Bally’s Kansas City Casino Receives National Recognition for Dynamic Façade Transformation
hospitality | November 11, 2024

JCJ Architecture is proud to share that Bally’s Kansas City Casino has been recognized with 1st Place in the Exterior category by Retrofit Magazine for its dramatic transformation of the existing floating casino.
Originally opened in 1996, the riverboat-style gaming facility underwent a $40 million transformation, including a new land-based commercial center and a complete reimagining of the casino’s exterior. JCJ’s design team faced the unique challenge of transforming a 65-foot-tall, football-field-sized floating structure while keeping the casino operational throughout construction.
The design features a permanent PTFE-coated fiberglass membrane that wraps the existing riverboat, creating a striking new canvas for programmable lighting. The 300-foot façade can be illuminated in different colors to celebrate seasonal events, community initiatives, and local sports victories, creating a dynamic connection to Kansas City and its surrounding waterfront.
The new commercial center entrance draws inspiration from the nearby Christopher Bond Bridge, using bold triangular forms to create a memorable gateway to the property.

