Nahni Ridge

Date & Location

September 2024 - December 2024
Orlando, Florida

Where Heritage Meets Spirit and Nature.

Nahni Ridge is an original destination concept designed to reimagine how themed environments can celebrate and preserve local culture. Set in the rugged landscapes of northern Texas, this immersive settlement draws inspiration from traditional Western heritage while weaving in elements of supernatural wonder. It offers a fully integrated experience featuring shopping, dining, entertainment, and lodging, all connected through a rich narrative that honors the land and its people. As a crossroads for travelers along historic routes, Nahni Ridge becomes not just a stop along the journey, but a destination where guests connect with history, community, and the spirit of the wild.

Project Type
School Project
”Collaborative Studio”
University of Central Florida

Worked with
Brittany McDaniel, Justin Hoskins, Luke Carey, Karlyn Leander

Professor
Ashley Edelbrock
(Principal at PGAV Destinations)

Keywords
Concept Design,
Story Writing,
Themed Experience Development

Key Arts

Nahni Ridge transforms daily, offering two distinct yet interconnected experiences: by day, guests immerse themselves in authentic Wild West culture and harmonious coexistence with nature; by night, the land awakens through spectacular shows of spirits, lights, and the earth’s mystical energy.

Background Story

Location

Located near Amarillo, Texas, about midway along the iconic Route 66, Nahni Ridge offers travelers an authentic and accessible gateway to the American West. Its prime position combines historical charm, natural beauty, and easy connectivity, making it an ideal destination for both short stops and immersive experiences year-round.

Experience

The concept of Nahni Ridge centers on blending authentic Western culture with a mystical, otherworldly narrative to create a place where reality and legend coexist. Inspired by historic figures like Nat Love and shaped by imagined encounters with ancient spirit animals, this destination tells a story of harmony between humanity and nature. By involving local communities in both storytelling and business operations, Nahni Ridge offers guests experiences that are deeply rooted in cultural traditions while sparking imagination through fantastical spectacles. This concept not only entertains but also fosters a sense of stewardship and respect for the environment and the rich histories of the American West.

Your journey begins as you step through a gate with a clock turning backwards, transporting you to another time. Cross an abandoned railroad, like stepping through a magical boundary, into a vibrant Wild West street filled with local crafts, resident artists, bustling markets, saloons, cowboy shows, family-friendly play zones, and fine dining. Discover a hidden theater inside a mountain, illuminated by ancient cave paintings brought to life in a stunning light show. Take a scenic boat ride winding through a mini zoo, offering unique animal encounters exclusively for hotel guests. Outside, an old-fashioned gas station serves as both a traveler’s rest stop and a gateway to this unforgettable intersection of cowboy culture and mystical spirit-animal encounters.

 ↑  Entrance & Gas Station

    ↑  Wild West Town

 ↑  Artists’ Market & Store

   ↑  Town Houses

  ↑  Western Style Hotel

  ↑  Hotel Boardwalk, Mini Zoo, Boat Ride

  ↑  Mini Zoo, Hotel, Boat Ride

  ↑  Mini Zoo

Team Collaboration

This project was a collaborative effort, combining diverse skill sets to deliver a cohesive destination concept. My primary contributions included concept sketches, immersive experience development, and creative problem-solving. Through visual storytelling—ranging from initial bubble diagrams to detailed story sketches—I supported teammates specializing in architecture and construction management. The process highlighted the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, making this team experience especially rewarding.