“Wellness isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a baseline expectation for hotel and resort guests,” comments Landon Shockey, ASID, Senior Interior Designer and Spa and Wellness Thought Leader at HBG Design. “The most successful environments are both sensory-rich and versatile—crafted to evolve with guest needs while creating meaningful, wellness-infused experiences. From thermal spa suites that flex between private and social settings, to treatment rooms designed for emerging wellness modalities, to spaces that transition from daytime retreat to high-energy venue at night, today’s wellness amenities must support how guests want to feel, move, and reconnect to themselves, but on their own terms.”
Hotel was designed by HBG Design to Redefine Hospitality in the Midwest Region
Gun Lake Casino Resort has officially opened the doors to its striking new 15-story resort hotel tower. It's an eye-catching, experience-forward destination. The transformational expansion marks a new era for the property. It sets a bold benchmark for luxury, entertainment, and wellness in the Midwest.
With 252 guest rooms and suites, a tropical year-round atrium known as the Wawyé Oasis, a new spa and wellness retreat, and elevated dining and entertainment offerings,the expansion solidifies Gun Lake Casino’s position as a leading superregional resort destination.
“This project is a powerful expression of vision, identity, and hospitality innovation,” said Nathan Peak, AIA, Principal and Practice Leader at HBG Design. “Every aspect of the hotel and spa was designed to immerse guests in comfort, nature, and a sense of year-round escape—right here in West Michigan.”
A Destination That Begins with Engineering Ingenuity
The soaring hotel tower—visible from over a mile away along Highway 131—isn’t just beautiful; it’s built to last. To support the hotel and adjacent Wawyé Oasis, the team installed 263 caissons, each up to eight feet in diameter and drilled as deep as 180 feet into the ground, ensuring long-term structural integrity for the towering facility.
“Creating this level of verticality and complexity on site required an incredible effort between design, engineering, and construction,” said Paul Bell, AIA, Principal and Project Manager at HBG Design. “We had to integrate cutting-edge solutions at the foundation level to support the vision above.”
Natural Inspiration, Modern Comfort
HBG Design’s architectural and interior design concepts were deeply inspired by the surrounding landscape. The tower’s tinted glass façade captures natural light throughout the year, while earth-toned materials and layered metal panels ground the building within its rural Michigan context. At night, LED lighting animations bring the tower to life, adding energy and vibrancy to the entire resort.
“We wanted guests to feel like the entire property had always been planned this way—from the earliest expansions to today,” said Peak. “That level of cohesion elevates the guest experience and builds a sense of place.”
Inside the Experience: A Luxury Journey
From the moment guests arrive beneath the porte-cochère, they’re welcomed into a richly detailed environment. The hotel’s double-height lobby features a living green wall behind the reception desk. Just steps away, a stylish lobby bar offers an inviting social atmosphere, with window views into the lush tropical greenery of the Wawyé Oasis—bathed in natural light streaming through its expansive 29,000-square-foot glass atrium ceiling.
Each of the 252 guest accommodations—including 221 guestrooms, 31 suites, and the exclusive Ogema Suite—draws from a warm, natural palette inspired by Michigan’s landscape. Spacious layouts and large windows offer unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside and the Oasis below.
The two-story Ogema Suite—the crown jewel of the hotel—spans 3,368 square feet and features an in-suite elevator, two bedrooms, multiple entertaining spaces, a full bar, billiards table, and double-height windows with panoramic views. As Gun Lake CEO recalls: “One high-end guest, familiar with top-tier penthouses in Las Vegas, called it “beyond expectation.””
Living Well: MnoYé Spa Retreat and Fitness
Located on the lower level of the hotel, the MnoYé Spa Retreat—named after the Potawatomi word for “living well”—offers a private, tranquil counterpoint to the energy of the casino and Oasis. Guests can enjoy:
Six massage treatment rooms with customizable lighting and soundscapes
A full-service nail salon
A state-of-the-art fitness center with Peloton bikes, treadmills, and weights
An aquathermal spa pool with gooseneck massagers and bubble massage benches
Rounding out the resort experience are upgraded F&B and entertainment venues, including:
Sandhill Café – A refreshed 137-seat, three-meal restaurant offering comfort classics and all-day breakfast. The design features custom crane-inspired artwork and a sculptural wood and glass wall inspired by sandhill crane feathers.
Renovated Casino Center Bar – A dynamic, centrally located bar on the gaming floor redesigned for greater social energy, accessibility, and ambiance.
These new amenities provide the perfect balance to the resort’s gaming offerings, creating opportunities for relaxation and reconnection throughout the guest journey.
A Vision Realized
From the underground caissons to the penthouse views, every detail of the new Gun Lake Casino Resort Hotel reflects intentional design and collaborative execution.
“It’s been an incredible honor to help bring this vision to life,” said Bell. “This isn’t just a resort expansion—it’s a transformative destination with heart, story, and staying power.”
With this major milestone, the Gun Lake Tribe and Gun Lake Casino continue to deliver on their bold long-term vision for the region—one guest experience at a time.
What a fantastic week in San Diego at the 2025 Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow and Conference (IGA)! Our team made a bold statement this year, showcasing HBG Design’s thought leadership, immersive exhibit design, and next-level hospitality.
Educational IGA Conference Panel
We kicked things off with a packed house at our educational session, “Scaling Your Casino Operations for Success,” which drew over 75 attendees! The panel was expertly moderated by our very own Danny Valle, Principal, and featured a powerhouse group of speakers:
Jon Greendeer, President, Ho-Chunk Nation
Evan Anderson, Director of Preconstruction, Connect Advisors
Robert Blankmeyer, Operations Manager, PCL Construction Services Inc.
The panel offered incredible insights into the challenges and strategies behind expanding and optimizing casino operations—from capital planning to execution.
A Booth to Remember
We debuted our new interactive tradeshow booth, located right near the entrance—and you couldn’t miss it! A jumbo screen showcased some of our most exciting recent projects, and a touchscreen kiosk gave attendees a deeper dive into HBG’s Event Center Design portfolio, the Gun Lake Casino expansion, Pool and Spa concepts, and our master planning expertise. A big shoutout to Kelly DeVine, Ray Mabry, and Joe Baruffaldi for representing HBG at the booth and connecting with clients and industry partners throughout the show!
Party on the Harbor
Of course, no IGA week would be complete without our legendary industry party, and this year’s event was one for the books! We co-hosted with FS Advisors, Connect Advisors, Western Alliance Bank, Procopio, GMA, and Yates Construction aboard the Adventure Hornblower, a 3-story yacht docked in the beautiful San Diego Harbor. Over 500 guests joined us for cocktails, networking, and stunning sunset views from the open deck. It was truly a night to remember!
From our high-energy panel to our eye-catching booth and unforgettable party, the 2025 IGA Tradeshow was a huge success that continues to position HBG Design as a top firm in Indian Gaming. Big thanks to everyone who helped make this event a standout moment for our team and our brand!
Designing cost efficiencies into the casino resort is a delicate balancing act. While cost control is essential, it should not come at the expense of guest experience. We never want to design all the fun out of an entertainment experience. Yet, rising overall development costs, unpredictable material pricing and ongoing labor shortages have forced tribal resort owners to rethink how they design and operate their properties.
Navigating the Realities of Rising Costs
With costs rising, resort owners must scrutinize every square foot of their development. Nathan Peak, AIA, President and Practice Leader at HBG Design, emphasizes the importance of prioritization:
“To navigate cost challenges effectively,” Peak says, “owners should be strategic in prioritizing front-of-house and back-of-house space essential to the integrity of the guest experience. Striking the right balance is key.”
A Proactive Approach to Design and Planning
Peak emphasizes that decision alignment starting at the project kick-off meeting helps set the stage for success.
“The sooner the project team is on the same page regarding program and cost, the better the outcomes—and the smoother the process."
Similarly, Peak emphasizes the importance of working with management teams to refine the program into a long-term plan:
“By prioritizing phased planning, the first phase maximizes revenue generation while setting the stage for graceful expansion. This approach incrementally manages costs while preserving funds to enhance the hospitality experience."
Designing Out Excess, Designing In Functionality
Right-sizing is just one piece of the puzzle. Thoughtful design can improve efficiency without diminishing guest engagement. Peak points to innovative approaches in guest service areas:
"Superfluous spaces don’t just drive costs up, they create operational inefficiencies. Back-of-house areas such as storage rooms, staff break areas, and service corridors should be designed with operational input to ensure streamlined adjacencies and functionality.”
Front-of-house areas are also evolving. Creative seating arrangements, adaptable F&B service models, and innovative service concepts such as grab-and-go kiosks and automated ordering can help optimize space while maintaining convenience.
“We’ll all get through these challenges, but it will require Owners and architects drilling down and finding the areas that can achieve the biggest return on design,” concludes Peak.
Long-term growth planning helps tribal and financial clients uncover new investment opportunities and highlight the importance of strategic design-thinking from the very start.
“It’s all about planning smarter, thinking long-term, and making well-informed decisions. After all, as the saying goes, it’s easier to erase pencil than concrete.” - Kelly DeVine, Principal, HBG Design
Jan/Feb 2025
- INDIAN GAMING MAGAZINE -
By Kelly DeVine, as seen in Indian Gaming Magazine:
As we look ahead, we’re seeing tribal clients continue to tap into their deep expertise in casino development, expanding into new markets and project types, introducing exciting amenities, and even reimagining what next-gen casinos can be. These ventures reflect the resilience and forward-thinking spirit that have always defined tribal enterprises.
It’s all about planning smarter, thinking long-term, and making well-informed decisions. After all, as the saying goes, it’s easier to erase pencil than concrete.
We’re noticing a big uptick in requests for 20-year master plans. These plans help tribal and financial clients uncover new investment opportunities and highlight the importance of strategic design-thinking from the very start. Casino developments are often decades-long endeavors, involving careful coordination with environmental impact studies, land-use planning, and navigating approvals at multiple levels. Balancing economic factors, competitive dynamics, and community priorities is no small task. Starting early and thinking big—considering everything from market trends to land-into-trust requirements—lays a foundation for adaptable strategies that can evolve with changing conditions.
Another interesting shift we’re seeing is in how casinos are designed and built to meet evolving economic and customer needs. There’s a growing trend toward more open and streamlined gaming floors that maximize flexibility for slot machine placement. Sportsbooks and sports betting are also taking center stage, often integrated with other entertainment features right on the casino floor. This blending of spaces activates the entire area, driving revenue while creating a dynamic, immersive experience for guests.
On the construction side, new methods like cold-form metal framing and stick-built delivery are gaining popularity. They’re cost-effective alternatives to traditional materials like post-tension concrete, allowing operators to get more value without sacrificing quality or style. These innovations are a win-win for owners and guests alike.
We're excited to announce the official opening of Gun Lake Casino Resort's new hotel, designed by HBG Design! HBG project leaders, Paul Bell, Thor Harland, and Lucas Holwerda, were on hand for the grand opening events in Wayland, Michigan on March 7, with Gun Lake Casino CEO, Sal Semola.
Construction is wrapping up on the Gun Lake Casino Resort in Wayland, Michigan - photos by Thor Harland, HBG Design
WAYLAND, MI – Gun Lake Casino Resort (GLCR) has announced that its long-awaited expansion is now a reality. Guests can enjoy the 16-story hotel featuring 31 suites. The $300 million expansion includes the return of the reimagined Sandhill Café, a full-service spa, and a stylish new lobby bar.
“With Phase 5, we have evolved into a full-service, year-round casino resort, offering amenities and experiences that set a new standard for the Midwest and rival top-tier gaming destinations across the country, said Sal Semola, CEO of Gun Lake Casino Resort. ”
Hotel
The crown jewel of the resort, the Ogema Suite, is a two-story, two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse spanning 3,368 sq. ft. The exclusive suite boasts an in-suite elevator, full bar, and panoramic views of West Michigan.
Casino
The casino offers a variety of gaming options, including 2,300 state-of-the-art slot machines and over 50 table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette. GLCR features a new high-limit table games room and a high-limit slots room, catering to high rollers while complementing the vibrant gaming floor.
Spa
The MnoYé (Mm-NO-Yay) Spa offers a private pool and a serene retreat featuring gooseneck massagers, bubble massage benches, and private treatment rooms with customizable lighting and music. Guests can indulge in six luxurious massage treatment rooms, a full-service nail salon, and a state-of-the-art gym equipped with Peloton bikes, treadmills, and free weights.
Food & Beverage
Gun Lake Casino Resort caters to every palate by providing ample options for dining. The highly anticipated return of Sandhill Café brings a refreshed menu featuring classic comfort foods and all-day breakfast. The Harvest Buffet offers an all-you-can-eat global culinary journey, while the Lucky Dragon noodle bar serves up authentic Vietnamese pho and other Asian delicacies. Shkodé Chophouse delivers flame-grilled steaks and fresh seafood, and CBK offers a self-serve beer wall alongside shareable appetizers and unique entrées. 131 Sportsbar & Lounge offers live music and all the action of live sporting events at 131 Sportsbook, featuring over 1,000 sq. ft. of viewing surface for panoramic views.
Events
Gun Lake Casino Resort also offers an ideal setting for meetings, conventions, weddings, and private events. The versatile meeting and event spaces provide unique options for groups of all sizes.
Set to open in May/June 2025, Wawyé (WAH-Yay) Oasis is a stunning 32,000 sq. ft. glass atrium, offering a tropical paradise kept at a perfect 80 degrees year around. A first-of-its-kind experience in the Midwest, this breathtaking venue will feature live palm trees, private cabanas, and lush tropical flora. Wawyé Oasis will house two distinct pool experiences: a 21+ VIP pool and a family pool, offering something for everyone.
A birdseye view of the new Wawye Oasis - photos by Thor Harland, HBG Design
Economic Impact
The three-year construction timeframe to build the hotel, Mnoyé Spa, Wawyé Oasis, the all-new Sandhill Café and lobby area was achieved with the dedication of many valued skilled tradespeople. Phase 5 directly employed 1,160 construction workers, including plumbers, electricians, welders, ironworkers, heavy equipment operators, carpenters, painters, and general laborers.
Gun Lake Casino Resort also employs 1,500 dedicated team members across a wide range of departments, including gaming, hospitality, food and beverage, security, and executive management.
Project Grand Opening Celebration for Live! Bossier City Casino & Hotel - Casino designed by HBG Design
HBG Design was thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City, Louisiana, on February 13!
Perched along the scenic Red River, this transformation of the former Diamond Jacks Casino by The Cordish Companies delivers an electrifying gaming and entertainment experience. The 47,000+ SF gaming floor boasts 1,000+ slots, electronic table games, and 40+ live-action tables—designed to flow like the river itself, culminating in a striking whirlpool-inspired canopy at the center bar.
Led by Architect-of-Record KdG, a division of Shive-Hattery, with HBG Design leading casino design, the property also features a luxurious 550-room hotel, vibrant dining venues, a sportsbook/bar, a resort pool, a fitness center, and a dynamic 25,000-SF event center for top-tier entertainment, meetings, and conferences. Live! Bossier City is igniting a thrilling new era of gaming and entertainment, redefining the region’s hospitality scene!
At HBG Design, our work is driven by one guiding principle: our clients’ visions. We don’t approach projects with a one-size-fits-all aesthetic. Our teams delve deeply into our clients’ missions, goals, and cultures. We also consider the local context and our travel influences. This approach helps us create designs that resonate with distinct audiences and purposes.
This commitment drives HBG designers to create immersive guest-focused spaces where architecture and interior design unite seamlessly. Designed environments enrich personal experiences and deliver lasting value, and foster meaningful connections.
Global Travel: A Catalyst for Creativity
A significant influence on our design philosophy comes from global travel, which offers profound insights into form, materials, spatial relationships. Through the global explorations of our GOH Travel Scholarship winners and the personal journeys of our team, we gain perspectives that inspire creativity and authenticity in our work.
Whether it’s studying intricate biophilic patterns in Spanish architecture or marveling at Finland’s innovative modern structures, these experiences inform our design thinking. Each HBG project becomes an opportunity to draw from these travel inspirations, creating environments with authenticity, creativity, and cultural resonance.
Nathan Blair’s Design Insights from Colombia
HBG Project Architect Nathan Blair, AIA, recently embarked on a journey through Colombia, a vibrant exploration of culture, climate, and design that reawakened his creative spirit. From Bogotá’s layered architecture to Cartagena’s climate-adapted spaces and the colorful energy of the coffee region, Nathan discovered how design responds to its environment.
His exploration revealed low-tech sustainable solutions and playful aesthetics free of rigid constraints, inspiring him to bring that sense of color, freedom, and storytelling into his work. This journey reminded him of design’s profound ability to connect people to place.
Christine Wass’ Travels Through Italy Shape Her Creative Worldview
HBG Interior Designer Christine Wass’ travels through northern Italy shaped her creative worldview, offering rich insights into history, culture, and design. In Florence, she admired Renaissance heritage through a climb to see the Duomo’s stunning views. Siena emphasized storytelling with intricate wolf-shaped motifs tied to local legends. Portofino unfolded as a hidden gem, its vibrant harbor embodying the beauty of discovery.
Christine also found inspiration in Milan’s intuitive subway wayfinding, an elegant example of functional design. Her journey reinforced the power of travel to inspire and shape community-driven, story-rich interior design projects.
In Tallinn, medieval charm provided a glimpse into preserved history, and Riga, Latvia, reflected resilience through a blend of old and new in a celebration of Latvia’s Midsummer traditions. In deepening his connection to heritage, Rob drew equal inspiration from wellness-focused, culturally thoughtful design approaches.
Travel Influences Promote Intentional and Holistic Design
By drawing on our travel inspirations, we create designs that respond not only to the physical environment but also to the experiential identity of each location.
For instance, our design of the Cache Creek Resort Hotel and Spa in Capay Valley reflects the California sophistication and natural charm of its agricultural surroundings. Every design decision—from material selection to the nuanced integration of outdoor elements—was informed by a deep appreciation of the region’s unique landscape and agrarian character.
Similarly, our design for Gun Lake Hotel and the Wawye Oasis near Grand Rapids, MI, demonstrates how contextual insights inform functionality and aesthetics. The striking glass-clad design is a direct response to the local climate, inviting natural sunlight and warmth to flood interior spaces while being engineered to endure the region’s demanding lake-effect weather conditions.
By weaving global travel influences and inspiration with an understanding of local context, HBG Design creates environments that transcend boundaries and deliver a distinctive sense of place. Each project is a testament to how travel, culture, and thoughtful design converge to enhance guest experiences and celebrate the uniqueness of every location.
Ferran Espin is the recipient of the 2024 HBG Employee of the Year legacy award. As Practice Leader Nathan Peak shared with fellow HBG employees during the award ceremony,
“Ferran is someone who embraces empathetic leadership, inspires others and positively impacts HBG’s culture. He is a champion of professional development, prioritizes mentorship, and demonstrates a passion for sharing knowledge and experience while capably directing project teams on some of our most complicated and multifaceted assignments.”
“From our contractors to our clients and expansive consultant teams, the people who work with Ferran respect him as a great and knowledgeable leader,” added Peak, “His self-assured and zen-like personality emanates an unmatched level of experience and knowledge that comes across as authentic, professional, and thoughtful.”
HBG’s Principals recognized Ferran as someone who ‘moved the needle’ farther than anyone in 2024 and expressed confidence he will continue to be an integral part of HBG’s ability to ensure longevity in the years to come.
At the close of each year, the Principals at HBG Design uphold a cherished tradition: the Employee of the Year award. Originating nearly forty years ago, the firm’s founders intended this accolade to be the most prestigious honor bestowed upon an HBG employee, highlighting someone whose contributions leave a significant mark on the firm's practice or operations. Today, this vision continues to resonate powerfully. Congratulations, Ferran, 2024 HBG Employee of the Year!
Each of the 252 guest accommodations—including 221 guestrooms, 31 suites, and the exclusive Ogema Suite—draws from a warm, natural palette inspired by Michigan’s landscape. Spacious layouts and large windows offer unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside and the Oasis below.
Designing cost efficiencies into the casino resort is a delicate balancing act. While cost control is essential, it should not come at the expense of guest experience. We never want to design all the fun out of an entertainment experience. Yet, rising overall development costs, unpredictable material pricing and ongoing labor shortages have forced tribal resort owners to rethink how they design and operate their properties.
At HBG Design, our work is driven by one guiding principle: our clients’ visions. We don’t approach projects with a one-size-fits-all aesthetic. Our teams delve deeply into our clients’ missions, goals, and cultures. We also consider the local context and our travel influences. This approach helps us create designs that resonate with distinct audiences and purposes.
From the 19th-century Spanish Colonial charm of Gaylord Palms Resort near Orlando, FL, to the sleek, desert-inspired abstractions of Desert Diamond West Valley Casino near Phoenix, AZ, HBG’s portfolio showcases how diverse inspirations can shape distinctive environments.
At Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville, CA, the lodge-style aesthetic is infused with cultural references, celebrating the heritage of the local community.
