Osage Casino and Hotel – Pawhuska

Osage Casino & Hotel: Osage Nation’s New Entertainment Destination in Pawhuska, OK

Pawhuska, OK

Crossland partnered with the Osage Nation to deliver a vibrant new casino and hotel in the heart of Pawhuska, Oklahoma—the tribe’s hometown. Completed in 2023, this 85,224-square-foot facility brings together hospitality and entertainment, serving as a symbol of cultural pride and economic progress for the Osage community.

The project features a 55,000-square-foot casino with a 15,000-square-foot gaming floor, a back-of-house kitchen, restaurant, bar, and flexible meeting spaces. Adjacent to the casino, a four-story hotel offers 48 guest rooms, complemented by an outdoor pool area with a deck, fire pit, and poolside bar—creating a welcoming environment for both guests and visitors.

Construction methods and materials were carefully selected to ensure quality and visual appeal. The exterior showcases multi-colored EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) cladding for a clean, modern look. Inside, guests experience elevated hospitality-grade finishes, including extensive wallcovering, tile flooring with carpet insets, and upgraded details throughout the guest and event spaces. Crossland self-performed both concrete and steel work, reinforcing quality and maintaining control over the project schedule.

Crossland’s involvement began early in the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) process, providing value from preconstruction through completion. The team led budget development through all design phases, offered cost-saving solutions through active value engineering, and coordinated bid packages with multiple alternates to keep the project on budget while maintaining design intent.

A significant challenge arose midway through construction when the electrical gear manufacturer tripled the lead time for equipment, delaying permanent power installation. Crossland responded quickly—evaluating alternatives, adjusting the construction sequence, and working closely with the owner to renegotiate the completion date. Despite this setback, the team accelerated the project and successfully opened the Pawhuska location ahead of its sister site in Bartlesville.

“To persevere through all the unexpected and uncontrollable conditions caused by the electrical delay was the most rewarding part of the job.”
— Tommy Plahitko, Senior Project Manager

The project was completed on time and within budget, despite revised timelines and supply chain challenges. Crossland’s adaptability and collaborative approach supported the Osage Nation’s goals for the facility and continued the company’s working relationships with both the Osage Casinos team and Marnell Companies.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Hospitatlity
Cost: $30,000,000
Size: 55,000 SF
Delivery Method: Construction Management
Self-Perform: Steel Erection, Concrete
Owner: Osage Nation
Architect: Marnell Architecture