The tribe's master site plan developed in conjunction with Kirksey and the general contractor includes a casino, entertainment center, Kickapoo cultural center, three to four other casino-hotel gaming complexes and recreational facilities such as eco-tourism and golf courses.

Ric Guenther, Kirksey's senior designer and vice president, tells GlobeSt.com that the project's Phase I calls for a 49,000-sf casino and 50,000-sf adjacent multipurpose arena with a shadow dome. "The building consists of two pieces," says Guenther. "The gaming piece is expressed in modern, futuristic architecture. The performance arena is a round earthen-toned form that hearkens to their (the Kickapoo Indians) heritage." There are 1,000 parking spaces assigned to the complex.

According to Kirksey's hospitality team leader, Scott Evans, the tribe hopes to attract Tejano bands and other musical acts, small Broadway shows and boxing matches to the arena. "The arena has an entertainment element and it can be changed out in a matter of hours to be used for bingo," Evans explains to GlobeSt.com.

The casino connects to Texas 1021 via a three-mile boulevard. Evans and Guenther feel the casino will be a major draw in Texas cities like Houston, Victoria and El Paso as well as Mexican cities like Monterrey. The architects are taking special care to preserve the heritage of the Kickapoo Indian Tribe. Plans call for water, fire, eagle and deer elements to be incorporated into the main entrance.