The 0 million ilani Casino Resort near La Center, Washington, which broke ground a year ago is moving towards an April opening—being about 75 percent completed.
The 380,000-square foot casino, being built by the Cowlitz tribe in partnership with the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, will be located west of Exit 16 on Interstate 5, one of the most heavily traveled interstates in the U.S., located less than 100 miles from Portland.
It will have 2,500 slot machines and 75 gaming tables.
The project is in the stage where most of the work has moved indoors, with scaffolding scattered around the sheetrock interiors and the constant clatter and burr of machinery.
Architect and designer for the project is the Las Vegas-based Friedmutter Group, which has designed some of the most prestigious casinos in the industry. The architects plumbed Cowlitz culture to learn about its tribal symbols and heritage.
The casino will include 15 spaces for bars, shops and dining. It will employ about 1,000 permanent workers, who will serve the needs of an expected 4.5 million visitors each year.
