Hello Friends!

Presented here are original hand drawn Architectural Renderings of The Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino. These three specific renderings hand drawn by the Architectural renderer Paul Karoll allegedly depict a design alternate for both the hotel and registration lobby during a 2005-2006 redesign and remodel. The design depicted in these renderings were not chosen for the final 2006 or 2007 remodel, but you can definitely see elements that are part of the current design. Most notably, the mosaic tile clad ovular columns.

When I first acquired these, I was almost absolutely convinced they were created in the late 1980’s during the original design of the first phase of the Rio, back when it first opened in 1990. However in speaking with some of the folks over at Marnell Companies, and with one Superintendent in particular who was involved with the original design and subsequent remodels, I was assured they were design alternates during a 2005-2006 redesign and remodel effort as mentioned above. And again, the designs depicted here did not make the final cut to what was eventually constructed during that remodel effort. In addition, I have personally tried but failed to get in touch with the Architectural Illustrator and author of these unique works of art of Paul Karoll.

I would like to add the caveat that even though I did contact the office of Marnell Companies, and had a few short email correspondences, I was communicating with a mediator and not directly with the Superintendent who was involved on the project. I do not know to what capacity this person was involved, and did not have the opportunity to ask the type of detailed documentarian type questions I typically ask in a more intimate one on one setting. I can only go with what I was told. For that reason I can’t absolutely claim these are in fact 100% design alternates during a 2005-2006 redesign effort. They may very well be, but I cant’t provide provenance to that specific level of detail. If I was a gambling man, I’d still say, based on the aging of the frame around the artwork proper, and the fashion chosen for the entourage, it’s still likely these are part of the original design phase during the 1980’s prior to the first phase of the project opening to the public on January 15, 1990. My guess is as good as yours. One thing is for certain. These are 100% originals, and not reprints. Extremely rare and one of a kind!

I would love to here the communities’s thoughts on this or if anyone has any further insight on them. It would very much be appreciated! Thank you!

Pierre