78 Indian Gaming April 2017

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The Kalispel Tribe recently announced it will bebreaking ground in late spring 2017 on a nearly $20 million expansion of Northern Quest Resort &Casino and a high-end signature RV Resort. The resortexpansion will include Kids Quest and Cyber Quest, aday care/entertainment center and family-friendly arcade,additions to the food court and Windfall, a new retailstore featuring a variety of outdoor recreational items,home and sporting goods and more.

“We’ve worked very hard the past 17 years to ensureour successful gaming opportunities create a thriving andsustainable source of funding for our government, whileproviding our people with access to quality education,healthcare and employment,” says Kalispel Tribal Chairman Glen Nenema. “Through it all, our intent has beento diversify and build our dream of creating a fun place for thewhole family.”

The Northern Quest expansion will include 40,000 sq. ft.connected to the current south side of the casino. The grandfaçade will feature beautiful floor to ceiling windows with a two-story circular beacon rising through the roof. Theexpansion plans were designed locally by Parametrix and ALSCArchitects. The projected opening is early spring 2018.

“We’re excited to bring additional family-friendly enter-tainment options to the West Plains,” says Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority Chief Operation Officer Phil Haugen.“For many years, our vision has included the desire to developthe property south of Northern Quest and create an evenlarger entertainment destination with a true sense of place and community.”

The initial part of Phase I construction will bring up to

100 new permanent jobs to the community, along with severalbusinesses that are unique to the market. “For the past severalyears, we’ve been working on a master development plan forthis property,” says Brandon Haugen, General Manager ofKalispel Development Company. “We believe the timing is rightto move forward with this new venture and we’re thrilled tounveil the first part of a multi-phased mixed-use developmentthat will continue to transform this area of the West Plains.”

The Kalispel Tribe intends to continue developing its property in Airway Heights and growing Northern Quest asa regional entertainment destination. “We appreciate theincredible loyalty of our long time guests and team members,” said Northern Quest General Manager Nick Pierre,“and we plan to continue providing the same four-diamond,four-star Kalispel hospitality that our guests have come toexpect from us. We can’t wait to unveil the next chapter in theevolution of entertainment at Northern Quest.”

Kalispel Tribe Announces Northern Quest Expansion With Family-Friendly Entertainmentand High-End RV Resort

Sycuan Casino recently announced that the organization hasstarted construction on its $226 million expansion. The projectincludes not only an expansion of the gaming floor and available

player positions, but also provides several program andamenity enhancements to the property.

Expansion of the gaming experience will includecasino floor space to accommodate a total of 2,500Class III machines, 300 Class II machines and 80 tablegames throughout the facility.

A dramatic 12-story hotel tower will feature 300guest rooms, including 50 suites in various configu-rations and amenity packages. The hotel will also feature a spa and fitness area that will provide a full-service experience including treatment rooms,steam and sauna and a variety of exercise equipment.

The pool and gardens area will feature a resort styleadult pool, including cabanas and open pool deck,along with a bar and grill, lazy river and a dedicatedfamily pool.

Conferences and events will be supported through an11,401 sq. ft. ballroom with a concert seating capacity of

Sycuan Casino Breaks Ground on $226 Million Hotel and Resort Expansion

L-R: Xusha Brown, Sr. , Council Member; Henry Murphy, Vice Chairman; LaShunnaDavidson, Treasurer; Cody Martinez, Chairman; Joshua Muse, Council Member; AlannaSandoval, Council Member; Charlene Worrell, Secretary.

1,200 and a banquet seating capacity of 700. Breakoutmeeting rooms including a junior ballroom will not only provide added meeting flexibility, but also the opportunityfor interior and exterior events, including weddings andsocial functions. The junior ballroom will feature west-facing exterior exposure with views of the pool and gardensand the stunning backdrop of the surrounding hills.

Taking advantage of the dramatic western views of thepools and gardens, are a broad mix of fast casual to fine diningoptions. Options will include a fresh market of fast casualoptions, a raw bar and exterior lounge, a contemporary threemeal restaurant and a chef-driven fine dining experience.Improvements will be made to a number of the existing food and beverage venues, including a conversion of theexisting GameDay Sports Bar & Grill to a brew housefocused on local craft beer.

"It is with great excitement and pride that we are makingthis investment," said Cody Martinez, Chairman of the SycuanTribal Council. "This is not only on behalf of the tribe, but onbehalf of our team members and our guests. We are takingSycuan to the next level."

"We are very excited to offer our clientele a number of newamenities," said John Dinius, General Manager at SycuanCasino. "All of these non-gaming amenities have becomeimportant to not only offer a full-service resort experience forour guests, but also to stay competitive in this environment."

April 2017 Indian Gaming 79

The Little River Bandof Ottawa Indians(LRBOI) and Dirk StoneReal Estate recently helda groundbreaking cere-mony for their housingdevelopment project inFruitport Township, MI.The development iscalled Odeno, whichmeans “a place of manyhearts” or a “village” in the tribe’s nativeAnisinaabe language.

The event kicked offat the site of the future housing development. The Little RiverBand plans to develop the site in five phases, with the first phaseincluding 115 new homes.

The housing development is open to the general public andwill feature homes ranging from starter homes of $150,000 tolarger homes with walkouts and other additional features to$300,000.

The groundbreaking featured several speakers as well as adrum ceremony. Among those speaking were Tribal OgemaLarry Romanelli and Fruitport Township Supervisor Heidi Tice.

Fruitport Community Schools formally owned the 120-acreparcel. The school district determined it did not need the property and sold it to the tribe in 2016. The housing development will provide homes for 300 new families while

returning the land to the tax rolls, providing additional fundsto the local school district and community.

“Our goal was to work with the local community to developa unique village that offers homes of different sizes and ameni-ties for first time home buyers, retirees and growing familiesin the area,” said Larry Romanelli, Tribal Ogema of the LittleRiver Band of Ottawa Indians. “Odeno will be a special placewhere residents will enjoy living in energy efficient homes ina community with ponds, parks, natural areas and walkways.”

The Odeno development is a collaborative economic devel-opment investment in the Fruitport community to furtherhelp Fruitport stand out as a community of choice for peopleof all ages, professions and income levels.

Little Band of Ottawa Indians Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Unique HousingDevelopment in Fruitport Township, MI

Tribal Ogema Larry Romanelli welcomes thecrowd to the groundbreaking ceremony.

Ogema Romanelli and local Muskegon community leaders put first shovelsin the ground.

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OPENINGS & EXPANSIONS

The anticipated $90 million expansion and renovation of the Legends campus takes another step toward completion withthe February opening of a new hotel on the property. The newresort includes a six story, 200 room hotel and conference center, and once complete, the casino’s gaming floor will beexpanded by over 50,000 sq. ft.

The new hotel’s 200 guest rooms and suites feature a warm,contemporary design with Native American accents, includingposh furnishings and efficient work spaces. Amenities includevalet parking, Wi-Fi, indoor swimming pool, hot tub and fitnesscenter. For guests travelling with four-legged companions,pet-friendly rooms are available on the first floor.

“Opening is just the first step,” Letisha noted, “We havemuch more in store for our current and future guests, and we’llcontinue to share information through our website and socialmedia outlets in the coming months.” Meeting planners andgroups are encouraged to reach out to the Hospitality SalesManager for assistance as the regional venue prepares to welcome guests.

In late January 2017, a portion of the 50,000 sq. ft. casinofloor expansion opened. Now, the casino features nearly 1,500of the newest, hottest slots with 18 tables for guests who preferblackjack, Spanish 21, roulette or craps. To further entertainguests, Keno and an exciting poker room are available.

To further enhance the guest experience, the buffet relocatedand expanded to include over 375 seats with a state-of-the-artkitchen facility. New menus and expanded favorites awaittourists and locals in the buffet. For sandwiches and fried fare,Daubers Deli continues to delight, and Lucky Shots espressobar has expanded for those seeking a specialty drink or bakedgoods.

“The entire Legends Casino Hotel team is excited to welcome guests to the new facility,” said Letisha Peterson, General Manager. “Renovation of the existing casino is under-way, and we anticipate unveiling these updates for guests laterthis year.”

Legends Casino Hotel Opens First Phase of $90 Million Expansion

In 1983 the Soboba Tribe of San Jacinto, CA cautiously ven-tured into Indian gaming with humble beginnings, a simple bingohall in a temporary sprung structure and pre-fabricated trailer.After 22 years of struggles and challenges, legal battles andnegotiations, changes and building, the tribe and casino management proudly broke ground to mark the beginning ofthe construction of a modern, permanent casino-resort.

Tribal Administrator and Soboba tribal member MichaelCastello opened the ceremony by welcoming the invited guestsand dignitaries present, and then introduced Steven Estrada,Chairman of the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians who provided a traditional prayer and blessing in his native language.Castello then introduced Soboba Tribal Council ChairmanScott Cozart, Vice-Chair Isaiah Vivanco, Treasurer Kelli Hurtado, Sergeant at Arms Rose Salgado, and Secretary Monica Herrera who was unable to attend due to unforeseencircumstances. Before a few words by the Chairman, Council-woman Salgado recognized all of the tribal elders, youth and

tribal members for their attendance, support and participation.She stated, "We must give gratitude for all our ancestorsbefore us and for those who fought for our rights." Salgado continued, "We must acknowledge all the tribal members andelders who gave us perseverance."

Those in attendance included Soboba tribal members,administrators, city and corporate officials, casino managementand team members as well as hundreds of invited guests whocame to witness the historic occasion.

The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, who have longaspired and fought to replace their current facility, celebratedthe official ground breaking of the new property. The newresort-casino will be located just a few miles from the currentcasino property.

The modern, expansive gaming, hospitality, and entertain-ment complex will feature an 83,500 sq. ft. casino floor with2,000 slot machines and 24 table games, surrounded byeateries, bars, a sports lounge, a high limit room and many

Soboba Tribe Breaks Ground for Replacement Casino and Resort

other indoor and outdoor amenities. The new state of the arthotel will feature over 200 rooms and suites. According tothe individual who has been tasked to build this monumental project and the future casino-resort's General Manager ScottSirois, guests will arrive to a hotel with spectacular amenities andsumptuous suites, modern technology and a few surprises. Theseextra touches will be a first for the Inland Empire.

C.W. Driver, the builders tasked with bringing the project to life, were also in attendance at the ground

breaking ceremony. “We’re thrilled to be working on the newcasino and hotel development project with the SobobaTribe,” said Richard Freeark, Senior Vice President of C.W. Driver Companies’ San Diego operations.

The new facility will generate hundreds of new job opportunities and millions of dollars of economic stimulusfor the local community, an opportunity which the city of SanJacinto is welcoming with open arms. During the groundbreaking event, Scott Miller, Mayor of San Jacinto, CAissued a heartfelt vow of support and approval to the SobobaTribe. He stated that, "Long after all of us are gone, yourlegacy will go on. This center will become the diamond ofthis valley, a place to enjoy, refresh and relax. You are helping fulfill the purpose of this valley, for people to get awayand rejuvenate their souls."

Those who had the honor of “breaking ground” at theceremony included Tribal Council Chairman Scott Cozart,Vice Chair Isaiah Vivanco, Treasurer Kelli Hurtado andSergeant at Arms Rose Salgado. Soboba Casino directors werealso invited to “break ground” in the ceremony, included General Manager Scott Sirois, Director of Marketing MichaelJ. Broderick, Director of Slots Joe Whitman, Director ofTable Games Jason Cozart, Director of Finance Sean Sadeghi,Director of Property Management Rick Herron, Director ofHuman Resources Barbara Mendez, Director of Food andBeverage Cherie Wood, Director of Security Ken Toler,and Director of IT Steven Nino.

The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indiansrecently hosted a grand opening ceremony for its new 7,200 sq. ft., $1.7 million Elder Care Center. The new ElderCare Center is located at the site of the old center in Bowler,WI, on the Stockbridge-Munsee reservation.

The new Elder Care Center offers more than 120 tribalelders daily meal services, transportation services, activities andrecreational opportunities, and chore services, including snow removal, lawn maintenance and window washing. Key features of the building include a lounge with a fireplace, a commercial grade kitchen, a 120-seat dining room and profes-sional meeting areas with video conferencing capabilities.

“Building a new home for our elderly has been a goal of ourTribal Council for many years, and I am excited to see it come to fruition,” said Shannon Holsey, President of theStockbridge-Munsee Tribal Council.

"It's great to see the Stockbridge-Munsee providing furtherinvestment into their elderly population through the newElder Care Center,” said Wisconsin State Senator Robert Cowles.“The vital services provided, including home-delivered meals,transportation and recreational activities, will only be enhancedthrough this new facility, and will serve as an asset to thewhole community."

“The Stockbridge-Munsee’s continued partnership andinvestment in the community with this new Elder Care Center is an important addition and resource for many in thearea,” said Wisconsinn State Representative Gary Tauchen. “I applaud the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indiansin their efforts.”

The Stockbridge-Munsee tribe used local design-build general contractor, Bayland Buildings, to complete the ElderCare Center project, which began in summer 2016.

April 2017 Indian Gaming 81

Grand Opening Ceremony Held for Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe’s New Elder Care Center

L-R: Tribal Council Chairman Scott Cozart, Vice Chair Isaiah Vivanco,Sergeant at Arms Rose Salgado, and Treasurer Kelli Hurtado.

Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Council President Shannon Holsey and othertribal leaders cut the ribbon at the tribes new Elder Care Center that willprovide a variety of service to tribal and community elders.

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OPENINGS & EXPANSIONS

Pechanga Resort & Casinoheld a grand opening cele-bration to mark the comple-tion of its new East ParkingGarage adjacent to the casino/resort property. The five-level, 2,400-space garage isthe first phase of Pechanga’s$285 million resort expansionto be completed. PechangaDevelopment CorporationPresident, Edith Atwood, alsoannounced they will installsolar panels on the roof topstarting this summer. The system will generate about 650kilowatts, which is enoughrenewable energy to powerapproximately 100 homes.

Other Pechanga electedofficials including membersof the Pechanga Development Corporation and Tribal Council attended the event, along with members of the mediaand resort/casino leadership. Teams from McCarthy BuildingCompanies and International Parking Design were also inattendance.

“Completion of this garage marks an important milestonein the Pechanga resort expansion,” said Edith Atwood, President of the Pechanga Development Corporation. “Thisfacility replaces and adds to the parking that was displaced withthe resort expansion. This new facility is geared with the latest state-of-the art technology from way-finders to electriccharging stations.”

As one of the most technologically advanced and ecologi-cally minded casino/resorts in the country, Pechanga Resort & Casino adopts the latest-available wayfinding systems andelectric vehicle charging stations inside of the new parkinggarage. Electronic sensors on each floor communicate avail-able spaces to lights above each stall, and to space counter boards

for greatest ease of use. These additions help cut down the timeguests spend circling for available spots. Forty-four electric vehicle charging stations can be found on first floor with threeof them available exclusively for Tesla vehicles. PechangaResort & Casino parking areas now feature a total of 57 EVcharging stations. Pechanga offers 11,209 parking spaces forits resort/casino.

Pechanga and its project builder, McCarthy Building Companies, broke ground on the new garage in December2015. The project put 400 regional construction tradesmen andwomen to work. Materials used in building were also sourcedfrom Southern California. Builders poured 104,000,000 poundsof concrete into the Pechanga East Parking Garage. More than3,200,000 pounds of reinforcing steel went into the structure,along with 173,000 lineal feet of conduit and cable wiring. It took crews 4,930 gallons of paint to beautify the exterior. The perimeter is also lined with dozens of pepper and sycamoretrees and other lush foliage.

“For a city that continues to grow and prosper, we are honoredto have worked with Pechanga to enhance this community landmark,” said Robert Betz, Executive Vice President atMcCarthy Building Companies, Inc. “Our team is proud of thecollaborative efforts that went into the design and construc-tion of the parking structure, ultimately creating a solid infrastructure with advanced technology that can improve theflow of operation and needs of Pechanga’s visitors."

Pechanga’s new parking garage features, natural-looking rock walls that tie in the décor and look of other areas of theresort, lush landscaping around its perimeter and European-style planter boxes hung from each of the five levels to facePechanga Parkway.

Don Marks, President of IPD, stated, “The design challenge

Pechanga Cuts Ribbon on First Phase of Expansion

L-R: Raymond Basquez, Jr., Michael Vasquez, Patrick Murphy, Edith Atwood, Butch Murphy, Marc Luker, ChristinaMcMenamin, Andrew Masiel, Sr.

April 2017 Indian Gaming 83

Members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Planning andInfrastructure (P&I) Division recently dedicated time to helppour the foundation for the Akwesasne Veterans MemorialMonument.

The Veteran’s Memorial is being erected inside theTewathahitha Walking Trail located at Generations Park andwill proudly recognize the military service of Akwesasne community members who served in the U.S. or CanadianArmed Forces. A public unveiling of the monument will be heldon May 27. The Tribe’s Communications Department is seeking names of all Akwesasne veterans, as well as those currently serving, for recognition during the event.

Akwesasne Veterans Memorial Monument Construction Underway

L-R: Operator Abraham “Plum” Back, Construction Manager Brent Herne,Operator Teddy Square, AVMM Committee Chairperson Tribal Sub-ChiefCheryl Jacobs (USMC/US Army Veteran) and laborer Tyson Back.

included efficiently circulating a large number of vehicles inand out of the facility as well as providing for safe pedestrianpaths to the resort. It was a pleasure working with the PechangaDevelopment Corporation (PDC) on the design and deliveryof this important project. PDC staff provided guidance and

feedback that contributed to the delivery of a successful project.” By November 2017, McCarthy will also add a highlyanticipated feature to the garage – a moving sidewalk that willshuttle guests from the casino-facing elevator bank to Pechanga’smain casino entrance.

Steel construction at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort'sMulti-Tainment center officially finished at a recently held Topping-Out Ceremony. The event was attended by tribal dignitaries, elders from the Cherokee Senior Games team andmembers of the construction.

The topping out ceremony has its roots in Scandinaviawhere a small tree was placed on top of a new building as a tribute to the trees that were removed during construction. The last piece of steel was painted white and signed by the construction team, casino and tribal leaders as well as members of the community.

The Multi-Tainment center will feature 24 bowling lanes,a bar, four private party rooms in addition to a restaurant withlive entertainment. Construction is scheduled to conclude byFall 2017. ®

84 Indian Gaming April 2017

OPENINGS & EXPANSIONS

Construction of Mystic Lake Center –Mystic Lake Casino Hotel’s new hoteltower and state-of-the-art conventioncenter – passed the midpoint this week,with completion set for late 2017. Hundreds of Shakopee MdewakantonSioux Community elected leaders andemployees, Mystic Lake team members,and workers who are constructing thenew building gathered for a “topping-off” ceremony in March to celebrate passing the milestone.

PCL Construction Services, Inc. is overseeing construction of Mystic Lake Center and the new hotel. Vice President and District Manager MikeHeadrick said, “We often get the questionfrom someone in the public, ‘So, what’snext at Mystic?’ They ask that questionbecause, as history has shown, there’salways something next at Mystic and it’salways worth waiting for. Once again, Mystic Lake has raisedthe bar for quality, hospitality, excitement, and sheer artistry.”

Upon completion, features of the new space will include anine-story hotel tower featuring 180 rooms. This will make Mystic Lake Casino Hotel the second-largest hotel in the metroarea, with 766 rooms. Also added will be a 70,000 sq. ft. meet-ing and event center with three-story windows overlooking

The Meadows at Mystic Lake. It will feature two large ballrooms,several smaller breakout meeting rooms, and an executive meeting room with a balcony overlooking the golf course.

Speakers at the topping-off ceremony included Charles R. Vig,Chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community(SMSC), and Angela Heikes, President and CEO of the SMSCGaming Enterprise.

Construction of Mystic Lake Center Marks Midpoint With Topping-Off Ceremony

L-R: Allene Ross, SMSC Gaming Enterprise Board Treasurer; Rebecca Crooks-Stratton, SMSC GamingEnterprise Board Director; Rob Totenhagen, SMSC Gaming Enterprise Board Vice-Chairman; AngelaHeikes, SMSC Gaming Enterprise President and CEO; Charles R. Vig, SMSC Chairman; Keith Anderson,SMSC Vice-Chairman; Mike Headrick, PCL Construction Services, Inc. Vice President and District Manager;Ed Stevenson, SMSC Economic Development Officer; and Bryan Hamlin, Worth Group ArchitectsPartner/Chief Design Officer.

Principle Chief Patrick Lambert and members of the Cherokee Senior GamesTeam sign the topping-off beam.

Harrah's Cherokee Tops-Out Steel Construction of New Addition