Supplier News
US – Wind Creek completes $65m renovation
By Phil - 4 January 2016
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery, formerly Creek Casino Montgomery, opened the final phase of its $65m renovation on December 21.
The five story hotel boasts 123 rooms, including eight suites, an events center, and a full-service, high-end salon, retail space and an infinity pool. Montgomery’s sister locations in Atmore and Wetumpka have been designated as AAA Four Diamond hotels, so expectations are high that the Montgomery retreat will garner the same distinction.
Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair/CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which owns Wind Creek Montgomery, Wind Creek Wetumpka and Wind Creek Atmore, said: “I cannot adequately express how proud I feel today, when big plans and big dreams have finally come to fruition.”
Wind Creek Casino like her sister properties, wears a unique look. It features vintage touches throughout including turn-of-the-century street lamps, rough-hewn wooden beams reclaimed from barns, exposed antique brick walls and a state-of-the-art overhead lighting system that includes 25,000 colour-changing bulbs. Its upstairs speak-easy steakhouse, Itta Bena, even includes a secret backdoor entrance to ensure authenticity.
Its walls are embellished with giant hand-painted murals that depict BB King and the music of Beale Street. BB King’s Blues Club includes many of the features from the original BB King Blues Club on Memphis’ Beale Street and will offer live music every night.
The growth is the result of an investment of over $65m by The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, owners of Wind Creek Hospitality. The new gaming floor is home to more than 2,200 gaming machines and a non-smoking game room. As part of the transition, Creek Casino Montgomery will be renamed Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery.
Development and construction were overseen by Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA), the economic development arm of the Poarch Creek Indians.
The expansion and renovations of Creek Casino Montgomery began in 2011 and was done in phases, beginning with a 50,000 square foot, $25m facility; then another 30,000 square foot, $12m facility; along with new parking lots, landscaping and interior renovations to the existing facility. The concept began with totally demolishing parking lots and buildings and completely redesigning the landscape of the area near the Tallapoosa River, which has ultimately led to the Tribe’s latest endeavour at the property.
“Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Montgomery is another win for our Tribe and our State,” said Tim Martin, President and CEO of Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority, that oversaw development of the property. “It brings to the Montgomery market family-friendly entertainment that features the best of the South and celebrates our past while embracing the future.”
