Kirksey Fast Tracking 99,000-SF Casino Project

HOUSTON-The Kickapoo Tribe of Texas is developing a 99,000-sf Lucky Eagle Casino and complementary arena, which will be ready for business in late fall. Kirksey, based here, designed the Class II project, which is being built by Southwest CM and E. The project is situated on 125 acres of sovereign land in Eagle Pass, adjacent to Mexico and the Rio Grande River.

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.