Last year, Bay Mills Indian Community announced the expansion project of its casino. Residents had to wait for almost a year before these constructions began. Today, the predicted project is falling into shape.
This comes after a groundbreaking ceremony held by the Indian community, Bay Mills Executive Council, and Enterprise Team. Bay Mills Resort & Casino is located in the Upper Peninsula. It stands along the Scenic Lakeshore Drive in Brimley.
According to the casino’s general manager, the expansion of the property is much needed. This expansion will allow the operator to give its guests better services and amenities. Richard LeBlanc was speaking during the groundbreaking event.
He explained the event was the beginning of a new, exciting chapter for the casino and the Indian community. Richard expressed his joy as he celebrated the hard work the casino had culminated towards the expansion investment.
The $85 Million Casino Project
The Mills Indian Community had an initial budget of $65 million for the casino expansion. However, that has increased to $85 million. This project might also take longer than expected.
Ideally, the construction is expected to be completed by 2025. It will be worth the wait because the property will have an additional 134 rooms with balconies. This is a needed expansion because the occupancy rates for the current rooms are always almost complete.
The $85 million casino has created jobs for residents. These might end once the expansion project is complete. However, the existing employees will have long-term benefits, including an upgraded break room with additional amenities.
The casino expansion is mainly designed for guests. In other words, guests will enjoy more space and amenities by 2025.
Apart from housing 134 rooms with spectacular balconies, the three-story waterfront property will also house a deli, luxury massage rooms, spas with hot tubs, and a pool with a splash pad. Other additions include a fitness center, a huge conference room, an arcade, a nail salon, and a storefront.
The exterior of the property is also expected to get a facelift. This includes gazebos, outdoor patios, fishing piers, and gardens. The hotel marina will also be renovated.
The Casino Remains Operational
Bay Mills Casino and Resort opened in 1995. It has 0ver 600 slot machines and eight table games.
The property has two restaurants, a golf course, a gift shop, RV-Park, and a hotel. There is also a retail sportsbook with the DraftKings branding.
The casino management does not plan to close the casino during the renovation period. However, it has excused itself from the possible distractions from time to time.
The president of the casino is also proud of the Indian community and its growth over the past few years. Whitney Gravelle expressed her joy last year during the expansion announcement.
She credits the community’s ancestors for the growth and journey the casino has experienced. Whitney said that the Bay Mills Indian Community was the first to launch a casino in Michigan.
She also noted that the community pioneers new ideas in the industry. According to the casino’s president, the new casino expansion will elevate Bay Mills Resort and the entire Eastern Upper Peninsula.
