials. Despite the heat, the team's dedication to maintaining high standards of quality allowed the project to stay on track, ultimately delivering a landscape that thrives in the desert climate.

A Lasting Legacy for Las Vegas
Durango Casino & Resort is more than just a place to stay or play; it's a thoughtfully designed destination that brings together the best of Las Vegas hospitality with amenities to entice locals on a regular basis. Its landscape design and architecture create a harmonious blend between the natural beauty of the desert and the modern offerings that guests expect from a high-end resort. By focusing on the needs of the community and embracing the desert's spirit, Durango Casino & Resort has carved out a unique space in the Las Vegas landscape.

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