Shaped by Place

Cuningham Acorn Ridge Casino • Plymouth, California

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. Conceived as a strategic investment serving both local residents and wine country visitors, the project establishes a bold and recognizable presence while remaining appropriately scaled and flexible to support future expansion.

The project team took a pragmatic approach, defining a clear development framework, evaluating site opportunities and constraints, and establishing a disciplined strategy for phased growth. The resulting concept is right-sized for the market and aligned with the owner’s resources; its realistic schedule and budget allowed the project to move confidently through entitlement and design.

Cuningham’s design of the 25,000-square-foot gaming floor, full-service restaurant and bar and outdoor entertainment venue draws directly from the region’s landscape and culture, embracing 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 of the expansive foothills and allow fresh air and daylight to flow into the space.

The building’s 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 anchors the restaurant concept and celebrates the region’s viticulture as a striking focal point. 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.

Together, these elements create a dynamic gaming environment that blends interior and exterior experiences. Open, visually-aligned program areas support intuitive guest movement and enhance energy to create a memorable destination that feels authentically connected to its surroundings.

The project, completed in February, is a market- and context-responsive gaming destination built for long-term growth.

For more information, visit cuningham.com.