HBG Design Projects Set Industry Standard in Spa/Wellness
We’re excited to announce that two of our standout spa projects, the WinStar Spa at WinStar World Resort & Casino in Thackerville, OK, and the Cedar Spa at Four Winds Casino Hotel & Spa in South Bend, IN, are highlighted in the 4th edition of the Global Wellness Institute’s Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards, setting the industry standard in spa design.
The WinStar Spa is particularly notable for housing the largest hydrotherapy tub/pool in the U.S., exemplifying innovation and HBG’s commitment to wellness-focused design. This recognition by the Global Wellness Institute underscores our role in setting new standards for luxury spa and wellness experiences across the country.
Wellness industry specialist Don Genders, of Design for Leisure, was instrumental in creating this comprehensive guide, which has become a key resource for developers, architects, designers, and builders interested in incorporating hydrothermal wellness elements into their projects. As spa and wellness facilities continue to grow in demand, the updated edition provides essential insights on integrating features such as saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges into both residential and commercial spaces.
We are proud that HBG Design's work is helping shape the future of wellness design and are thrilled to be included in this global resource, available now for complimentary download. Whether it's the large-scale hydrotherapy features at WinStar or the tranquil luxury of Cedar Spa, our team’s projects continue to define the industry standard for spa and wellness environments.
For more details, download the guide and explore how hydrothermal spa elements can elevate wellness experiences in any space.
HBG Shares Resort Design Expertise on No Vacancy Live!
HBG Design and our spectacular WinStar World Casino Resort project recently took center stage on No Vacancy Live! with hospitality industry experts and personalities, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri (host of the Travel Channel’s Hotel Impossible). During the episode, HBG's Rob Jurbergs, AIA, Principal and Senior Architectural Designer, and Ray Mabry, Principal and HBG Dallas Office Leader, revealed fascinating insights into the design and creation of this iconic resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, just 90 minutes from the booming Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Catch up on all the behind-the-scenes details that make WinStar a must-see destination!
Since 2017, No Vacancy News has been the go-to source for the hotel industry, providing actionable insights, expert interviews, and educational content through its podcasts, videos, and live branded experiences. Hosted by Glenn Haussman, a leading voice in hospitality, No Vacancy Live! has been recognized as the #1 hospitality show by the International Hospitality Institute since the award’s inception. We were honored to join Glenn to share our experiences with the casino resort’s design and our collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation to create a world-class destination.
A Look Inside WinStar
WinStar, one of the most recognized gaming resort destinations in the country, offers an unparalleled guest experience through its luxurious amenities and entertainment spaces. In their podcast interview, Rob Jurbergs, Principal and Architectural Designer at HBG Design, and Ray Mabry, Principal and Dallas Office Leader, highlight the resort’s design evolution and how HBG, with over 45 years of casino resort expertise, established the property's architectural identity.
Key elements of the project include:
- Lucas Oil Live: A 6,500-seat, multi-purpose performance venue for concerts, boxing, MMA events, banquets, and more. The space includes a VIP area with a private lounge, full bar, and kitchen.
- 304-room Hotel: Offering guests a modern and comfortable stay, the hotel's interiors are inspired by natural tones and earthy elements reflective of the Red River region, featuring rich woodsy designs and warm rust orange accents.
- Cascades Pool Area: This signature outdoor area includes multiple pool tiers and food and beverage options, making it a dynamic hub of activity and relaxation. The distinctive sundial-like roof design enhances the ambiance and complements the open, airy environment.
Strategic Location and Market Positioning
Rob and Ray also discussed the importance of WinStar’s location in attracting guests from the growing Dallas-Fort Worth area. Just a short drive from one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, WinStar provides a sought-after escape, drawing visitors for its high-quality amenities and entertainment offerings.
One of the venue’s notable successes is the Lucas Oil Live performance venue, which has hosted some of the biggest names in rock and country music. The venue was even nominated for Casino of the Year-Theater by the Academy of Country Music, solidifying WinStar’s position as a premier entertainment destination.
Thoughtful Design and Guest Experience
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Red River region, HBG Design’s architectural and interior design teams brought elements of the local landscape into the resort’s design. From the organic shapes and curvilinear forms used in the building’s layout to the earthy color palettes and natural materials, every detail is crafted to create an inviting, comfortable atmosphere.
The V-shaped design of the hotel maximizes guest views while creating a sense of embrace, and the wind-blocking structure enhances comfort in the outdoor areas. The intentional design of the pool area offers guests multiple experiences, from relaxed lounging to lively social spaces, all centered around the beautiful landscape.
Tune in to the No Vacancy News podcast episode with Rob Jurbergs and Ray Mabry to hear more about the incredible design journey behind WinStar World Casino Resort. Learn how strategic design decisions, collaboration, and attention to detail have transformed this resort into a world-class destination.
Transforming Gun Lake Casino into a Resort Entertainment Oasis
HBG Design is counting down to the 2025 opening of the Gun Lake Casino Phase 5 expansion! In a series of project features with HBG Associate and Lead Architectural Designer, Thor Harland, AIA, we will focus on each of the unique amenity designs that promise to make the Gun Lake resort entertainment guest experience like no other in the regional resort market. This month, discover HBG’s intricate design of the eagerly anticipated Wawye Oasis event and pool environment at Gun Lake. The stunning climate-controlled domed structure will captivate guests, transitioning seamlessly from a serene pool oasis by day to a dynamic performance complex by night. Located in Wayland, Michigan, near Lake Michigan, the new Wawye Oasis demanded meticulous planning and innovative architectural and engineering solutions to mitigate humidity and the area’s frigid and windy weather patterns.
Watch the video to see how HBG’s complexity of design thinking transforms the Gun Lake Casino resort into an oasis of entertainment.
The Gun Lake Casino Resort Expansion will feature multiple pools inside a six-story Wawye Oasis with 32,000 square feet of space that can transform into a concert venue, banquet center and entertainment venue. The hotel will consist of 15 floors with 252 rooms including 30 suites, and a two-level suite.
Sure to become a must-see feature, the Wawye Oasis will be a resort pool by day and performance complex by night, the glass-enclosed circular structure will generate an immense sense of energy inside and out, while offering a variety of complementary entertainment and gathering opportunities for resort guests and entertainment-seekers from the region.
- Location: Wayland, Michigan
- Total Phase 5 Project Size: 15 story, 252 room, 30 suite hotel tower with a two-story suite on top floor; 32,000 SF pool and event center environment
- Client: Gun Lake Casino and Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi
An ACM-Nominated Theater! Lucas Oil Live at WinStar
ACM-Nominated Lucas Oil Live Theater is a symphony of entertainment and design excellence. See more at the Academy of Country Music Awards
WinStar World Casino Resort's Lucas Oil Live received a nomination as 'Casino of the Year-Theater' by the 59th ACM Awards. Country music is a cornerstone of WinStar's vibrant performance schedule at Lucas Oil Live.
HBG Design proudly introduces Lucas Oil Live at Winstar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma. The 6,500-seat amphitheater-style arena, housed within a 250,000-square-foot facility, is not merely a space for performances; it’s an immersive journey. Every element is designed to build on the energy that will be coming from the concerts within. The exterior’s angled glass offers an unobstructed view of the thematic soundwave motif. The dynamic LED-lit concourse mirrors the rhythmic flow of music. The rock and roll aesthetics, infused into the color palette and materials, create an atmosphere inspired by amplified music. Beyond the performances, Lucas Oil Live introduces Session House Gastropub, seamlessly connecting with the resort’s newly opened Spa Tower Hotel.
Drawing from imagery associated with charting sound, including graphic equalizers, sound waves, and instruments measuring amplification, every element reflects a connection to the world of music.
The concourse, a dynamic focal point, features LED lighting with a distinctive fin, angled glass pronounced on the exterior, offering an unobstructed view to the thematic soundwave motif.
Lucas Oil Live: Excellence in Event Venue Design
Introducing Lucas Oil Live at Winstar World Casino & Resort, a world-class entertainment event venue designed by HBG Design.
Within the Dallas/North Texas resort market, this groundbreaking venue sets a new standard for live performances, blending cutting-edge design with operational efficiency to create a symphony of entertainment.
Guests step into the realm of Lucas Oil Live, where every element is meticulously crafted to amplify the energy pulsating from within. From the moment patrons set foot in the 6,500-seat amphitheater-style arena, they are enveloped in an immersive journey unlike any other. The design narrative unfolds with dynamic LED-lit concourses, guiding patrons towards the heart of the action while mirroring the rhythmic flow of music that awaits them.
Drawing inspiration from the rebellious spirit of rock and roll, Lucas Oil Live exudes a vibrant aesthetic that resonates with the soul of amplified music. Bold angles, colored lights, and distinctive glass elements converge to create a beacon of rock and roll rebellion, distinguishing this venue as a destination experience within the Winstar Campus.
At the core of HBG Design's design philosophy lies a unwavering attention to detail, evident in every aspect of Lucas Oil Live. From the rebellious angles of the architecture to the streamlined customer experience at concessions, every element is carefully curated to ensure that guests can fully immerse themselves in the magic of live entertainment.
The design team's commitment to operational excellence extends beyond the stage, with innovative solutions designed to accommodate a diverse range of events. Whether patrons are enjoying a concert, MMA boxing match, or banquet seating, the venue seamlessly adapts to meet the dynamic demands of any occasion.
And for those seeking the ultimate VIP experience, the Club Level and VIP area offer unrivaled views and luxurious amenities, ensuring that every aspect of the entertainment experience is indulgent and unforgettable.
Unveiling a Tranquil Oasis: WinStar's Spa Tower
Nestled amidst the allure of undulating hills, rolling waters, and the natural setting of South-Central Oklahoma, the captivating new 16-story, 304-key Spa Tower at WinStar World Casino and Resort emerges as a haven of respite and escape.
Merging contemporary elegance with upscale appeal, this boutique-style hotel tower extends an irresistible invitation to guests, transporting them to a 230,000 square foot realm of unrivaled tranquility and indulgence that pays homage to the region’s beauty through its design.
Site Design Inspiration
Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking scenery of the Red River, at the border between Oklahoma and Texas, natural hues and contemporary style converge in the lobby, flowing seamlessly throughout the public spaces.
Throughout the tower, warm wood tones, sleek stone, and metallic accents create a feast for the senses. Stepping into the lobby, the layered composition of different materials and textures adds visual depth and dimension, inviting guests to explore and engage with the designed experience. Axminster carpet ion the lobby features an abstract design of the site’s topography.
As guests venture beyond the lobby, they discover a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation within the guestrooms and suites. Guest rooms draw their inspiration from the rolling plans in display outside the tower’s windows.
Incorporating the latest in immersive spa and wellness trends, the WinStar Spa is a hallmark of modern leisure design. The two-level spa features communal aquathermal bathing and touchless technology, with a size and scale designed to attract customers from nearby Dallas/Ft. Worth and Oklahoma City urban markets. Continuing the fluid aesthetic of the Spa Tower, the WinStar Spa’s design is regional and contemporary, reflecting the texture and form of the local geography in its carpet pattern and overall materiality.
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Embark on a New Era of Resort Amenities: Introducing the Cascades Pool Complex
WinStar World Casino & Resort Redefines Luxury and Entertainment with a Transformative Outdoor Oasis
The Cascades pool complex, the newest casino amenity at WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, emerges as an expansive outdoor retreat for relaxation and entertainment.
Spanning over 5 ½ acres, this meticulously designed pool experience encompasses a series of six exquisite pools, varying types of private cabanas, and seven distinct buildings accommodating bars and lounges, food and beverage and guest services, and retail. Every amenity has been thoughtfully positioned to maximize sunlight and water access and lounging, while offering ample shaded space for social interaction.
Site Design Inspiration
Inspired by the mesmerizing forms of ocean currents and naturally shaped archipelagos, the design of the Cascades pool complex is formed by organic, curvilinear shapes that adjoin to provide intimate lounge and cabana spaces in between. The graceful lines and grotto-like edges of the pools create a sense of harmony and serenity, while white cast stone edging and white and gray integral colored concrete surfaces with a textured salt rock finish offer cool and durable surfaces to help ensure guest comfort and enjoyment. Set within lush landscaping and winding pathways, a multi-level site design creates zones of personalization and exclusivity, whereby the ground level pool experience is maintained for families, and mid-tier and upper tier experiences are reserved for ages 21+ and for VIP guests.
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