During a recent blessing and lighting ceremony, Ute Mountain Casino and Hotel in Towaoc, Colorado presented the results of its .5 million exterior remodeling project—the first since the property opened in 1992. The hotel was added in 2004. Among the improvements are new surround LED lighting and signage, a new porte-cochere and main casino entrance. Ute Mountain Ute pottery designs and a prominent tribal seal highlight the new earthen color scheme on the resort buildings.
Apprentice General Manager Gary Hayes said, “With the more than 2 million vehicles that pass by here every year, we need to do everything we can to stay competitive attract them into our resort to see what we offer.” Tribal council member DeAnne Wall added, “It gives the tribal community, our state and our employees a real sense of pride. We are striving together for prosperity and have a vision for our people.”
In April, the casino spent $1 million to install a new video marquee, remodel Kuchu’s restaurant and added new games. The hotel’s top-floor rooms soon will be renovated for $1.5 million.
The upgrades are financed through a Ute Mountain Ute economic development fund established from a water rights settlement on the Dolores River.
The casino has 420 employees, of whom 159, or 38 percent, are Ute Mountain tribal members.
Priscilla Blackhawk-Rentz, vice president of the tribe’s economic development board, said the tribe recently opened a pottery trading post in Cortez and purchased White River Construction company in Show Low. Arizona. “We’re broadening our horizons to give tribal members employment opportunities off the reservation as well. Our goal is to leave a legacy of economic development that our kids can build on into the future.”
