The Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ hospitality group Wind Creek has successfully rebranded and opened the former Las Vegas Sands property.
Wind Creek Hospitality Adds 10th Property with Sands Rebranding
PCI Gaming Authority Wind Creek Hospitality has completed the rebranding of Las Vegas Sands, five months after the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved the $1.3bn sale of the property.
The rebranded property features a 282-room AAA Four Diamond hotel, a 183,000 square foot casino floor, a 150,000 square foot retail mall and an event center.
Commenting on the rebrand, Wind Creek President and CEO Jay Dorris said: “Our team has worked to preserve what makes the property a special part of the Bethlehem community while introducing the Wind Creek brand, our Wind Creek Rewards program and our focus towards guest service. We invite everyone to come visit and see why they belong at Wind Creek Bethlehem.”
A grand opening event was held to celebrate the rebranding, including a ribbon cutting ceremony, performances by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians tribal dancers and special gaming promotions.
WCH VP of Business Development Arthur Mothershed has pointed out to the opportunities now made available to the region, citing economic growth and job creation.
The Wind Creek Bethlehem Set to Expand
WCH invested $15 million to complete the rebranding alone. Furthermore, the hospitality company plans to expand the property to include a 300-room hotel and to renovate its Machine Shop 2, allegedly into an indoor water park.
On Thursday, October 10, WCH officials said that the company was already eyeing a new 276-room hotel that would sprawl on 42,000 square meters. Estimated $90 million will go down in building the new property. Meanwhile, WCH is looking to bring flagship assets back to their former glory.
The No. 2 Machine Shop, located next to the main resort building, will get a $250-million facelift, restoring the space into a 400,000 square feet water park, and adding up to 450 hotel room. Wind Creek is also looking to improve on the overall guest satisfaction experience and market itself as a holiday destination.
To this end, the company is trying to fine-tune the amenities offered on its properties. Additional $100 million has been allocated to an indoor park, Dorris specified. However, Wind Creek will seek a partner willing to invest and contribute $150 million to help with funding the park.
Recently, Wind Creek pitched a proposal to develop a multi-million-dollar project and enter Chicago’s promising casino sector. The company has its sights set on East Hazel Crest and Homewood. Based on WCH’s estimates, the company will need to invest $275 million during the first phase of development.
The pitch has found help among local lawmakers, including Homewood Mayor Richard Hofeld who commented that the industry would effectively generate $155 million in the first year of operation alone.
