Viejas Enterprises has announced the selection of Marnell Corrao Associates (Marnell), designers, developers, and builders of some of the world's premier destination resorts, including Bellagio and Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, to design one of the largest resort projects in California, the US$800 million Viejas Hotel & Casino Resort near San Diego.

With more than 30 years of experience, Marnell has a project portfolio valued in excess of US$9 billion, including leading casinos and resorts in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Albuquerque, New Orleans and other locations around the world. The firm's signature projects include Rio, Mirage, Bellagio, Wynn Resort, and the exclusive Mansions at MGM in Las Vegas; Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, Harrah's in New Orleans, and the Hotel & Conference Center Expansion to the Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Viejas Tribal Chairman Bobby L. Barrett said, "Marnell is the gold standard for planning, designing and building in the Hotel & Casino Resort industry. The Marnell team brings a diverse portfolio and decades of experience with some of the most beautiful and innovative building projects in the world; from retail, showrooms, restaurants, casinos and hotels to full scale destination resorts. We are also very impressed that Marnell has such extensive experience, not only as a designer and developer, but as an owner/operator as well."

The resort plan, unveiled by The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians in August, may include a second casino; 600-room hotel with spa, retail outlets and restaurants; convention and meeting space; multi-screen theater; resort cabana and pool area; and a new parking structure. The new resort will be located on the Viejas Reservation adjacent to the Tribe's current casino east of San Diego, and the new casino will feature 2,500 slot machines, more than 80 table games, bingo, and off-track wagering.

Marnell Founder and CEO Tony Marnell said, "We are honored to be selected for such a significant project and we look forward to working with Viejas to create one of the premier gaming, entertainment and leisure destinations in the entire state of California." (S-03.17.08)

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