commentPROJECT COST: $120 million
Despite the current state of the economy, there appears to be little slowdown in Cherokee, N.C., where the Eastern Band of Cherokees is investing $633 million in its hospitality and gaming properties.
One of the biggest pieces of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel’s expansion plans is the Hotel Tower III project, with a construction cost of $120 million. Turner Construction Co. of Charlotte, N.C., working as construction manager-at-risk, is overseeing the construction of the 21-story, 532-room luxury tower.
The 500,000-sq-ft hotel will include 532 rooms, including nine suites; lobby and public areas on the first and second floors; a 3,000-seat events center; 16,000-sq-ft spa; poker and gaming rooms; restaurant and retail outlets; and hotel and casino parking garages.
Turner’s contract also includes miscellaneous renovations in existing hotel back-of-house areas.
The design of the new facilities, including the new hotel tower, will utilize the Eastern Band of Cherokee’s collection of Native American art portraying local culture. Cuningham Group of Minneapolis is the project architect.
Michell Hicks, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokees, said at the July 2009 groundbreaking: “Despite the economy, the expansion will position the property in perfect position – and ahead of the competition – when the economy rebounds.”
Key Facts:
Location: Cherokee, N.C.
Owner: Eastern Band of Cherokees
Contractor: Turner Construction Co.,Charlotte, N.C.
Architect: Cuningham Group,Minneapolis, Minn.
Start Date: July 2009
Completion Date: December 2010
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