Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe recently added to its diversified businesses–including Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley in Minnesota—with the debut of its new InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront hotel. The tribe bought the former Crowne Plaza, St. Paul’s largest hotel, in 2013, and after 19 months and multi-millions of dollars, the property has been totally transformed. Now it offers 410 rooms and suites and the new Citizen Supper Club, in a mid-century modern design that captures the brand’s elegance and glamour.
Chief Executive Officer of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures Joe Nayquonabe Jr. said, “The response has been shock. There hasn’t been much investment or TLC in this place for years and that’s what made it such a ripe opportunity. There’s such a need in this city for a good convention hotel and for another luxury product.” Tribal Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin added, “In our teachings, we focus on protecting future generations. In an economic sense, that means diversifying our economy, which is what these hotels mean for the Mille Lacs Band. We’re especially proud of our partnership with the City of St. Paul, and view this project as evidence of what tribes and cities can achieve when they work together.” Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman noted, “This reinvestment will continue downtown Saint Paul’s rapid growth and vitality. I am thankful to have the partnership of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The opening of the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront is key to the continued success of our downtown business district.”
The hotel renovation is part of the tribe’s St. Paul investment strategy, including the purchase of the Crowne and the nearby Double Tree by Hilton for $37 million in 2014.
In addition to the three hotels and two casinos, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures manages the tribe’s holdings including 2020 Brand Solutions, Embassy Suites Oklahoma City, a cinema, grocery store, gas/convenience stores, golf course, wastewater treatment plant and print shop.
