WAYLAND, MI — A $100 million expansion project will bring new dining, entertainment and gaming space to Gun Lake Casino in Wayland Township.

The Gun Lake Tribe says preliminary site work is underway and the new space is expected to open in summer 2021. The project consists of a 76,000-square-foot addition being added to the casino.

“We have undergone a careful and detailed process to understand how to best serve the needs of our current guests – and enhanced dining, entertainment, and gaming amenities are a high priority,” Sal Semola, president and chief operating officer for Gun Lake Casino, said in a statement.

“These great new amenities will provide new experiences for our guests as part of our continued effort to make Gun Lake Casino the premier entertainment destination in western Michigan.”

The new gaming space will house an additional 450 slot machines, 12 table games and a larger non-smoking area.

The expansion, located on the south end of the building, will also double the size of an entertainment area known as Stage 131. Additions to that area include more seating, an outdoor patio and new dining service. Two “upscale” restaurants will be included in the expansion.

Built in 2011, Gun Lake Casino features over 2,000 slot machines, 47 game tables, a high-limit room, a 300-seat buffet, a 225-seat café, as well as lounges, bars and live entertainment.

The casino employs 1,100 people, and officials say they will hire an additional 125 residents as part of the expansion.

“We are proud of the effort of our team members that has driven the continued success of Gun Lake Casino and our Tribe’s contributions to Michigan’s economy in the last eight years,” Tribal Chairman Bob Peters said in a statement. “These expansion plans allow us to build on these efforts and provide even more employment opportunities and increased economic impact in our local communities.”

In a news release, the tribe said construction is expected to start in the coming weeks. The parking area south of the building, near 129th Avenue, will be closed during construction.