The Pokagon Gaming Authority (PGA) entrusted Kramer Management Group with the responsibility to serve as Owner’s Representative for the first phase of its Four Winds South Bend casino, adding a successful location to the brand for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Completed in 2018, the project boasts 175,000 square feet of gaming space and includes restaurants, a coffee shop, bars, and retail outlets. KMG made sure to incorporate tribal cultural references and symbolism in a contemporary design to achieve the elegant lodge style now synonymous with the Four Winds brand.
The design of the South Bend facility evolved substantially between the start of the project to the opening of it, and KMG made sure to monitor each detail to maximize the investment on behalf of the Pokagon Gaming Authority. Originally, the casino was to be based on a model similar to their casino in Hartford Michigan including 900 gaming machines with a single restaurant. At the ribbon-cutting, what was opened to the public brought twice the number of gaming machines and four times the number of restaurants, plus a players’ lounge and other amenities, and a 3,000-space parking garage. Attention to detail was critical—particularly budget management with the evolution of the site.
KMG also managed the oversight and separate cost accounting of a new warehouse, off-site roadwork projects, the installation of a flag monument, and earthwork to prepare a building pad for a future Phase 2 at the Four Winds South Bend Casino, which is important as the Four Winds brand continues to be a fan favorite for casino goers.
