MHC performed a major renovation to a strip mall, transforming it into a 37,882 SF casino and bowling alley. The project involved an 8 month planning and zoning pre-construction effort. The main challenge was to achieve a completely reconfigured site with some existing buildings removed and others split into two, while maintaining the integrity of businesses operating in separate buildings and some within the buildings being modified. The primary work was done to the 37,000 SF structure that became free standing. It had new structural components, a new partial structural exterior and a complete new exterior façade. The building received complete new interior finishes and new systems, with major upgrades to Mechanical and Electrical. A complete new surveillance system was added to the facility accommodating the multiple uses within the structure and the cash cage.

The project had very specific time constraints related to the gaming license for the property and stringent regulatory requirements to maintain an open casino during such a major undertaking.

The project involved isolation of site utilities and new services, including electrical vaults, water, gas, fiber optic lines, and fire systems. Several structures on site (5 separate buildings) all had to maintain services open to the public. The main structure also had fiber optic connection and a cell tower that was primary to AT&T’s service in the area.

MHC provided temporary generators and extensive safety measures during structure demolition and asbestos abatement. Power, communication connections were maintained during the entire project without interruption through detailed planning and contingency plan development in the design phase. In order to accommodate this massive site reconfiguration, key subcontractors, including Fire Protection, and Electrical were key participants in the planning phase. Generator plans were identified for the buildings on site when the primary vaults on site were relocated and temporary sewer diversion and containment during transfers to new connections. A beauty school (serving more than 30 students) provided several logistical challenges. To maintain full operation during the course of construction, the team decided to replace all gas equipment, including 2 commercial dryers, for 10 days with electric units while the site’s gas service was relocated on site. The construction team spent the last month of the design totally immersed on site with the designers reviewing constructability and even doing destructive investigation to prevent unknowns from affecting the schedule or construction plan.

Several Design Charrettes with key stake holders were conducted as the new prototype design for Station Casinos was refined. Meeting constructability and limited site impact challenges was key to the success of the design. The team’s reconfiguration of the layout resulted in significant interior enhancements including administrative offices, a main central bar, sports book, gaming area, bowling alley, and additional bar. Success was achieved by partnering with the Stake Holders, Design Manager, and Key Subcontractors. Martin-Harris provided a design manager that worked integrally with the team to keep construction and design personnel focused on the established common goals. The design team stayed integral through construction, with formal weekly site meetings addressing open items and changes. This project required partnering with the City’s Inspection Team to provide off hour services, the Power Company to provide off hour switch overs to accommodate the existing businesses and several other entities including the Gas Company, Water Department, and the Fire Department.