2026 Architecture & Build Showcase

Indian Gaming magazine connected with several leading architecture and building firms in Indian Country to learn more about their diverse projects throughout 2026. 

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Bergman, Walls & Associates 
bwaltd.com 

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“Our team is extremely thankful for having had the opportunity to work on these projects with the tribes and casino teams. We learn so much from every project.”
– John Hinton, Principal/Director of Native American Projects, Bergman, Walls & Associates

For Bergman, Walls & Associates (BWA), 2026 has been a year of meaningful milestones across Indian Country, highlighted by grand openings, groundbreaking ceremonies, and continued partnerships with tribal communities shaping the future of gaming and hospitality.

In Northern California, Graton Resort & Casino completed a major expansion designed to increase capacity and enhance the guest experience, adding 144,000 sq. ft. to its casino floor. Nearly 2,000 new slot machines, a dedicated high-limit gaming area, a state-of-the-art poker room, and a sports bar enrich the gaming experience. A rooftop restaurant and new five-level parking structure further strengthen the resort’s ability to welcome guests and support its continued growth. 

In Oklahoma, construction is underway on Fancy Dance Casino for the Ponca Nation, with portions of the project scheduled to open in phases. The expansion will increase the gaming floor to 500 machines and introduce Buffalo Post 38, a new sports bar honoring the all-Indian American Legion Post established on the Ponca Reservation in 1927. The tribute reflects the importance of honoring tribal history and heritage through collaborative design.

In Washington State, the Nisqually Red Wind Casino celebrated the groundbreaking of its Phase 1 expansion in August 2026. The project will significantly expand the gaming floor, introduce a lively new center bar and enhanced player services, and add administrative, back-of-house, and storage spaces. The expansion is anticipated to be complete by December 2027, followed by renovations to the existing casino, expected to conclude in November 2028. Throughout both phases, the design reintroduces the original Long House concept, weaving the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s cultural identity throughout the property and into its next chapter.

BWA is grateful for the relationships built with tribal communities and their casino teams, and for the opportunity to be part of their continued growth. Each project is shaped by a shared vision and the people working together to bring it to life. BWA looks forward to continuing these partnerships and supporting the future of tribal gaming and hospitality.

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Cuningham 
cuningham.com 

“2026 has been an exciting year, with several important projects opening and others moving closer to completion. Each milestone represents years of planning and determination by our clients, and it’s rewarding to see their investments creating new opportunities for the communities they serve.” 
– Brett Ewing, Principal, Cuningham

Cuningham is an architecture and design partner for organizations investing in complex, high-stakes built environments. Across a broad spectrum of sectors and building types, the firm combines pragmatic creativity and disciplined execution to confidently move projects from vision to reality. In 2026, Cuningham continued to expand its work in Indian Country to help clients manage complexity, reduce risk, and support grounded decision-making in their facility projects. 

In Plymouth, CA, the Ione Band of Miwok Indians celebrated the opening of Acorn Ridge Casino, the Band’s first gaming enterprise. Designed by Cuningham, the casino represents an important step toward greater economic development and self-sufficiency for the Ione community. The new destination combines modern amenities with design elements that reflect Miwok culture and a strong sense of place.

Cuningham continued its collaboration with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation on the more than $100 million hotel and event center expansion at Wildhorse Resort & Casino in Pendleton, OR. The project includes a new convention center and concert hall featuring state-of-the-art entertainment technology, marking its first application at a tribal casino. Cuningham is working closely with Gala Systems to integrate the technology that allows the auditorium to be transformed in minutes through moveable floor and seating configurations. The expansion is scheduled for completion in spring 2027.

Adding to the cross-country reach of the firm, Cuningham spent this year partnering with Seneca Gaming Corporation in New York for the Seneca Nation of Indians. The firm looks forward to revealing more details in 2027 about the exciting work being done. Beyond gaming and hospitality, Cuningham contributed to the advancement of multiple tribal community projects in 2026.

In Saint Paul, MN, Cuningham collaborated with Full Circle Indigenous Planning + Design on Wakan Tipi Center, which celebrated its grand opening in May. This 7,500 sq. ft. cultural center honors the significance of Waḳan Ṭípi Cave as a Dakota sacred site through immersive exhibits, classrooms, gardens, and gathering spaces that foster cultural healing and life-long learning. 

Cuningham is also partnering with Full Circle to lead the design of a new home for Anishinabe Academy in neighboring Minneapolis for Minneapolis Public Schools. The school is dedicated to serving Indigenous families through a Native-centered curriculum and Ojibwe and Dakota language. Throughout much of 2026 the design team worked to explore both new construction and remodel options to create a learning environment that fully reflects the academy’s mission.

The San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation in Arizona is advancing its commitment to community wellness and cultural continuity through the Sadie Kniffin Long-Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facility in Peridot. Designed by Cuningham, the 100-bed facility is expected to open in early 2027 and will provide compassionate, community-based care for elders in an environment designed to strengthen intergenerational connections.

Together, these projects reflect how tribal nations are using design to express their cultural identities, advance their vision for the future, and create lasting opportunities for their communities.

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HBG Design 
hbg.design 

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“This year’s accomplishments began with listening: to each community’s identity, priorities, and vision for the future. That understanding guides HBG Design from the master plan to the smallest design detail, creating experiences guests remember and places tribal communities can build upon.”
– Kelly DeVine, Principal, HBG Design

A grand opening marks one milestone. The real measure of a destination unfolds over generations. For HBG Design, 2026 brought both into focus through work across Indian Country that paired memorable guest experiences with tribal partners’ long-term ambitions. Through integrated planning, architecture, and interior design, the firm translated community stories and economic goals into places designed to welcome, connect, and endure.

That commitment shaped the highly anticipated grand opening of Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit in Wisconsin for the Ho-Chunk Nation. Inspired by Beloit’s industrial legacy and the Nation’s deep-rooted connection to the surrounding landscape, HBG Design brought together crafted details, natural textures, and contemporary energy throughout the destination. The casino features 1,300 slot machines, 44 table games, multiple dining venues, a coffee bar, and a 90-seat bar, supported by a five-level parking structure. Integrated architecture and interiors connect these amenities into a cohesive guest experience and establish the foundation for the Ho-Chunk Nation’s broader resort vision. The 312-room hotel with a rooftop lounge and a conference and event center are planned to follow in 2027.

Community identity remained central to the firm’s work. At Michigan’s Gun Lake Casino Resort, HBG Design collaborated with the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, on the Community Block Art Wall. The growing collection incorporates tribal citizens’ photographs, artwork, and personal contributions, giving community voices a visible presence within the guest experience.

Industry honors reinforced the year’s milestones. Gun Lake Casino Resort received the AAA Four Diamond designation, while Gun Lake Hotel and MnoYé Spa earned ASID South Central Chapter Gold Awards. MnoYé Spa also received the Ovation Award for Commercial Project of the Year. Wawyé Oasis – the resort’s six-story, climate-controlled setting for year-round recreation, dining, entertainment, and events – earned both an ASID Silver Award and an Engineering News-Record Midwest Best Projects Merit Award in Sports/ Entertainment.

More opening-day milestones are ahead in 2027, from casino renovations to major resort destinations across the country. Each reflects HBG Design’s continued work with tribal partners to create places that welcome guests today and support their communities well into the future. 

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TBE Architects 
tbearchitects.com

“This year’s milestones are a testament to what can be achieved through lasting partnerships and a shared commitment to each tribe’s vision. TBE is proud of what these projects represent and energized by the opportunities ahead.”
– Luke Jumper, President and CEO, TBE Architects

Throughout 2026, TBE Architects has remained deeply connected to Indian Country through projects shaped by the vision of each tribal partner. More than 55 years of collaboration with over 124 tribes and first nations has reinforced the firm’s belief that every property should be rooted in the identity of the community it represents. That philosophy guides TBE’s work from major renovations to new resort openings.

Early in the year, FireKeepers Casino Hotel unveiled the renovation of its original hotel tower in Battle Creek, MI. The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi invited TBE back after the firm designed the property’s first tower, this time modernizing 243 guest rooms and suites to align with the standards established by a later addition. Completed during ongoing operations, the renovation extended into the corridors and elevator lobbies, culminating in two reimagined presidential suites inspired by the dual themes of fire and water.

TBE’s momentum continued with the opening of the new Quapaw Casino in Miami, OK. Developed in partnership with the Quapaw Nation, the replacement casino was envisioned as a modern entertainment destination for the local market. The property features more than 400 slot machines, the Legends Restaurant, the Ma-Ko-Sha coffee concept, and a casino bar with a microbrewery. TBE worked closely with the Quapaw Nation to translate its vision into a destination designed for the community’s future.

In Kinder, LA, TBE joined the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana to celebrate the opening of Legacy Tower at Coushatta Casino Resort. The milestone represents years of master planning that positioned the property for its next chapter. Rising above the resort, the 204-key tower includes 100 suites inspired by the heritage of the Coushatta people. TBE’s work at Coushatta also brought new energy to the property through the Mirror Bar, the reimagined Big Sky Steakhouse, and a transformed lobby that unites the resort’s lodging offerings.

September brought another milestone when the Three Affiliated Tribes opened a seven-story tower designed by TBE at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, ND. Drawing from tribal heritage and overlooking Lake Sakakawea, the expansion includes 90 guest rooms and 14 luxury suites. In the tower lobby, exposed wood beams inspired by traditional earth lodges span overhead and complement a welcoming central hearth, creating a gathering place that reflects the history and culture of the Three Affiliated Tribes. On the top floor, a 180-person ballroom and the Bison Room Steakhouse take advantage of sweeping views across Lake Sakakawea, creating a strong connection to the landscape beyond.

Together, these projects reflect the evolution of TBE’s relationships in Indian Country. Each began with a distinct tribal vision and became a place rooted in the community it represents. 

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Tutor Perini Building Corp. 
tutorperinibuilding.com 

“In Indian Country, relationships aren’t built on a single project. They’re earned over time by delivering on commitments and understanding what these investments mean to the communities behind them. The trust tribal leadership continues to place in Tutor Perini speaks volumes, and it’s a responsibility we take seriously.”
– Chris Cosenza, VP of Business Development, Tutor Perini Building Corp.

Tutor Perini Building Corp. (TPBC) has approximately $6 billion in tribal construction projects completed or underway nationwide. That portfolio reflects the depth and breadth of its history in Indian Country and its position as one of the leading builders serving tribal communities.

In 2026, that legacy continued through significant construction milestones, new project activity, and longstanding relationships with tribal nations whose investments are shaping the future of gaming and hospitality.

TPBC continued making substantial progress on the $220 million Eagle Mountain Casino Phase 2 expansion for the Tule River Indian Tribe in Porterville, CA. Following its 2025 groundbreaking, the project achieved a major milestone in October 2026 with completion of the new resort structure. The expansion includes a 193-room hotel tower, rooftop restaurant, expanded dining facilities, convention and meeting spaces, and a comprehensive collection of resort amenities, including a spa, arcade, and resort pool. With completion anticipated in 2027, the development represents another significant step in the tribe’s vision of transforming Eagle Mountain Casino into a premier regional gaming and hospitality destination.

TPBC also strengthened its longstanding relationship with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma after being selected to lead the $140 million Choctaw Casino & Resort – Pocola renovation and expansion in Pocola, OK. With construction now underway, the project includes extensive renovations to the existing casino and hotel, along with a new seven-story hotel tower, spa, fitness center, and resort-style pool complex. The development continues a successful partnership highlighted by TPBC’s completion of the $466 million Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant expansion in 2021, a transformative, one million sq. ft. development that included a 1,000-room hotel tower and extensive gaming, dining, entertainment, and convention amenities.

As TPBC looks toward 2027, its focus remains on strengthening existing tribal partnerships, cultivating new relationships, and delivering developments that create lasting economic opportunities for generations to come.