As early as next spring the Upper Sioux Community could commence with the most substantial addition of space and amenities to the Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort since it first opened its doors in March of 2003.
Rumors had been circling over the tribe’s intention to upgrade facilities for months. On Monday Upper Sioux Community Tribal Chair Kevin Jensvold confirmed rumors of a multi-million dollar project but denied that any decisions had been set in stone.
“As a council it’s our responsibility to always explore opportunities for the tribe. Currently we are considering options to enhance our amenities to offer a better Prairie’s Edge,” said the Chairman. “We believe that there is an opportunity to move forward, to benefit our tribe, our guests and the local economy.”
Jensvold said that the Upper Sioux solicited a number of architectural firms to produce renderings of the project but that the community has yet to decide on a specific drawing.
Consistent among those proposals is the overall scope of project. The Chairman said additions would include approximately eighty supplementary hotel rooms, 15,000 square feet of adjunct meeting and gaming space, plus possible renovations to existing areas such as the buffet and bar. On top of the present workforce of 340, the renovated and newly created space would also make for 30-40 auxiliary jobs.
Jensvold noted that the tribe has yet to come to a final figure on the overall project cost and has also yet to obtain any solid financing.
“It would be a pleasant surprise if we were able to get the financing in place and then settle in on a design and a contractor,” he said.
If the financing and other aspects were in place, Jensvold said that start-to-finish construction would to take approximately eight months from a likely spring start date. Which spring that will be – whether 2010, 2011 and so on – is a question still up in the air.
Whatever action or inaction, Jensvold made it clear that the Upper Sioux are in no haste. A decision will be made based on the greatest potential benefit to the community and will not be forced by notions of favorable markets – though it will be taken into the equation.
We’ re not going to pursue a project unless we’re comfortable with outcome,” said the Chairman. “You always have to consider the next step... it seems like an opportune time to explore opportunities.”
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As early as next spring the Upper Sioux Community could commence with the most substantial addition of space and amenities to the Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort since it first opened its doors in March of 2003.
Rumors had been circling over the tribe’s intention to upgrade facilities for months. On Monday Upper Sioux Community Tribal Chair Kevin Jensvold confirmed rumors of a multi-million dollar project but denied that any decisions had been set in stone.
“As a council it’s our responsibility to always explore opportunities for the tribe. Currently we are considering options to enhance our amenities to offer a better Prairie’s Edge,” said the Chairman. “We believe that there is an opportunity to move forward, to benefit our tribe, our guests and the local economy.”
Jensvold said that the Upper Sioux solicited a number of architectural firms to produce renderings of the project but that the community has yet to decide on a specific drawing.
Consistent among those proposals is the overall scope of project. The Chairman said additions would include approximately eighty supplementary hotel rooms, 15,000 square feet of adjunct meeting and gaming space, plus possible renovations to existing areas such as the buffet and bar. On top of the present workforce of 340, the renovated and newly created space would also make for 30-40 auxiliary jobs.
Jensvold noted that the tribe has yet to come to a final figure on the overall project cost and has also yet to obtain any solid financing.
“It would be a pleasant surprise if we were able to get the financing in place and then settle in on a design and a contractor,” he said.
If the financing and other aspects were in place, Jensvold said that start-to-finish construction would to take approximately eight months from a likely spring start date. Which spring that will be – whether 2010, 2011 and so on – is a question still up in the air.
Whatever action or inaction, Jensvold made it clear that the Upper Sioux are in no haste. A decision will be made based on the greatest potential benefit to the community and will not be forced by notions of favorable markets – though it will be taken into the equation.
We’ re not going to pursue a project unless we’re comfortable with outcome,” said the Chairman. “You always have to consider the next step... it seems like an opportune time to explore opportunities.”
