KKE Architects designs Iowa's Riverside Casino and Golf Resort

KKE Architects, Inc. is designing Iowa's new Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. Located near Cedar Rapids, 16 miles south of Iowa City/Coralville, the $65 million gaming and golfing destination broke ground in July 2005. The casino/hotel/event center is scheduled to open in Fall 2006 with the golf course opening the following summer.
 
When finished, the entire property will encompass nearly 375 acres adjacent to the Iowa River. Taking advantage of the abundant landscape, Rees Jones designed Riverside's world-class, 18-hole championship golf course. Spanning more than 7,200 yards, the grounds will showcase man-made lakes, diverse terrain, riverview vistas, a full-service golf clubhouse, retail shop and teaching/practice facilities. Jones adds Riverside to his list of more than 100 courses including seven U.S. Open venues, five PGA courses, three Ryder Cup sites and one Walker Cup property. When the it opens, Riverside Golf Resort will be the only facility of its kind in the state, and one of only a handful of premiere courses in the Midwest.
 
For indoor events, a 1,200-seat multi-purpose center with large stage will be an ideal setting for concerts, conferences and large family celebrations. The main activity will take place on the Las Vegas style casino. The expansive 58,000-square-foot, single level will accommodate up to 1,400 slot machines, 24 blackjack tables, four craps tables, three roulette tables and a 10-table poker room. Accented with high ceilings and dramatic lighting effects, the casino also will host an elevated center bar with an overhead fountain. A special VIP lounge will be available for exceptional customers.
 
Located on the casino's perimeter, four distinct food service facilities will offer a fine dining steakhouse serving up to 70 patrons, a 356-seat buffet, a 24-hour diner with 60 seats, and an ice cream/coffee shop. The menu options and variety will welcome daytime visitors, as well as overnight guests staying at the property's luxury hotel.
 
The resort also includes a five-story, 141,000-square-foot hotel said to be distinctive from any other in the state.
 
KKE's hospitality/recreation/ entertainment business unit also has planned and designed gaming facilities for the South Dakota's Royal River Casino and Hotel, Wisconsin's Lake of the Torches Resort Casino and the Northern Lights Bingo and Casino, Mississippi's Pearl River Resort, and Minnesota's Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel.