Int’l firm to create master plan for $150M Tinian resort

Bridge Investment Group has selected global leisure design firm YWS Design to master plan its integrated resort named Tinian Ocean View Resort. The resort is planned for development in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, specifically the island of Tinian. Tinian is located in the Asia Pacific region (just four short hours from Beijing) and is the only U.S. territory that allows visa free travel for Chinese and Russian tourists. Scheduled to break ground in January 2016, the $150-million themed resort, which has been granted a conditional gaming license, takes island visitors back to the early 19th century with its Titanic replica hotel and luxury resort accommodations.

The resort is planned for development in two phases. Phase 1 will include the primary hotel and casino and Phase 2 will expand the casino program into an adjoining Titanic replica that sits on Tinian Harbor. The expanded casino and hospitality accommodations within the Titanic replica will serve the luxury tourist market segment and high-limit gambler.

Tom Wucherer, YWS CEO and design architect for Bellagio and Treasure Island in Las Vegas. (Contributed Photo)

As leisure designers with Las Vegas roots, YWS is experienced with themed resort design. “Themed environments toe the line between theatrics and functionality and when they’re designed well, the experience is unforgettable,” said Tom Wucherer, YWS CEO and design architect for Bellagio and Treasure Island in Las Vegas. “We’re excited to create something truly singular in the Tinian Ocean View Resort.”

The resort is planned to include 300 hotel rooms spanning two buildings, hotel suites ranging from presidential to executive, a 1,800 square meter casino complex, banquet spaces, a wedding chapel, a fitness center, two arcades, and a museum.

Phillip Mendiola-Long, CEO of Bridge Investment Group, stated: “We welcome the opportunity to work with one of the industry’s leading design firms. Bridge Investment Group’s goal is to provide our future guests with two unique hospitality and gaming experiences and we are confident that YWS Design is the best firm to help us deliver on that promise. Both the Titanic themed hotel and the port hotel will be a casino-hotel complex that will draw international attention to Tinian as one of the world’s best tourism experiences.”

Bridge Investment Group’s first ship of cargo and materials arrived on Tinian on Aug. 24, 2015, with more than 6,000 tons of equipment and materials to begin their project. The company has already begun hiring local residents for security and construction and intends to hire more U.S. citizens as the project ramps up to full construction operations.

YWS Design & Architecture is an international design firm specializing in leisure environments in hospitality, gaming, retail, dining and entertainment. It has worked with some of the most celebrated operators in the world, including Wynn Resorts, MGM International, Resorts World, Crown, and Sands Corporation. Founded in 2001, YWS is headquartered in Las Vegas and has a presence in Tulsa, its Native American services hub, and internationally in Singapore and Macau. (YWS)