Oaklawn Resort

2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901 United States

Building Area (sf): 271,610 SF

Completion: April 2021

Architect of Record:

HBG Design

• Craig Conrad, AIA – Principal / Project Manager
• Mark Weaver, FAIA – Principal / Lead Architectural Designer
• Landon Shockey, IIDA, NCIDQ – Lead Interior Designer
• Crystal McCain – Interior Designer

• Owner/Client:
• General Contractor: Flintco LLC
• Electrical: • Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing Engineer: Giovanetti Shulman Associates (GSA)
  • Structural Engineer: Uzun + Case, LLC
  • Lighting Designer: Randy Burkett Lighting Design (RBLD)
  • Graphics & Signage Consultant: Lorenc Yoo Design
  • Landscape Designer/Architect: Talley Associates
  
• Engineering:
  
• Other:
  
• Photography:
  Photographer: Dero Sanford/ThinkDero Photography
  
  1. Oaklawn’s high-end, two-story lobby combines a refined modern aesthetic with historical undercurrents, through its bold architectural gestures, restrained gray-blue, navy and tan color palette, natural wood plank ceiling, traditional patterned tile, marble finishes, and a breathtaking, visually layered circular gold metallic chandelier. Photo by Dero Sanford.
  2. Designers developed a ‘Tailored Equestrian’ concept for the new resort expansion. The scheme celebrates the sport and history of Thoroughbred racing, and Hot Springs’ turn-of-the-20th-century heyday as The Spa City – America’s First Resort. Photo by Dero Sanford.
  3. A large art piece depicting galloping horses accentuates the hotel registration. A glass-enclosed fireplace grounds the cozy lobby lounge, where historical Oaklawn artifacts from the Owner’s personal collection are curated on illuminated shelving. Photo by Dero Sanford.
  4. A handsome lobby bar offers a contemporary suggestion of a 1920s Hot Springs speakeasy. Photo by Dero Sanford.
  5. The soaring pre-function space supports the new 15,000-square-foot event center that can seat up to 1,500 people. Photo by Dero Sanford.
  6. Ascending to the second level main concourse, guests enter the four volumes of the property: the casino, food and beverage venues, the event center and hotel. The distinctive slanted, angular skylight and ceiling pattern conveys a continuous movement of light and shadow through the concourse, recalling the motion of galloping horses. Photo by Dero Sanford.
  7. Inside The Bugler restaurant, visual depth is created by layering the ceiling plane with recessed wood plank inlays framed by black molding. Photo by Dero Sanford.
  8. Hidden beyond a herringbone plaid patterned smoky glass wall, the urbane First Turn Bar is reminiscent of a gentleman’s cigar lounge. Photo by Dero Sanford.
  9. Derby Day opulence is celebrated in guestrooms/suites using a tailored aesthetic balanced by subtle equestrian details. Photo by Dero Sanford.
  
  
  

What began over 100 years ago as a 1,500-seat grandstand hosting high-stakes Thoroughbred horse racing is transformed into an upscale resort and entertainment destination experience, branded around its historic reputation as one of the premier Thoroughbred racetracks in the country.

The Cella Family has owned and operated Hot Springs’ Arkansas’ Oaklawn Racing for multiple generations setting a high standard of excellence, as summarized by Louis Cella: “When my family started Oaklawn 117 years ago, there were really only two things we focused on: quality and class. That has been our compass for more than a century.”

Designers embraced Cella’s vision by developing a ‘Tailored Equestrian’ concept for the new resort expansion. The scheme celebrates the sport and history of Thoroughbred racing, and Hot Springs’ turn-of-the-20th-century heyday as The Spa City – America’s First Resort, an era when ladies and gentlemen donned their best bespoke styles to see and be seen. Imagery throughout also depicts the town’s infamous history as a haven for the rich and famous, like baseball hall of famer Babe Ruth and notorious gangsters, Al Capone and Lucky Luciano.

Oaklawn’s high-end, two-story lobby combines a refined modern aesthetic with historical undercurrents, through its bold architectural gestures, restrained gray-blue, navy and tan color palette, natural wood plank ceiling, traditional patterned tile, marble finishes, and a breathtaking, visually layered circular gold metallic chandelier.

A large art piece depicting galloping horses accentuates the hotel registration. A glass-enclosed fireplace grounds the cozy lobby lounge, where historical Oaklawn artifacts from the Owner’s personal collection are curated on illuminated shelving. A handsome lobby bar offers a contemporary suggestion of a 1920s Hot Springs speakeasy. Dynamic overlapping planes and linear forms recalling horse racing produce a sense of movement around the resort.

Ascending to the second level main concourse, guests enter the four volumes of the property: the casino, food and beverage venues, the event center and hotel. The distinctive slanted, angular skylight and ceiling pattern conveys a continuous movement of light and shadow through the concourse, recalling the motion of galloping horses.

The end of the concourse is marked with a bronzed track bugler statue, which greets patrons at The Bugler restaurant. Inside, visual depth is created by layering the ceiling plane with recessed wood plank inlays framed by black molding. A continuation of neutrals and blue tones, natural seagrass textured furnishings, black and gold metallic screening and a gallery wall of framed historic Hot Springs and Oaklawn imagery create a relaxed, polished backdrop for incredible views of the racetrack through a full glass curtainwall.

Hidden beyond a herringbone plaid patterned smoky glass wall, the urbane First Turn Bar is reminiscent of a gentleman’s cigar lounge. Complex tilework, mood lighting, gold finishes and velvet seating make this sophisticated venue feel exceptionally exclusive.

Derby Day opulence is celebrated in guestrooms/suites using a tailored aesthetic balanced by subtle equestrian details. Headboard designs recall horse saddles fabricated from rich leather and buckle embellishment. Button detailing on lamp shades evoke the bespoke styles worn on race day. Eclectic art vignettes, color variation and furnishings elevate the contemporary ‘Tailored Equestrian’ design composition with vintage overtures.