Ho-Chunk Nation moves forward with major enterprise renovations
By Kaili Berg
Bigger, brighter gaming experiences for guests are on the horizon for the Ho-Chunk Nation’s casinos and hotels in Black River falls, Wisconsin Dells, and Wittenberg.
On Tuesday, August 16, press release was issued by the Office of the President, stating that renovation and expansion projects to three Ho-Chunk Nation casinos is slated to begin in September.
“We took a hard look at what’s going to create the biggest return and Black River Falls, Wisconsin Dells, and Wittenberg had shown that and with the funding that was allocated these were the choices.” said Robert Reider, senior marketing manager of the Business Department.
The renovation and expansion plans are contained in what has been deemed “Project Forward.”
“Project Forward is a community reinvestment plan that keeps us reminded that we need to move forward with our enterprises,” Reider said.
Casino expansions have been planned and talked about since the Nation finished Phase II of the Ho-Chunk Gaming-Wisconsin Dells in 1999, in all of the casinos, he said. Since then the Nation has slowly been making minor improvements to its casinos.
In 2008, the idea of Project Forward was taken seriously, after tribal members said that the Nation needs to update its current facilities. The Ho-Chunk Nation president, Department of Business, and Legislature took notice of this, Reider said.
According to the press release, the new project includes gaming floor expansions with additional slots, brand new hotels, new restaurants and bars, smoke free gaming areas and major cosmetic enhancements at the Black River Falls, Wisconsin Dells and Wittenberg locations.
“We are extremely excited to grow and offer new amenities that will only enhance one of the best entertainment experiences in the region,” said Ho-Chunk Nation President Wilfrid Cleveland.
Changes at HCG-Wisconsin Dells will include a new hotel main entrance, lobby, bar, poker room, redesigned casino floor layout, expanded non-smoking casino area, a renovated bingo area, and an expanded buffet.
The changes at HCG-Wittenberg includes a new 84 seat restaurant and bar, a new 86 room hotel, 272 slots will be added, new high limit gaming, new non-smoking casino area, and the casino will be introducing 10 table games.
Also changes at HCG -Black River Falls will include a new 120 room hotel and hotel entry, expanded and redesigned casino floor with an additional 200 slots, high limit gaming, remodeled buffet with an additional 36 seats, and a new parking lot.
“Initially everyone will benefit from the project. Local community members, tribal members, tribal governments and the Ho-Chunk Nation,” said Robert Reider.
The expansions will end up creating 100 more jobs for people, increased revenue for the Ho-Chunk Nation, and will drive tourism into the region.
“It’s a win-win for everyone when we can create more jobs throughout Wisconsin and add more value to our guests’ experience,” Cleveland said.
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