Development expected to spur nearly 1,000 direct, indirect jobs

Potawatomi Bingo Casino, owned and operated by the Forest County Potawatomi Community, announced this week it is building a $150 million hotel adjacent to Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley, creating new jobs and generating millions in additional revenue for the Milwaukee area.

The proposed hotel will be a 4-star/4-diamond level hotel with 382 rooms, a full-service spa and a casual-dining restaurant. The Tribe is hoping to break ground in late spring/ early summer 2012. Construction is expected to last about two years.

“Since opening Potawatomi Bingo Casino more than two decades ago, the Forest County Potawatomi has shown a continued commitment to investing in Milwaukee,” said Mike Goodrich, Potawatomi Bingo Casino General Manager and Forest County Potawatomi tribal member. “A hotel development will strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Casino.”

The hotel will add about 230 permanent jobs to the 2,500 already existing at the Casino. Analysis shows about another 800 indirect jobs being created by other local businesses that will benefit from visitor, supplier and employee spending. An additional 995 jobs will be created during the project’s construction.

“We believe this hotel project is the next logical step, to not only ensure that Potawatomi Bingo Casino remains a vibrant entertainment choice, but also makes it an attractive destination on a regional level,” said Goodrich.

This project is intended as an amenity for the Casino’s guests with a focus on attracting new Casino visitors. Independent experts believe that a hotel at Potawatomi Bingo Casino will grow the overall hotel market in Milwaukee. Analysis shows about 90 percent of stays at a Potawatomi Bingo Casino hotel would be visitors to Milwaukee who are currently not spending the night at an area hotel.

Significant economic and revenue benefits from this project will be seen locally and statewide. The project will generate nearly $10 million per year in additional revenue for the City and County of Milwaukee, VISIT Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin from property, sales, exposition and personal income taxes.

The hotel development will be smoke-free and green, designed to include a number of environmentally friendly features. Measures under consideration include an innovative storm water capture system, the use of native plant species in the landscape design and other energy and water efficiency measures to aid the environment and control long-term costs.

With 3,100 slot machines, nearly 100 table games, a 1,300-seat bingo hall, four full-service restaurants and a 500-seat theater, Potawatomi Bingo Casino is the largest tribally owned and operated casino in the country without an adjacent hotel.

“The Forest County Potawatomi and Potawatomi Bingo Casino take great pride in being an important part of attracting tourists to Milwaukee,” said Goodrich. “This hotel project is just another way we are able to achieve that goal.”

The project is subject to securing financing and approval of development plans.

Greenfire Management Services will serve as the development’s project manager.

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