Paragon Development names IBI/HB Architects the Architect of Record and Rockwell Group the Design Architect for its $450 million destination entertainment resort at BC Place

VANCOUVER, June 23 /PRNewswire/ - The award-winning IBI/HB Architects and Rockwell Group have been named Architect of Record and Design Architect respectively for Paragon Development Ltd.'s new $450 million entertainment destination at BC Place, Scott Menke, President, Paragon Development announced today.

The internationally acclaimed Architect of Record, Vancouver-based IBI/HB Architects, is one of Canada's leading architecture firms with an outstanding reputation for innovative design. Some of IBI/HB's outstanding collaborations with other firms include the Residences at Hotel Georgia, Opus Hotel, Langara College Library, and B.C. Cancer Research Centre. IBI/HB was also the architect for West Pender Place, Carina, and Callisto.

Rockwell Group, the visionary design firm behind such venerable projects as Lincoln Center's Film Society, the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, W New York Hotels and Crystals at CityCenter in Las Vegas, characterizes its projects by utilizing rich materials, innovative narrative and a sense of theater.

"The combination of Rockwell Group and IBI/HB is perfect," added Menke. "Both Rockwell and IBI/HB understood our objective immediately - create the most imaginative, vibrant entertainment destination in the country while maintaining the integrity of the region. Their experience, eye for detail and proficiency in sustainable design was particularly appealing when choosing the right partners to craft this unique destination."

Paragon Development announced the $450 million entertainment destination at BC Place last March. This exciting urban venue - the first of its kind in Vancouver to offer so many diverse and integrated elements - will provide a comprehensive gaming and leisure experience in British Columbia. It will incorporate two internationally-branded hotels, five restaurants ranging from home grown organic to chef signature, a reinvigorated pedestrian streetscape, over 100,000 square feet of gaming floor (subject to regulatory approval), and direct access to BC Place.

The highly-anticipated project - the first major new development in the False Creek area - will be the catalyst for a new entertainment epicenter in the city of Vancouver. Subject to all necessary approvals, the project is scheduled to begin construction in 2011.

About Rockwell Group

With a desire to entertain both the eye and the individual, David Rockwell and Rockwell Group take a cross-disciplinary approach to an inventive array of projects. Crafting a unique and individual narrative concept for each project is fundamental to Rockwell Group's successful design approach.

Rockwell Group's work has received numerous awards, and David Rockwell was named "Designer of the Year" by Interiors and inducted into the Interior Design's Hall of Fame. The Incubator Project, Best Cellars wine store and Pod restaurant received awards from the New York Chapter of the AIA. BusinessWeek's Industrial Design Excellence Awards recently honored W Union Square and Chambers in the Environments category.

Rockwell Group has been featured in Crain's, Architecture, Architectural Record, Domus, I.D. Magazine, Interior Design, Interiors, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, New York Magazine, Time, Newsweek, Forbes and The New York Times.

About IBI/HB Architects

IBI/HB Architects has a reputation for innovative design and exceptional service. The firm established this reputation through a broad range of residential, commercial and institutional projects. IBI/HB is known for designing projects with a "listening attitude" combining exceptional material and spatial quality with a strong conceptual basis derived from the specific needs and aspiration of each client.

About Paragon

Paragon Development Ltd. is one of North America's leading destination resort developers. The company's principals are responsible for the successful development and operation of numerous landmark projects throughout North America, with special emphasis on gaming-based destinations.

Paragon currently operates casinos in Western Canada including the highly successful River Cree Resort outside of Edmonton, Alberta, and purchased Edgewater Casino on Vancouver's waterfront in 2006.

SOURCE Paragon Development Ltd.