Graton Rancheria Celebrates Topping Out of Its $1B Graton Resort Expansion

A California tribe has just recorded a major milestone in the expansion of its casino property. While there is still a lot more to be done, the tribe praised the progress it has made so far.

The Final Beam Was Placed

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria are currently working on a $1 billion expansion of their Graton Resort and Casino outside Rohnert Park. The expansion, which will expand the entire property, adding more gaming space and hundreds of new hotel rooms, has just recorded a major milestone.

Before the eyes of excited guests, several construction workers placed the final beam on the frame of Graton Resort’s new casino floor. The topping out ceremony involved a specially prepared beam that, unlike the rest of the metallic beams, was painted white and signed by many casino workers and supporters. The beam was furthermore decorated with the American flag and a small pine tree.

The topping out was a major victory for the Graton Rancheria, who are looking to consolidate their gaming influence amid headwinds against tribal operators. The ceremony came several months after the completion of a new five-story parking lot, which provided more parking spaces ahead of the casino’s expansion.

However, there is still a lot to be done before the $1 billion expansion is complete.

The Works Will Double the Resort’s Size

The expansion plans will cement Graton Resort and Casino as one of the three largest casinos in the state and the largest private-sector employer in Sonoma County.

The renovation will see the tribe add a new gaming floor with some 2,000 new slots. At the same time, the project will expand the property’s hospitality offer with 200+ hotel rooms, new shops, an expanded pool area and a rooftop restaurant. Visitors can also look forward to a new 3,500-seat concert hall.

In total, the project will expand Graton Resort’s indoor area by a staggering 180,000 square feet, which would practically double the size of the resort.

Tribe officials noted that they expect to break ground on the hotel in June of this year. The new gaming area, on the other hand, should be ready within a year.

The Expansion Project Shows the Tribe’s Resilience

Greg Sarris, tribal chair of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, commented on the ongoing works, saying that they embody the tribe’s resilience and ability to adapt to difficulties.

As American Indians, we have suffered quite a bit of tragedy. I think my people have shown that we can work with others, that we can rise above the worst of situations, and set a good example about how to create a business that benefits all, Indians and non-Indians alike.

Sarris, however, remained wary of a potential rival casino near Windsor. This project, which is the brainchild of the Koi Nation, has been embroiled in controversy since its inception.