MotorCity Casino and Hotel

The expansion to MotorCity Casino was awarded by Detroit Entertainment LLC to NORR Limited and Detroit-based company, Giffels LLC. NORR was the executive architect while Giffels LLC were the Engineers of Record.
Within the entertainment industry, Detroit is widely regarded as one of America’s strongest markets—perhaps the strongest in per capita terms—particularly in live music and theatre. As surveys conveyed, user groups, non-user groups, local neighbourhood committees including the MotorCity Neighborhood Partnership, and employees suggested the new casino thematically draw upon Detroit’s automotive and industrial history, revitalizing past Detroit architectural styles. Through the use of tinted glass, steel and automotive themed curvilinear massing and banded light treatment, NORR has provided continuity with this tradition. Combined with a fresh modern Detroit landmark that builds on the tradition of both automotive design is the heritage Wonder Bread Factory that is partially re-instated on site. MotorCity Casino is located on 26 acres which includes 14 acres for a 4,907 car parking garage and 7 acres for the expanded casino and a 400 room, 17-storey hotel. The casino accommodates 3,850 workers.
The NORR team worked with Chip Foose, internationally renowned custom auto designer and lead designer for the television show ‘Overhaulin’ on the final refinements to the exterior theming design, Genesis Associates on the interiors and Giffels as Architect of Record.