Atari Hotel in Phoenix to Debut Futuristic Design Inspired by Tron and Blade Runner
Atari, a renowned pioneer in the video game industry, is advancing its ambitious hotel venture with the upcoming Atari Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona.
This news marks the first major development from the company’s grand 2020 announcement, when then-CEO Fred Chesnais unveiled plans for a chain of Atari-themed hotels across North America.
While initial concepts included locations in Las Vegas, Austin, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and Phoenix, it appears the Phoenix project is the first to break ground, with potential movement in Denver as well. Construction on the Phoenix site at 840 N.
Central Avenue is scheduled to begin later this year.
According to The Independent, and statements from architectural firm Räkkhaus, the Atari Hotel will be a striking addition to Downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District.
Räkkhaus described their vision for the project as, “a radiant structure of movement and energy, ascending from the heart of the city like a digital landmark.
It aims to serve as both a beacon and an emblem of a new era for Phoenix.” The structure will comprise over 90,000 square feet of experience-focused spaces.
Key features include a 20,000-square-foot concert and event center capable of hosting up to 2,000 attendees, a dedicated esports venue, and several immersive environments blending gaming, music, and nightlife.
The hotel’s façade will display pixel grid motifs, while interiors will feature designs inspired by arcade circuitry.
The visual language draws on the high-energy, neon-lit aesthetics of classic science fiction films Tron and Blade Runner, promising guests a truly futuristic atmosphere. Accommodations will consist of 19 themed suites and 72 regular rooms, a subtle homage to 1972 — the year Atari was established.
Additional amenities are set to include a selection of restaurants, retail outlets, and a large pool area envisioned for dynamic parties and gatherings. Zac Cohen, creative director at Räkkhaus, elaborated on their approach, stating, “Our objective was to harmonize architecture with interactive experiences, prioritizing spatial innovation over conventional theme park design.
We’ve created a tower characterized by movement, intelligent surfaces, and a self-illuminating frame.
It represents placemaking on a new level — a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
Phoenix’s embrace of forward-thinking concepts made it the perfect setting for this pioneering project.” The Atari Hotel is being developed through a licensed third-party partnership, ensuring the legendary game company’s intellectual property is front and center while collaborating with local visionaries.
As Atari looks to make its mark on the hospitality industry, the Phoenix hotel stands poised to become a landmark for both gaming enthusiasts and fans of visionary architecture when it opens its doors in the coming years.
This news marks the first major development from the company’s grand 2020 announcement, when then-CEO Fred Chesnais unveiled plans for a chain of Atari-themed hotels across North America.
While initial concepts included locations in Las Vegas, Austin, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and Phoenix, it appears the Phoenix project is the first to break ground, with potential movement in Denver as well. Construction on the Phoenix site at 840 N.
Central Avenue is scheduled to begin later this year.
According to The Independent, and statements from architectural firm Räkkhaus, the Atari Hotel will be a striking addition to Downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District.
Räkkhaus described their vision for the project as, “a radiant structure of movement and energy, ascending from the heart of the city like a digital landmark.
It aims to serve as both a beacon and an emblem of a new era for Phoenix.” The structure will comprise over 90,000 square feet of experience-focused spaces.
Key features include a 20,000-square-foot concert and event center capable of hosting up to 2,000 attendees, a dedicated esports venue, and several immersive environments blending gaming, music, and nightlife.
The hotel’s façade will display pixel grid motifs, while interiors will feature designs inspired by arcade circuitry.
The visual language draws on the high-energy, neon-lit aesthetics of classic science fiction films Tron and Blade Runner, promising guests a truly futuristic atmosphere. Accommodations will consist of 19 themed suites and 72 regular rooms, a subtle homage to 1972 — the year Atari was established.
Additional amenities are set to include a selection of restaurants, retail outlets, and a large pool area envisioned for dynamic parties and gatherings. Zac Cohen, creative director at Räkkhaus, elaborated on their approach, stating, “Our objective was to harmonize architecture with interactive experiences, prioritizing spatial innovation over conventional theme park design.
We’ve created a tower characterized by movement, intelligent surfaces, and a self-illuminating frame.
It represents placemaking on a new level — a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
Phoenix’s embrace of forward-thinking concepts made it the perfect setting for this pioneering project.” The Atari Hotel is being developed through a licensed third-party partnership, ensuring the legendary game company’s intellectual property is front and center while collaborating with local visionaries.
As Atari looks to make its mark on the hospitality industry, the Phoenix hotel stands poised to become a landmark for both gaming enthusiasts and fans of visionary architecture when it opens its doors in the coming years.
