Plymouth, California

Acorn Ridge Casino

A market- and context-responsive gaming destination built for long-term economic growth

Cuningham partnered with Warner Gaming and the Ione Band of Miwok Indians to develop Acorn Ridge Casino, a new gaming and entertainment destination in California’s Sierra Foothills. As the Tribe’s first venture into gaming, the project is conceived as a strategic investment in long-term economic growth—creating a bold, recognizable presence while remaining appropriately scaled and flexible to support future expansion.

For more than two decades, the Tribe pursued gaming development, but no previous efforts came to fruition. Warner Gaming and Cuningham took a pragmatic approach, helping the Tribe define a clear development framework, evaluate site opportunities and constraints, and establish a disciplined strategy for phased growth. The resulting concept is right-sized for the market and the Tribe’s resources; its realistic schedule and budget allowed it to move confidently through entitlement and design.

  • Client: Ione Band of Miwok Indians

  • Size: 60,000 Square Feet

  • Scope:

    New Construction

  • Services:

    Architecture
    Interior Design
    Master Planning

  • Key Project Contacts:

    Brett K. Ewing
    Elena Gonova

Above the table games, a custom light installation inspired by the region’s iconic oak trees creates a distinctive architectural identity rooted in local character. 

A Gaming Experience Shaped by Place

Acorn Ridge Casino’s 25,000-square-foot gaming floor, full-service restaurant and bar, and outdoor entertainment venue draws directly from the region’s landscape and culture, and embraces the mild, year-round climate through an indoor-outdoor concept uncommon in the industry. Perimeter spaces open to exterior patios, bars extend outdoors, and the gaming floor features operable windows that offer views to the expansive foothills landscape and allow fresh air and daylight to flow into the space.

The design also visually reflects the region; its tiered form echoes the gentle variations of rolling hills, while stone veneer references the area’s rocky soil. Inside, a palette of burgundy and champagne tones reflects the Amador wine country, while an illuminated wine display wall anchors the restaurant concept and celebrates the region’s viticulture through as a striking focal point.