Sol Kerzner was our very first casino client. The project was The Cascades in Bophuthatswana, South
Africa, and it would later be considered the first integrated casino resort, with gaming, a man-made lake, championship golf courses and world-class entertainment.

The synergism between Sol and Lifescapes International Founder/CEO, Don Brinkerhoff, was abundantly clear from the start, and they would go on to become good friends.

The origin of this “cascade/lake” area at The Cascades was a result of the ownership having blasted the area for the rockwork to be used, leaving the expanse looking like a massive quarry. Don suggested that Sol turn this potential eyesore into an amenity…which it became, with a suspension bridge for guests to enjoy the lake below.

Lifescapes’ President, Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, invited Sol to speak on her G2E panel in the 1980’s, before The Mirage opened. This helped pave the way for Don’s interview with Steve Wynn, which began our 35+ years designing in the gaming industry (with over 30 casino resorts in Clark County, Nevada, and 60 around the world).

Sol would go on to open Mohegan Sun and the tremendous Atlantis Resort in the Caribbean.

Sol’s contribution to the industry is felt at Lifescapes International and, most deeply, by Don. We will continue the legacy we started with Sol almost 40 years ago, and pay homage to a man who devoted his life to the tourism sector and always strived to bring beauty into being.