Elk Valley Rancheria, California, Selects Hnedak Bobo Group to Design

The Elk Valley Rancheria, California announces that Hnedak Bobo Group (HBG) Architects has been chosen from an extensive pool of designers to plan and design the Elk Valley Resort and Casino, a new destination resort on the Tribe's 203.5-acre Martin Ranch property in Crescent City. The development will be nestled on trust land among the scenic Redwood National Forest and the rugged Northern California coastline about 20 miles south of the Oregon border. The Tribe envisions the resort's long-term success will be driven by the lure of the surrounding majestic landscape, drawing customers traveling along the scenic Pacific Coastal Highway.

Elk Valley Chairman Dale Miller stated: "The Tribe is embracing this new destination resort as a major element of a 20-year master plan and a key piece of our Tribal growth strategy. We believe strongly in the resort's long-term success based on its stunning location. It will be a catalyst for complex business development and job creation for the Tribe, as well as community-wide economic advancement."

During a comprehensive national search for a qualified casino resort designer, the Elk Valley Tribe solicited proposals from 14 firms and performed in-depth due diligence activities before formally selecting HBG to assist and collaborate with the Tribal Council to fulfill their vision for future economic and cultural growth.

HBG is a design leader of Native American-owned destination gaming resorts, and has been named as a top ten design firm within the national casino resort and hospitality design industry. The firm has worked with more than 25 of the most recognized Native American tribes spanning coast-to-coast. From their experience, HBG brings a comprehensive understanding of the issues that Tribe's face when embarking on a long-term development and building plan.

HBG's Principal-in-Charge and Partner, Dan Elias, AIA, stated: "The Tribe's site is ideal for a resort development. Our team will ensure that the design integrates the magnificent scenery and the right mix of amenities to attract Elk Valley's target market."

Elk Valley CEO Gerry Nailon stated: "Elk Valley sought to identify a design firm with the insight and ability to fast track the first phases of the building program for short-range returns, but also with the strategic, market-driven tools and expertise to help with the long-term planning of our current and future gaming and resort facilities. We were intrigued by HBG's unique market-driven planning and design process, and the chemistry between Elk Valley and HBG confirmed our selection."

Elk Valley's General Counsel Brad Downes stated: "We are very excited about the planning and design ideas to be conceived for the Tribe's Martin Ranch property. Now that this land has been placed into trust for gaming purposes, the site's naturally beautiful landscape will serve to elevate the Elk Valley Resort and Casino as a must-visit national attraction."

Tribal Background The Elk Valley Rancheria, California was terminated in 1962, was restored to recognition through federal court litigation, and formally reorganized in 1994 pursuant to a written Tribal Constitution approved by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. The Tribe offers various governmental services to its members and operates several local businesses, including the Tsunami Lanes Bowling Alley, Del Norte Golf Course, Hiouchi RV Resort, and the Elk Valley Casino. The Tribe also owns Elk Valley Rancheria Economic Development Corporation and Elk Valley Rock. Visit Elk Valley Rancheria at www.elk-valley.com

Hnedak Bobo Group Background As a Top Ten leader in the national casino resort and hospitality design industry and a recognized Top Five 'Best Firm to Work For' within the U.S. architectural industry, Hnedak Bobo Group (HBG) is cementing its reputation as designers of dynamic casino resort destinations. Established in 1979 and based in Memphis, TN, Hnedak Bobo Group (HBG) is a 120-person, multi-specialty firm specializing in architecture, interior design, building code specialties, and project and development management. HBG currently has over $1 billion of destination resort projects in various stages of design and construction for both the commercial and Indian gaming industries. HBG has worked with more than 25 of the most recognized Native American tribes, with several major projects completing construction in 2008 including Wind Creek Casino Resort in Atmore, Alabama, and the Potawatomi Casino Expansion in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Visit Hnedak Bobo Group at www.hbginc.com

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