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Lilac Casino Club in Rochester set to open this week10 March 2025(PRESS RELEASE) -- Chicago-based architectural firm DMAC Architecture & Interiors is proud to present its latest design for the Lilac Casino Club in Rochester, New Hampshire. This 38,000-square-foot renovation project transforms the Lilac Mall into a vibrant entertainment center integrating gaming, dining, and events mixed with existing retail. Inspired by its evolving history, the design reimagines the Lilac Mall as a mixed-use destination with a distinctive sense of place that welcomes the community. Since its opening in 1979, Lilac Mall has continuously adapted to changing retail landscapes. Now anchored by the Lilac Casino Club, the mall reemerges as a hub for entertainment and social engagement, dedicated to supporting 72 charities annually. “Reimagining Lilac Mall with a casino and entertainment component required a thoughtful approach to design,” comments Dwayne MacEwen, Founder and Principal of DMAC Architecture & Interiors. “With the hard shift toward buying online, this project was an interesting study of the resilience of shopping malls and how entertainment can be a draw to motivate people to gather in person. We deliberately incorporated design elements that reinterpret traditional mall motifs, infusing them with a fresh, modern perspective.” As the centerpiece of the mall’s revitalization, the Lilac Casino Club bridges its classic typology with a bold, contemporary identity. Its striking front façade features a 144-foot metal mesh soffit with a dynamic zig-zag profile inspired by the familiar memory of stacked shopping carts. This eye-catching architectural element allows natural light to filter into the recessed entry, with one end anchored by a monumental New Hampshire granite wall, paying homage to the state’s identity as the Granite State. Inside, a Y-shaped floorplan maximizes sightlines and encourages guest engagement, creating an intuitive and immersive experience upon arrival. Each gaming and entertainment space is thoughtfully designed to elevate the guest experience and cultivate an inviting atmosphere of hospitality. Some of the custom features that help establish a sense of place include: Table Games — Defined by a suspended 93-foot wood-clad ceiling oval, this area serves as both a focal point and an important organizing element for easy wayfinding. This architectural feature is thoughtfully designed to integrate direct lighting and pendant fixtures, enhancing placemaking while also serving as a sophisticated screen to conceal ceiling ductwork. Restaurant & Bar — A spacious dining and bar area features a ceiling trellis integrated with a central tree, transitioning the gaming floor to a modern beer garden. The 34-seat bar connects the gaming area and restaurant. Poker Room — The Poker Room blends whimsical sophistication with dynamic design. The entry alcove features a curated collection of bronze sculptures—a stag, fox, and two mice in modern eyewear—balancing refined elegance and playful charm. Inside, alternating full-height wall panels with mounted TVs and crocodile-patterned coverings create a rhythmic, visually engaging space, while geometric metal mesh screens mark key service points. Event Room — Inspired by America’s classic bingo tradition, the Event Room features acoustic “tin” ceiling tiles. Recessed within the ceiling, a luminous grid of globe lights mirrors the playful geometry of a Bingo board, casting a warm, rhythmic glow that enhances the space’s dynamic energy. Smoking Game Room — Characterized by a signature smoking monkey artwork, this room offers an edgy, unexpected twist to the gaming experience. Restroom Entry — Suspended mannequins, set against reflective mirrors, multiply into an infinite chrome army—a tongue-in-cheek animation of decommissioned retail relics with a playful twist. Above the entry, custom-designed panels depict silhouettes of blurred figures in motion. Material & Palette — The custom carpet, featuring a purple floral pattern, subtly references the mall’s storied identity. The reimagined Lilac Mall represents more than a renovation, but rather a redefinition of the traditional mall as a mixed-use retail and entertainment experience. With its elevated design, dynamic spaces, and thoughtful nods to history, the new casino is set to become a premier destination in Rochester, New Hampshire. The grand opening is set for Friday, 14 March, at 5 Milton Road, where the 38,000-square-foot charitable gaming facility will be officially unveiled. |