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Exciting developments are taking place at Wayland’s Gun Lake Casino.
Gun Lake held a ceremonial groundbreaking event on May 19 to mark the commencement of its $300 million Phase 5 expansion, located on the west side of its property.
The plans feature a brand-new hotel comprising 15 floors, along with an Aquadome that boasts three pools. Notably, the Aquadome has the capability to transform into a concert venue and banquet center.
Gun Lake Casino, which is owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi, currently boasts an impressive assortment of amenities including 2,500 slot machines, 47 table games, and much more.
The new expansion projects are scheduled to have their grand opening in March 2025.
What’s included in Phase 5 of Gun Lake’s expansion?
The main emphasis of Phase 5 is on the introduction of the new hotel and Aquadome, while also encompassing additional features such as a new café, gift shop, spa, and lobby bar.
According to Gun Lake Casino CEO, Sal Semola, Phase 5 is set to turn the property into an exceptional resort that will provide a top-notch experience for visitors. The design elements of the project will undoubtedly result in a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. Over the past 11 years, the Gun Lake Tribe and our dedicated team at Gun Lake Casino have worked relentlessly to bring this vision to life. This is merely the next phase in our journey to establish our property as the leading entertainment destination in the Midwest.
Aquadome
The Aquadome, a six-story structure, will span over an area of 32,000 square feet and feature three pools.
There will be a pool designated for families, another for individuals aged 21 and above, and a separate one exclusively for VIP guests.
Additionally, the Aquadome will include a swim-up bar, live palm trees, and tropical flora as part of its features.
When the facility is not in use for swimming, it can be converted into a concert venue, banquet center, and entertainment center.
The Aquadome’s dynamic form is shaped by the sun’s daily journey across the site, creating reflections of Michigan’s four seasons in the sky.
Hotel
The hotel is planned to have a total of 15 floors, featuring a grand total of 252 rooms. Among these rooms, there will be 30 luxurious suites, along with a remarkable two-story suite located on the top floors.
The hotel and resort draw inspiration from Gun Lake and the surrounding landscape in the area, reflecting it in their color palettes and design.
Other additions
Additionally, the following will be included in Phase 5:
- The Sandhill Café boasts a restaurant that serves three meals a day and accommodates 137 seats.
- New gift shop
- The Aquadome can be seen from the lobby bar.
- Full-service spa
- There are brand new swimming pools and a hot tub.
- A place to conduct business and host meetings.
Expansion could create 350 jobs, economic boost
Even though the Phase 5 expansion costs $300 million, its projected economic impact is estimated to be $650 million.
Additionally, the expansion project is expected to generate approximately 350 job opportunities.
Semola expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, highlighting job creation as one of the many exciting aspects. The company takes pride in offering career opportunities with excellent benefits to individuals in the community. The newly created positions will span across various departments such as guest relations, housekeeping, entertainment, and more.
HBG Design will be responsible for managing the layout of Phase 5.
