Hollywood Casino

The Project

Large-scale decorative finishes for a commercial entertainment environment.

Location: Ranson, West Virginia
Discipline: Commercial & Institutional
Studio: Ronald Layman

Project Story

Charlestown, WV

It started with a simple call from my business neighbor, Robert Aird of Robert Aird, Inc., a specialist in EIFS plastering and sealant work. “Would you be interested in a new casino project in Charles Town, WV?” he asked. Thirty minutes from my office and rich with potential, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

After receiving the designs and meeting with the project team, we got to work. My team and I transformed drywall, plaster, and even carved high-density foam into textured surfaces that evoked an aged, antique charm. Using custom patinas layered over weathered plaster, we created walls that felt steeped in history—perfect for the elegant vision of the casino.

At the heart of the space were towering columns that flared dramatically at the top, commanding attention from every angle. These architectural marvels were crafted in Utah and shipped by truck to the site. Once in place, it was our turn to bring them to life.

Using a meticulous multi-layer process, we worked to give the columns an antique look, blending layers of plaster and glazes to create depth, texture, and the illusion of age. The final result was a set of columns that not only anchored the room but also added a sense of timeless grandeur, tying the entire design together.

From walls to columns, every element of this project was a celebration of craftsmanship and artistry—a reminder that great design is all about the details.

In areas like the cash cage, stage façade, and the intricate Art Deco pieces framing the Hollywood Casino sign, we turned to faux finishing to replicate antique copper on wood surfaces. The “wings” at the cash cage, made of high-density plastic, required extra attention. We meticulously finished them to match the plaster and painted wood surfaces, ensuring a seamless, cohesive look throughout.

This harmonious blending of materials was key to achieving the casino’s vintage-inspired elegance. Every surface, whether plaster, wood, or plastic, was unified by texture, tone, and the artistry of hand-applied finishes.

From walls to columns and every unique detail in between, this project was extremly enjoyable, my first of many casinos to come.

Project Gallery