Renovated Ameristar Casino Opens in Black Hawk

Construction set to begin in May on 33-story hotel

Construction will this month on the new 33-story luxury hotel at the Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk. Hensel Phelps Construction Co. of Greeley is the general contractor for the $180 million project. (Rendering courtesy of Ameristar Casinos Inc.)

Construction is expected to start this month on a 33-story, 536-room luxury hotel for Ameristar Casinos in Black Hawk, with completion slated for mid-2008.

Company officials announced plans for the $180 million project earlier this month at the public debut of the newly renovated and expanded gaming facility. The total capital investment is pegged at $380 million.

"With sweeping views of the surrounding vistas and luxurious accommodations, this project will bring a four-diamond-quality resort destination to Black Hawk that will be an exceptional addition to the leisure opportunities in the Denver area," said Ameristar Casinos President and CEO Craig Neilsen.

Hensel Phelps Construction Co. of Greeley is the general contractor for the new hotel, designed by Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo of Los Angeles; St. Louis's Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets Inc. is the architect-of-record.

The interior design team includes Los Angeles-based Wilson and Associates, responsible for the hotel lobby, meeting rooms, hospitality suites, events center and ballroom, hotel rooms and suites; and Hatch Design Group of Costa Mesa, Calif., which is handling the restaurants.

The new hotel will feature Black Hawk's only swimming pool and indoor and outdoor spas set within an open-air terrazzo on the top floor. Operable glass walls on two sides can be closed during winter months to preserve the mountain views. The Craftsman-inspired design incorporates 14-ft-tall glass doors and transoms at the pool deck perimeter.

The pool's rustic setting will be crafted from natural materials, including dry-stacked, quarried stone and heavy timber wood beams and trusses with wrought-iron details. An expansive skylight will span the large pool and two recessed fire pits on the outdoor deck will provide a mountain overlook.

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Other highlights include a full-service outdoor/indoor day spa, WAV; a meeting center with main and junior ballrooms, breakout rooms, prefunction space and a boardroom; and guest rooms and suites with upscale furnishings, including 42-in. plasma televisions, wireless high-speed Internet access and bathrooms with LCD screens, double vanities and a separate tub and shower.

Formerly known as Mountain High Casino, the Ameristar Casino now features the largest onsite parking facility in Black Hawk, a 10-story, 1,550-space garage complemented by an additional 650-car capacity valet service; refurbished and rebranded dining venues, additional gaming space, new slot product and a top players club.

"With this renovation, Ameristar has created a property that reflects the extraordinary standards for quality that our company is known for," said Michelle Shriver, general manager of Ameristar Casino Black Hawk. "We believe that Black Hawk, Denver and the entire metro area will be impressed."

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