A recent topping-out ceremony marked progress in the major $300 million expansion at Gun Lake Casino in Michigan. The point is coming where the project is likely to start moving very quickly towards completion, which is expected to be in May next year.
Topping out ceremony
Casino leaders and Gun Lake Tribal Council leaders gathered on May 2nd, 2024, for a topping-out ceremony. This is a construction tradition to celebrate the putting of the final beam into place. Before the ceremony, members of the Gun Lake Tribe and Gun Lake Casino employees put their signatures on the final beam.
Bob Peters, chairperson of the Gun Lake Tribal Council, said celebrating accomplishments like this meant a lot to the tribal community. The tribe has other projects in the works, and another accomplishment to be proud of is the popular online casino playgunlake.com where players can play casino games on the internet throughout the state of Michigan.
Construction has been smooth and injury-free
At the ceremony, Sal Semola, the CEO of Gun Lake Casino, and other leaders thanked the work crews of over 300 people. They highlighted that there haven’t been any injuries during construction. This is a great accomplishment that will hopefully continue.
Luxury hotel and more
The 252-room hotel is expected to open next spring. As early as June this year, crews could start placing furniture in the hotel. The current expansion also includes a full-service spa, more dining options, and a meeting space.
Near a new high-limits table games room in the casino will be a 60-seat noodle bar with Asian cuisine, including authentic Chinese food and sushi. The games room will have blackjack-style games and nine baccarat tables. The high-limit table games room and restaurant are expected to be done by the end of the year.
The Wawyé Oasis
A glass atrium of 32,000 square feet will have three pools and a swim-up bar. It is expected to open in a year’s time. The oasis will be kept at 80 degrees year-round and feature palm trees and tropical flora. Each pool and pool deck will create intimate yet social settings within the oasis. The atrium will also be a high-energy entertainment venue that transforms at night into a nightclub or concert environment that can hold up to 2,400 guests.
Gun Lake Casino’s unusual oasis is likely to make it one of the favorite weekend escapes in Michigan. It will provide a resort feel that couples can get in Las Vegas or Florida but can now experience without traveling outside of Michigan.
Excitement about the future
When looking at current economic events, the news on economic growth remains relatively good and nothing should stand in the way of opening next year. There’s a feeling of excitement as the expansion goes on to the next step. The workforce will continue to make the vision a reality. The casino resort could have a significant economic impact on the region.
