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Thunder Valley Casino & Resort Renovation
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  • Project Overview

    The Thunder Valley Casino Resort Renovation was a strategic $56 million investment by the United Auburn Indian Community The Thunder Valley Casino Resort Hotel Renovation Project, initiated in 2016, involved a comprehensive upgrade of the resort’s hospitality facilities to elevate the guest experience and align with modern luxury standards. The multi-phase renovation focused on enhancing the 17-story hotel tower’s 300+ guest rooms and suites with contemporary furnishings, updated fixtures, and refined finishes. Additional improvements were made to public spaces, including the lobby, spa, and pool area, integrating state-of-the-art amenities and energy-efficient systems. Conducted while the resort remained operational, the project demanded precise planning and execution to minimize disruption to guests and gaming operations. The renovation reaffirmed Thunder Valley’s commitment to excellence and positioned the property as a premier destination in Northern California.

    The projects focused on modernizing and expanded one of Northern California’s premier entertainment destinations. Located in Lincoln, California, the project upgraded guest amenities, increased gaming capacity, and enhanced the luxury hospitality experience in response to growing regional competition and continued strong visitor demand. $40 million renovation that added 111 hotel rooms to the casino and resort, as well as a renovation to the existing rooms. Several floors were closed, and work was being addressed floor by floor to complete the hotel and make all rooms available. Building upon the resort’s original development—which included a 275,000-square-foot casino and a 17-story hotel—this renovation introduced new hospitality and gaming features while maintaining full operational continuity throughout construction.

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Project Objectives

  • Upgraded Guest Experience:
    New high-end gaming, hospitality, and social spaces were introduced to meet evolving customer preferences.
  • Increased Capacity:
    Hotel rooms, gaming areas, and parking infrastructure were expanded to accommodate higher daily visitor volume.
  • Maintained Competitive Advantage:
    Thunder Valley secured its position as a market leader amid rising competition in the Sacramento Valley.
  • Supported Economic Growth:
    The project created new employment opportunities and increased resort revenue potential.
  • Enhanced Infrastructure Resilience:
    Upgraded site-wide electrical systems and backup power ensured uninterrupted service and safety.

Project Scope

  • Gaming Enhancements:
    • 25,000-square-foot smoke-free poker room with 27 tables and tournament capacity up to 75 tables was added.
    • 13,000-square-foot bingo hall was built, designed around player feedback.
    • A new high-limit slots area added 80 machines, bringing the total to over 200.
    • An adjacent boutique off the lobby was converted into a high-end bar.
  • Hospitality Upgrades:
    • Three previously unfinished hotel floors were completed, adding 111 new guest rooms to the existing 17-story tower.
    • The total number of hotel rooms was increased to 294.
  • Event Hosting & Technology:
    • The poker room featured 34 televisions, a full bar, and multimedia capabilities to support major events such as the World Poker Tour.
  • Electrical & Mechanical Systems:
    • Cupertino Electric provided design/assist services for lighting, fire alarms, fiber optics, and surveillance systems.
    • A second central utility plant was constructed and tied into the first for parallel redundancy.
  • Parking & Site Work:
    • 1.4 million-square-foot, seven-level parking garage was built, expanding available parking across the 42-acre site.
    • Signage, wayfinding, and security systems were upgraded.

Construction Timeline

  • Poker Room Completion: March 2020
  • Bingo Hall Opening: April 2020
  • High-Limit Slots and Bar Opening: July 2020
  • Hotel Room Expansion Completion: Mid-2020
  • Electrical/Infrastructure Completion: Coordinated with the rest of the phased expansion

Sustainability and Compliance

  • Uninterrupted Power Supply:
    Two central plants provided seamless backup and uninterrupted electricity to the entire facility.
  • Security Systems:
    Comprehensive surveillance and alarm systems, powered by fiber optic technology, were installed across the resort.
  • Code Compliance:
    All upgrades met California gaming regulations, ADA accessibility standards, and local safety codes.

Community and System Impact

The renovation solidified Thunder Valley’s role as a regional economic engine, with average daily visitors ranging from 16,000 to 22,000. The workforce grew to approximately 2,600 employees, with an additional 100 jobs created as a result of the expansion.

By expanding hotel capacity, upgrading gaming offerings, and modernizing infrastructure, the project enhanced tourism, supported local employment, and reaffirmed Thunder Valley’s prominence in the regional hospitality and entertainment market.

  • Year

    2020

  • Location

    Lincoln, California

  • Category

    Building Envelope

  • Project Manager

    Dana Jones

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