Beloit, Wisconsin: The Ho-Chunk Nation has officially broken ground on Beloit’s largest construction project to date — a $500 million casino, convention center, and hotel complex that promises to transform the region’s landscape and economy. The groundbreaking ceremony last Friday, October 25, 2024, celebrated the Ho-Chunk Nation’s vibrant culture and was a testament to decades of dedication, perseverance, and vision. Over 200 attendees, including Ho-Chunk Nation leaders, city and state officials, construction partners, and community members, gathered to witness the ceremonial start, underscoring this development’s impact on the community.
With traditional Native American dances, songs, and powerful speeches setting the tone, Ho-Chunk Nation President Jon Greendeer delivered a compelling message about the decades-long journey to get the project to this point. He emphasized the cultural significance of this project for the nation, its aim to lead in gaming, and what it will do for the local businesses. “Some of the money it pumps into the local economy will go unseen. Take, for example, the floor mats that will be at each entryway.” Greendeer noted. ”Some mom-and-pop shop is going to make a million dollars — and you’re going to walk right over it. Someone’s got to do pest control, snow removal, trash removal, all the infrastructure that’s going on to run a business like this.”
A Vision Decades in the Making
This project marks the culmination of over 20 years of planning and perseverance by the Ho-Chunk Nation. Through various partnerships and a rigorous approval process — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ 2021 endorsement and final Bureau of Indian Affairs approval in 2022 — the Ho-Chunk Nation remained committed to their vision of a world-class destination that honors their heritage and promises significant economic benefits to the region.
The Ho-Chunk Nation acquired the land in 2009, and with each passing regulatory hurdle, they demonstrated an unwavering resolve. Congressman Mark Pocan humorously remarked on the lengthy process, comparing it to the slow pace of “glaciers that covered much of Wisconsin,” reminding attendees of the patience and persistence required for a project of this scale.
A Transformational Economic Impact
Kevin Day, vice president of business development for Corporate Contractors Inc. (CCI) and the Beloit City Council, expressed excitement about the project. As the owners’ representative, CCI will be “out here in the dirt like everyone else,” said Day. CCI will oversee the construction alongside Miron Construction, a Wisconsin-based company with experience in casino developments, including multiple Ho-Chunk expansions across the state. This casino complex will eventually employ around 1,500 people, making it the largest employer in Beloit, with many more jobs generated throughout the construction phase.
“Every day, we’ll see 500 to 800 workers on-site, especially during the summer,” Day explained. “The positive economic ripple effect is going to be immense, with workers supporting local businesses, staying in hotels, and contributing to the local economy.”
Building a Destination
Designed by HBG Design, known for its hospitality and casino resort expertise, the project will include a grand casino floor with around 1,800 slot machines, 44 gaming tables, and numerous amenities. The second phase, slated for completion in 2027, will introduce an 18-story, 312-room hotel and a 75,000-square-foot convention center. This ambitious design will attract visitors for gaming and conferences, events, and leisure, establishing Beloit as a must-visit destination.
State Senator Mark Spreitzer sees this as a transformative project destined to drive tourism and elevate Beloit’s regional profile. “This project will not just build a state-of-the-art gaming facility but create a draw that will bring people here to stay overnight and see all that the Beloit community has to offer,” Spreitzer said.
More Than Just a Casino
The groundbreaking ceremony highlighted more than just economic potential. It celebrated the Ho-Chunk Nation’s heritage and was a powerful reminder of the community’s perseverance and adaptability. Danielle DeLong, Ho-Chunk Nation’s vice president, said, “This is more than just a new development or a revenue opportunity. It’s a symbol of our continued growth and perseverance. This land, like so many others, carries a history that extends beyond what most will see or hear today.”
Ho-Chunk Nation’s determination to create a thriving, self-sustaining community that respects its heritage while paving the way for future generations is woven into every aspect of this project. As President Greendeer put it, the project exemplifies the Ho-Chunk Nation’s commitment to preserving its cultural values and principles while building something monumental for today and tomorrow.
Working together with HBG Design and Miron, the CCI team is honored to play a pivotal role in bringing this visionary project to life, acting as the Ho-Chunk Nation’s trusted representative and ensuring each stage of development meets the highest standards. From meticulous planning to hands-on oversight, CCI’s expertise in construction management helps translate ambitious concepts into lasting structures that enrich communities. Our team is dedicated to supporting the Ho-Chunk Nation and creating a destination that will serve as an economic and cultural beacon for the Beloit area.
