MILWAUKEE
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, which has been operating in Milwaukee for over two decades, announced it will soon be opening its 381-room, 19-story hotel. The property recently granted access to members of the media. It will open to the general public Aug. 18.
The hotel is located in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley and features 381 rooms, the property’s newest restaurant, Locavore; a lobby bar and lounge; a coffee bar featuring local brewer Stone Creek Coffee; and more than 12,000 square feet in new meeting space.
Upon arrival, guests can pull up to the hotel under the expansive porte cochere, which covers a heated walkway underneath. The hotel lobby greets guests with a nod to mother nature. Pillars throughout the space replicate large trees and large leaf canopies.
Far above the lobby an LED lighting system, featuring about 3,200 nodes, can create different patterns, movement and shows from the ceiling. The Color Kinetic System can produce about 16.1 million different colors and provide custom light for any special occasion. It can simulate sun breaking through trees, thunderstorms, raging fires and more. Lighting in the hotel’s elevator bays on the first and third floors can also be programmed to set a variety of moods.
Guest Rooms and Suites
All standard rooms are equipped with an energy-saving intelligent thermostat, a flat-screen television, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. Suites are outfitted with plush living and dining areas, a large master bedroom and bathroom, and access to a connected standard bedroom. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel property.
One presidential suite, taking up a large portion of the hotel’s 19th floor, boasts one-of-a-kind views of the Milwaukee skyline. At $4,000 per night, it is the city’s largest and most expensive hotel suite with about 3,000 square feet, which includes an 800 square-foot patio overlooking the city. The room includes a spacious living area, floor-to-ceiling windows, a huge master bedroom with fireplace and a 60-inch television mounted above.
A spa-like master bathroom with Kohler finishes includes a Jacuzzi. All furnishings and flooring were custom made for the one-of-a-kind space.
Guests will be welcomed to their luxurious suite with a bottle of Dom Perignon. Chocolate truffles, made fresh in the property’s pastry shop, will be served upon turndown. Unlimited limo service and a private chauffeur will be available during the course of their stay.
Business Details and Sustainability
The hotel will allow the property to extend its outreach to potential guests outside of the Milwaukee area, including Chicago—the third largest gaming market in the country.
The hotel is smoke-free and green, including a number of environmentally friendly features integrated into the hotel’s design. These include the use of recycled products and materials during construction, the incorporation of energy efficient design strategies, an innovative storm water management system, the use of native plant species in the landscape design and other measures to aid the environment and control long-term costs. The hotel has applied for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) status.
The hotel is expected to attract a significant number of new visitors to the Milwaukee market, and nearly 250 permanent jobs have been created to staff the hotel. Additionally, hundreds of additional jobs are expected to be created by other local businesses that will benefit from visitor, supplier and employee spending.
The hotel features two walkways, one of the first floor and one on the third floor, that provide direct access to all of the entertainment and dining options in the casino. This includes nearly 3,000 slot machines, 100 table games, a 1,350-seat bingo hall, six additional restaurants and multiple entertainment options, including the 500-seat Northern Lights Theater.
Construction and design partners on the project include owner’s representative, Greenfire Management; general contractor, Gilbane Building Co.; architect Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc.; project consultant, Innovation Project Development; and financing through U.S. Bank, National Association.
More About Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Since opening as a 2,000 seat bingo hall in 1991, Potawatomi Bingo Casino’s has seen tremendous growth. In 2000, the first phase of Casino expansion was completed with the introduction of 800 additional slot machines, 25 blackjack tables, full-service dining venues and a 500-seat theater. In 2008, the Casino saw its most ambitious expansion project come to fruition, tripling its size and offering many new amenities and gaming options to its more than 6 million annual guests. During this same period, Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley has been revitalized, becoming a model for business development, entertainment and recreation.
Set in the heart of Milwaukee, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino aims to be Wisconsin’s premier entertainment destination, offering guests an wide variety of gaming, dining and entertainment. The property features six award-winning restaurants, the intimate 500-seat Northern Lights Theater and more than 60,000 square feet of event space.
