Choctaw Casino and Resort Expansion

In an accelerated 30-month timeline, JCJ Architecture completed a two million-square-foot expansion of Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. Designed and built in collaboration with Tutor Perini Corporation, the expanded property centers around a 21-story, luxury Sky Hotel Tower that ascends from an expansive three-acre resort pool and offers increased gaming and entertainment opportunities, amenities, restaurants, and a world-class, curated collection of Choctaw art. Drawing upon a decade-long collaborative relationship, the design team consulted closely with members of the Choctaw Nation to realize the tribe’s mission and contribute to the community’s economic resilience beyond the casino campus.

Visible on the horizon from miles away, the soaring 21-story, 1,000-room hotel tower serves as a gateway for the expansive visitor base arriving from Dallas to the south and bookends the existing casino to the north. The new structure references the curved articulation of the existing Grand Tower, ensuring that both developments connect to tell one comprehensive story. The two curved towers converge at the edge of US-75, physically embracing the property, while the Sky Tower’s sophisticated, sweeping contour creates an iconic statement that captures the dynamic beauty of the Oklahoma skies throughout the day.

The design team sought to minimize impact on the existing site, developing the project footprint outside the boundaries of the designated wetlands area. Approaching the tower, guests meander between the existing wetlands and the new three-acre pool deck featuring both adults-only and family-friendly swimming options. The design carefully blurs the line between indoors and out through strategic programming of outdoor spaces, biophilic elements, daylighting, and multidirectional outdoor views, immersing guests in a resort state of mind and creating a journey of discovery throughout the property.

Inside, luxurious interiors continue to dissolve the line between indoors and out. A sophisticated registration area, custom lighting, a sweeping 30-foot staircase, and dramatic sculptural elements establish a memorable arrival experience, while dining and lounge destinations offer a range of distinct environments. The 125-seat 1823 Steakhouse overlooks the western Oklahoma horizon, offering guests stunning sunset views, while warm woods, crisp accents, and culturally inspired materials create an elevated and cohesive interior experience.

The expansion significantly increases the resort’s gaming, entertainment, and hospitality offerings with 3,300 new slot machines, 40 new table games, a 30-table poker room, VIP and high-limit gaming areas, and new dining and entertainment destinations. A world-class collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture, and art installations—all created by Choctaw artists—lines the hotel and gallery. Across the 1,000 guestrooms and suites, spacious layouts, custom casegoods, culturally inspired carpets, and expansive views create a distinctive guest room experience, with the dual curve of the towers allowing the majority of guestrooms to capitalize on uninterrupted sightlines.

Throughout the property, the design integrates and celebrates the rich culture and history of the Choctaw Nation. Drawing upon research into the tribe’s history, patterns from Native clothing and traditional housing are implemented subtly and purposefully, while significant motifs such as the diamond pattern are thoughtfully incorporated throughout the property. Every piece of artwork is created by a member of the Choctaw Nation, and an art walk with QR codes invites guests to learn more about each artist, the history of the work, and the Choctaw Nation. The result is a unique blend of comfortable and luxurious escapism that creates a forward-looking resort experience while honoring the culture and identity of the Choctaw Nation.