$410M Expansion Underway at Four Winds Casino in Michigan

July 5, 2011
By Barbra Murray, Contributing Editor

Despite Michigan’s long recession—it began in 2002 for the Great Lakes State—demand for gaming properties in certain parts remains relatively strong. Capitalizing on that interest, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians plans to accommodate eager gamers from Michigan and surrounding states with the $410 million expansion of its Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo.

When Four Winds made its debut in 2007, it set a new standard for gaming destinations in the area. “It caused blue-chip casinos in Indiana to get refreshed,” Eric T. Bush, administrative manager with the Michigan Gaming Control Board, told Commercial Property Executive. “The property presently features 135,000 square feet of gaming space, a 165-room hotel, four restaurants and retail options. The expansion plans calls for a new nine-story tower offering 250 additional guestrooms and a 1,600-seat entertainment complex that will take the property to a new level.”

Michigan’s casinos have to compete with gaming properties in the neighboring states of Illinois and Indiana, but Four Winds will be even better positioned to attract its share of the dice-rollers upon the anticipated summer 2012 completion of its project. “Four Winds is more ritzy than some of the other tribal properties and can compete with the blue-chip casinos,” Bush said. “It serves a demand for that style. Also, it offers more slots and table games and that meets a demand they have in that area. And as you see them start having live entertainment, Vegas-style entertainment, they will attract even more visitors.”