BAY MILLS, MI – As Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC) moves forward with plans to revitalize the area where King’s Club Casino once operated, a new retail space will accompany nine second-floor apartments in the mixed-use facility.
The former casino/tribal administration building, located on Lakeshore Drive, will tentatively be demolished this spring. The former tribal administration building is the oldest building left standing in BMIC and was the first construction project undertaken by the tribe to expand governmental services. Throughout the years, the building has been expanded upon to house more services. At one time, the building was home to nearly all of Bay Mills tribal government – gaming took place on one side, governing on the other.
“This project will honor our history and provide for our future,” said Whitney Gravelle, BMIC President. “King’s Club gave BMIC the foundation to build upon, and for that we are thankful. With the input and vision of our General Tribal Council and membership, through open dialogue and thoughtful discussion, our community voiced the need for both housing and economic opportunities. By moving forward with this plan, we are honoring that guidance and creating a development that blends retail and residential spaces to revitalize this important area for future generations.”
The price tag for the project is estimated at $5.5 million, with $2 million from Indian Community Development Block Grant funds. BMIC will utilize $3.25 million in General Fund dollars, and the USDA Rural Development Grant will allocate $300,000 toward the project. Engineering plans for the site will be finalized this winter, with bids to be accepted in the spring.
“This development marks an exciting milestone as the first mixed-use facility in BMIC,” said Brianna Gunka, BMIC Planning Manager. “By combining apartments with vibrant retail spaces, we’re not just creating a place to live, but a community space where people can work, shop, and enjoy the waterfront.”