Media Relations:
Sou Chanthaphanith
R.F. Stearns
503-601-8700
sou@rfstearns.com

STEARNS PROVIDES A HELPING HAND TO ANGEL OF THE WINDS CASINO

Arlington, Washington, February 24, 2009 – Design·Build·Steel contractor, R.F. Stearns, Inc. is pleased to announce the completion of the Angel of the Winds Casino.  The 84,000 sq. ft. addition is the realization of an extended goal for the Stillaguamish Tribe.  For generations, the Stillaguamish have struggled for economic self-sufficiency while still preserving community values.  The expansion will help the entire community by generating hundreds of new jobs and introducing tens of millions of dollars into the local economy.  Additionally, the Stillaguamish Tribe will increase the amount of charitable contributions to local nonprofits and governmental agencies.  Tripling the casino’s current size, the expansion includes a private poker room with eight tables, a dedicated Keno area, gift shop, restaurant, bar and entertainment stage.  Designed by ICI Design Group, the interior features a rustic lodge feeling.  The warm environment is intended to make guests feel welcome and comfortable further promoting its commitment to being the “World’s Friendliest Casino.” 

At the recommendation of JE Dunn Construction Company, Stearns partnered with Clark Engineering Corp to assist with design development, to detail fabrication and construction drawings and to provide and install all structural steel components.  Because of the sloping site and partial basement, crane access to the building plan was limited.  Deliveries of the various components had to be perfectly coordinated to minimize excess material movement onsite and to keep to an aggressive schedule.  With just 12 weeks from award date to finish, Stearns’ construction team erected the primary steel frame in just 3 weeks.  Acknowledging Stearns contributions to the project, Mark Peterson, Project Manager, JE Dunn Construction Company, stated “Without Stearns early participation and commitment to our aggressive schedule, we never would have met our milestone dates.  We appreciate that Stearns comes in and gets their work done without a lot of effort on our part, and when problems arise, they are proactive in finding solutions that work for everyone.”

An interesting feature to the structure is the use of a special cellular deck.  The cellular deck had enclosed flutes that were used as conduits for various electrical systems required by the casino.  To insure proper access for planned and future needs, the cellular deck had to be closely coordinated with the gaming floor equipment and control room layouts.  The deck also served as the necessary structural element for the main building.  Doug Steele, Project Manager, R.F. Stearns, Inc., stated; “It was a pleasure working with JE Dunn and the entire project team.  With everyone’s dedication and exceptional performance, we were able to adhere to a tight erection schedule and stay on budget.”

About Stearns

R.F. Stearns is recognized as a pioneer of the design/build process for steel construction, and with over twenty-five years of experience, remains an industry-leading expert. Stearns professional teams of engineers, designers, detailers and project managers provide comprehensive accountability for every facet of steel construction, including conceptual design, estimating, structural detailing, fabrication and steel erection.

In addition to providing complete Division 5 services for steel construction, Stearns is the exclusive provider of innovative, long-span SmartBeam® technology and light-gauge steel framing systems throughout the Western United States. 

To learn more about R.F. Stearns’ design/build capabilities, SmartBeam® or light-gauge steel framing applications, we extend an invitation to contact us at our Lake Oswego, OR headquarters, 503-601-8700, or visit our website at www.rfstearns.com