Reinvigorating a City with its First New Hotel in Decades

When East Saint Louis, Illinois’ first new hotel in 40 years opened its doors, it lived up to its high expectations. The Casino Queen Hotel combines taste, economy and durability for an expensive look that was completed on time and substantially under budget. The 97,000 SF, 157-room hotel accommodates visitors to the adjoining Casino Queen gaming venue, as well as nearby business communities. Guests can access the banquet areas, the indoor pool, a fitness center, a breakfast area and the west-facing rooms with dramatic riverfront views of the St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch.

KAI provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering as well as interior design services on the fast-track project. Designers created an atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation. Rich, warm slate highlights the fireplace, the registration desk and the elevator lobby, adding an elegant touch. Old postcards heralding turn-of-the century East St. Louis decorate upper floor corridors. An African-influenced ceramic piece is the focus of the elevator lobby, while East St. Louis artists created a collage depicting the area’s rich history.

The hotel, along with the casino opened several years earlier, have reinvigorated the East St. Louis riverfront, bringing millions of yearly visitors and hundreds of local jobs.