Interior Renovation at Wild Rose Casino

Located in Clinton, IA

The Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Clinton, Iowa, decided to use the slower pace created by the pandemic to update its dining options. A sports bar and adjacent restaurant had seen amenities like TV screens and sports book betting stations added in a messy ad hoc way over the years, and the casino wanted the areas to have a grander look and feel. The casino also wanted to change with the times by reducing sit-down space and eliminating the buffet in the restaurant and by replacing booths with more table and chair space in the sports bar.

All of the finishes were updated, with sleek, warm espresso and dark grey colors infused. The Coaches Corner sports bar and Saw Mill restaurant were given similar palettes to link them but allow guests to still know when they were moving from one space to the other. Custom sliding barn doors between the two spaces open up to allow them to function as one larger space for big events like the Kentucky Derby. Space was created in the restaurant for a stage if private parties want to use speakers or have displays. Both areas back up to a commercial kitchen so that minimal staff can service both.

Guests are greeted at the entrance by a concierge station. A grand central bar is the focal point of Coaches Corner, accessible from all sides and ringed with tables and chairs. A large suspended structure displays multiple monitors hanging directly over the bar to provide great viewing of sporting events. A feature wall with a mix of dark wood paneling holds additional large TV monitors. Wood is also used on the cloud structure hanging over the bar and in the sliding barn doors. Two columns flanking the central bar are covered in grey tile to complement the look of the wood and warm palette. Luxury vinyl tile in multiple colors on the floors add to the areas’ contemporary look and feel. A custom-made table with solid quartz surface in the corner of the sports bar offers better privacy and accessibility for three betting stations.

Contemporary light fixtures with low energy consumption were installed with light controls so that staff can brighten or dim the lights based on needs. Ambient lighting under the monitor cloud at the bar helps workers see even when the overhead lights are dimmed for better monitor viewing. Recessed LED lighting on the tiered bottle display shelves adds to the glamor of the bar area.

The renovated sports bar and restaurant opened in the Wild Rose Casino in early fall of 2022. A multiphase approach was used to alternate construction so that the casino was able to serve food and drinks throughout the project.