Project Strategy

The Firelake Grand Casino and Hotel is part of a master plan for a developing rural area in Oklahoma to attract commerce through entertainment and serve the local tribal community.

The flooring concept and initial specification was determined by an Oklahoma based architecture firm. Through a series of presentations to finalize selections, the tribe decided to part ways with the architecture firm on the schematic design of the facilities. We had been awarded the contract with the general contractor and were actively working through the initial pricing exercise.

At the time of the bid, there was not an approved floor rendering. Once it was obtained, the bid was resubmitted with accurate floor quantities requiring a change order. The tribe rejected it on the basis of incompatible design and cost. Crossland requested we initiate an effort to work with the architecture firm directly to find a better solution. This provided immediate value to all parties. Almost all initial selections were evaluated and reconsidered.

Firelake Hotel – The initial design included by the architecture firm missed the mark on trends, opening the door for us at the request of the general contractor to reselect materials. The tribe requested new selections be presented. This created an opportunity for Bryan’s Flooring to consult on better materials, efficient use of waste and cost savings. The primary goals for this property were to be contemporary, durable utilizing running line collections.
For the flooring sub contractor, this was an exciting turn of events because it was not just a request for value engineering. It was an opportunity to support the project in a meaningful way through design. We worked with many of the initially specified manufacturers to source new collections. Utilizing a running line carpet in the high traffic areas will support long-term maintenance as opposed to the high minimum, custom material that was previously chosen. It also provided a lively modern visual in long corridors. The 1m x 1m carpet tiles maximized waste and elimination of a multi tile repeat pattern cut the cost for these spaces by $26,000.
The room carpet was switched to better align with the tribal chairman’s color preferences – orange and turquoise. This was carried into the lobby space to make a grand impression on the guests during check-in.
Theme: High design and color
Goal: Cost savings

Firelake Casino – The Citizen Potawatomi Nation has used Milliken for several years in various gaming spaces. The proposed carpet by the architecture firm did not mirror the other facilities. Continuity was important to provide a positive guest experience through universal branding across all of their gaming facilities.

The final renderings were not provided by the architect to the flooring sub ahead of the bidding process. A change order was required at an additional cost with the original specification to the end user once those had been obtained. The chairman opposed the style and requested for the other facilities’ flooring to be used as the basis of design. We managed this overhaul by creating a new flooring layout, streamlining use of material throughout the gaming floor and creating the desired aesthetic. The end user valued performance over cost for this portion of the premier project.
The opportunity at the casino was more mechanical. Making the space flow, improve the layout to cut down on the waste but remain functional for the gaming placement. Coordination with the other trades – lightening, drop ceilings, glass. These are responsibilities usually not shared with the flooring sub on a project managed by a general contractor.
Theme: Branding and traffic flow
Goal: Performance

A typical project provides the opportunity for one or the other, but these projects allowed us to showcase their full spectrum of capabilities. Starnet partnerships were strategically engaged to set the foundation for customer success.