Nine years ago the face of gaming in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana changed dramatically as the Four Winds Casino at New Buffalo burst onto the scene thanks to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Now, shortly after the 10th anniversary of that milestone, the Four Winds brand will welcome its fourth casino into the fold with Four Winds South Bend.
Tribal members and Four Winds officials told reporters this week that the new 175,000 square foot casino is now under construction on their Trust Land in South Bend. It will be the fourth property in the Four Winds brand with the other three all anchored in Michigan at New Buffalo, Hartford and Dowagiac. South Bend will be the second largest of the line-up, featuring some 1,800 Class II gaming devices for guests.
The first phase of the project is now under construction and in addition to the gaming floor will feature four restaurants, a player's lounge, a coffee shop, three bars, a retail outlet, and approximately 4,500 parking spaces including an enclosed parking structure. Current plans call for the casino to be completed in early 2018 with a staff of roughly 1,200 people. Another 700 jobs will be created for skilled tradesmen during the construction process.
John P. Warren is Chairman of the Pokagon Band. He told the audience this week, "We are very excited to begin construction on Four Winds 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."
Ernie Stevens Jr is Chair of the National Indian Gaming Association. He was on hand for the ceremonies as well and said that on behalf of his association he congratulates the Pokagon Band "on its historic 166-acre Tribal Homeland Restoration." He adds, "This 22-year journey has been a long one for Pokagon Citizens. We are happy to see the United States fulfilling its promises from Treaties made long ago. It is only fair and just for the sacrifices our Elders made on our behalf."
Frank Freedman is Chief Operating Officer of Four Winds Casinos. He says, "When Four Winds New Buffalo opened nine years ago, it set a new standard for gaming in the Midwest. It has since received more than 300 local and national awards." He adds, "Four Winds South Bend will offer the same high-level of service and amenities that our guests have come to expect including signature restaurants such as Copper Rock Steakhouse and The Buffet. We look forward to providing more details on the property as well as information about job fairs and vendor fairs as we progress through construction."
The new South Bend casino will have both a Copper Rock Steakhouse and The Buffet among their restaurant options available for guests.
Partners supporting the Pokagon Band and Four Winds Casinos in the construction process include the following:
- Architect — HBG Design of Memphis
- Civil Engineer — Wightman & Associates of Benton Harbor
- Construction Management — F.A. Wilhelm of Indianapolis
- Owners Representative — Kramer Management Group of Lansing
Four Winds New Buffalo was the first casino operation, opening in 2007. Four Winds Hartford was next in 2011 and Four Winds Dowagiac opened in 2013.
