Tribes seek architect for phase two casino project

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have issued a request for proposals for conceptual proposals to design a new casino.

Four architectural firms, who were originally interviewed in 2014, were pre-qualified by the Fort Hall Business Council to receive invitations to participate in the “Project Recovery Plan”. Three firms responded with a letter of interest and one declined.

The action comes after the council announced the termination of professional architectural services with Thalden-Boyd-Emery Architects of St. Louis, Missouri in November. No public explanation was offered.

The Tribes contracted Jack Ridgeway to serve as Owners Representative for the project. Ridgeway said, “The next step is meeting with the three firms to further interview for the job. In order to continue with the casino project, the Tribes are looking for a firm that best provides the resources for design, quality, cost, schedule management and cultural understanding of the Tribes.”

A tribal selection committee will review proposals and announce a winning contract in early January 2016.

The three firms that have expressed interest in the project are FFKR of Salt Lake City, Utah, Womer & Associates of Spokane, Washington, and Worth Group of Denver, Colorado.

The phase-two casino project will connect to the west side of the existing Shoshone-Bannock Hotel and Event Center. The new casino will be 70,000 square feet. It will include 1,000 slot machines, a high-end buffet, a gaming floor bar and lounge, and a food service court.

The Tribes estimate the project will average 90 jobs for a 16-month construction period.

A formal groundbreaking is scheduled for early spring 2016.