Caesars Entertainment Bringing Vegas Glitz To Danville Casino Design

Written By Dann Stupp on March 8, 2021Last Updated on June 11, 2021

Marnell Companies, the architectural firm behind the new Caesars Casino Resort Danville, might already be familiar to you because of an exceptionally renowned project in its portfolio.

The renowned Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas is the place you’re referring to.

Officials from Caesars Entertainment have recently revealed that Marnell Companies, the renowned architect responsible for the iconic Sin City property, has been selected to design their upcoming casino venture in Danville. This highly anticipated $400 million project, located in the southern region of Virginia, is expected to open its doors to the public in 2025.

Marnell has been selected by officials as the recent choice for Caesars Entertainment.

Marnell companies and its casino experience

It seems that the Marnell Companies, based in Nevada, would be a reliable option for the Danville casino project.

The Danville casino was approved by voters with a resounding majority, largely due to the assurance from city leaders that it would enhance the scenic Dan River riverfront in Danville with its aesthetic appeal.

Marnell’s casino projects certainly make a mark, thanks to their diverse international experience. Among these, the Bellagio stands out prominently. Situated in the heart of the Las Vegas strip, it attracts a multitude of visitors every night who come to witness its renowned fountain show. The Bellagio’s mesmerizing water display and its timeless architecture are instantly recognizable, particularly for fans of Ocean’s 11.

Besides Bellagio, Marnell Architecture also designed all or portions of various other gaming properties, including the following:

  • Avi Resort & Casino, located in Laughlin, Nevada,
  • Borgata (Atlantic City, NJ)
  • Lumiere Place, located in St. Louis, Missouri
  • Osage Casino-Ponca City (OK)
  • The Forum Shops located at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • North Las Vegas, NV is home to the Texas Station.
  • Wynn Las Vegas (NV)

The company clearly reaped the benefits of that experience, as stated in an announcement by Caesars Entertainment.

Marnell Architecture has been chosen to undertake the design and architecture for Caesars Virginia, considering their extensive experience and remarkable portfolio in the field of casino design.

What to expect from the Danville casino

In the fall, the groundbreaking ceremony for Caesars Casino Resort Danville will be held, with officials anticipating its grand opening in the latter half of 2025.

While the Danville casino may not showcase the renowned fountains of Bellagio or adopt its luxurious Italian theme, it will instead draw inspiration from the city’s prosperous past as a prominent textile producer and transportation hub.

Incorporating themes and aesthetics from the former prosperous mill, the forthcoming Danville casino will be constructed on the abandoned and decaying Dan River Mills complex. The design will pay homage to its industrial heritage by integrating elements such as smokestacks, steel, exposed red bricks, and glass.

To put it differently, the property should exude a distinctively nostalgic ambiance.

It’ll also feature:

  • 300-room, four-star hotel
  • A conference and meeting center spanning 35,000 square feet.
  • 2,500-seat live entertainment venue
  • A casino offering a poker room and sportsbook.
  • There are numerous restaurants, bars, and retail shops available.
  • State-of-the-art spa
  • Pool
  • Fitness center

The implementation of this project has the potential to establish 1,300 permanent job opportunities and 900 temporary construction positions. Furthermore, upon reaching its full potential, the project is projected to generate annual tax revenue exceeding $20 million for the city of Danville.

Photo by AP / John Locher
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Dann Stupp

Dann Stupp, a seasoned sports journalist, has contributed his writing and editing skills to prominent outlets such as The Athletic, USA Today, ESPN, MLB.com, among others. Currently residing in Lexington, Virginia.

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