RIDGEFIELD, WA – ilani celebrated five years since opening by adding the final beam to its upcoming hotel tower and unveiling the first renderings of the interior design for the project. Expected to open in April of 2023, the 14-story structure includes nearly 300 luxury guest rooms and suites. The hotel tower is the latest phase of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s master development plan. The hotel will offer four-diamond level guest service and amenities, including an indoor-outdoor pool experience and a signature top-floor restaurant with views of the beautiful Pacific Northwest mountains and rivers. Â
“It is with great pride and excitement that we witness the final beams installed in this beautiful glass tower that serves as a beacon of our community on the Cowlitz Indian Reservation,” said Kara Fox-LaRose, President and General Manager of ilani. “This ceremony commemorates more than just a construction milestone – it’s the first time we’ve shared the interior renderings and celebrated another step in honoring the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s vision to lift up our community with economic opportunities for the region.”
“The all-new ilani hotel will attract guests from near and far – increase visitation, stimulate the local economy, and create numerous new employment opportunities for the region,” said Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment. “Economic empowerment is a key tenet of the Cowlitz-Mohegan partnership, and we are proud to see our initial vision and strategic development plans come to life.”
Over the past five years, ilani has expanded its amenities and accommodated existing demand while investing in future growth opportunities. At its opening, ilani included nearly 100,000 sq. ft. of gaming as well as space for more than a dozen restaurants, bars and retailers. In 2018, the tribe added the Meeting & Entertainment Center, hosting local events and national acts such as Miranda Lambert, Amy Schumer and Rascal Flatts. Cowlitz Crossing Fuel & Convenience Store opened in 2019, and in late 2020, a six-story parking garage was unveiled. Currently, ilani employs more than 1,500 team members. The hotel tower will create additional jobs and reinforces the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s commitment to its people, self-sufficiency and to supporting the community.
Since construction began in 2021, ilani expanded once again late last year, adding even more gaming and dining options, and the upcoming hotel has made impressive progress. Glittering glass curtain walls can be seen on the tower’s exterior, and energy-efficient prefabricated bathrooms have arrived on site. The striking blue glass was carefully selected for the exterior, reflecting the beauty of the tower’s surrounding landscape as it resonates with the spirit of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and seems a fitting finish for highlighting the luxury resort that ilani has become.
“The Cowlitz people always strive to be the best at whatever we do, and our new hotel is a testament to our commitment to being the best entertainment destination in the region,” said Dave Barnett, General Council Chairman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. “We look forward to blowing away our guests with a new experience when the hotel opens next April.”
Design Direction Unveiled
ilani also marked the occasion by sharing the first interior renderings of the hotel and giving a preview of the luxurious spaces and thoughtful touches awaiting guests when the tower opens. The design incorporates high-quality aesthetics and elements of the Pacific Northwest including plentiful wood, stone, metal and glass. A color palette of creams, blues and grays creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby and guest rooms ensure stunning views.
In keeping with the design vision for ilani, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s culture and history take center stage, incorporating the heritage and values of the tribe and elements indigenous to the region.