April 2023 Project Spotlight | Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Third Floor Renovation

The third-floor renovation of the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee is underway. The project will revolutionize the casino’s third floor and usher in the next era of entertainment and experiential gaming.

The project impacts more than 120,000 SF of space and provides guests with new gaming, food, and entertainment experiences. The scope of work is split into four gaming areas that will be delivered in two phases. Greenfire is partnering with Gilbane to serve as the construction manager on the project.

The first phase consists of Areas 3 and 4 at the south end of the floor where the parking garage skywalk ties into the casino. Area 3 occupies the east side which consists of a gaming floor and the new Rock N’ Brews restaurant. Across the promenade to the west is Area 4, which consists of a gaming floor, coffee shop, cashier’s station, as well as a gift shop and general retail store.

The second phase consists of Areas 1 and 2 at the northern half of the floor. Area 1 is the main gaming room which was formerly the bingo hall. The area features a full circular bar as well as Street Eats, a full-service restaurant that mimics an outdoor food truck park. Area 2 sits in between 1 and 3 and is designated as the VIP gaming area. In addition to high-stakes gaming, the area houses the casino rotunda that ties into the hotel.

Throughout the floor, robust finish packages and amenities provide patrons with a new level of experience and gaming. As patrons enter the promenade in Areas 3 and 4, they are met with a highly intricate LED wall system that wraps the columns on either side of the corridor to heighten first impression. The interior of each gaming area showcases 100-foot-long LED screens to enhance the atmosphere. The gaming floor in Area 3 also seamlessly ties into the Rock N’ Brews restaurant so players can enjoy live performances from the elevated stage. Area 4 is highlighted by a custom motorized lighting feature that elevates individual lighting elements in sync with music and graphics displayed on the LED screen. The area also offers several sports book betting stations. The VIP gaming area is framed by custom textured red glazing and dressed to fit the exclusive environment. The area features a guest show kitchen with live cooking presentations, a high-end circular bar with experiential amenities, and the monumental gaming atrium. The gaming areas are fitted with 1,800 slot machines, with Area 1 offering some table games and the VIP area offering both. There are additional experiential amenities situated throughout the floor such as “quick service” food and beverage stations, a Starbucks coffee shop, televisions lining the walls and bars, along with custom flooring and other elements that pay homage to the Potawatomi history and culture of the tribe.

We are pleased to serve as the construction manager in partnership with Gilbane on this high-profile project for our owner, the Forest County Potawatomi, and the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. We would like to thank them for their selection and trust in carrying out this revolutionary vision. The Greenfire project team includes Jessica Henning, project development manager, Mike Holl, superintendent, Connor Wierschem, assistant superintendent, Zach Barrow, project engineer, and Kevin Stockinger, project engineer. The architect is I-5 Design Build.

View construction progress video.