More Details Emerge With Casino Construction Underway
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians says its Four Winds South Bend casino is slated to be complete in early 2018. Construction on the $400 million project, which includes the casino, hotel and tribal village, is now underway. The development is located on 166 acres that was recently placed into federal trust for use by the Pokagon.
The land represents the first recognized, sovereign tribal lands in the history of the State of Indiana. Chairman John Warren says "we are very excited to begin construction on Four Wind South Bend. Once operating, it will generate revenue to fund services and programs that will create additional economic opportunities for Pokagon Citizens, the city of South Bend, and also fund community projects, local organizations and schools."
Officials say the casino is expected to employ some 1,200 when complete and involve approximately 700 construction jobs along the way. Plans call for the 175,000 square-foot entertainment facility to have 1,800 gaming devices, four restaurants, player’s lounge, coffee shop, three bars, plus retail and parking space.
The construction team for the casino includes:
- Architect: HBG Design of Tennessee
- Civil Engineer: Wightman and Associates of Michigan
- Construction Management: F.A. Wilhelm of Indianapolis
- Owners Representative: Kramer Management Group of Michigan
Four Winds South Bend will be the fourth gaming venture for the Michigan-based tribe in the last decade. It encompasses about 5,000 citizens in Indiana and Michigan.