Wisconsin: Ho-Chunk resort in Beloit to feature 240K square feet casino, 18-story hotel, four restaurants

The Ho-Chunk Nation has unveiled new details for its upcoming casino complex in Beloit, Wisconsin. The project includes a $405 million casino, convention center, and an 18-story hotel to be built at the southeast corner of Willowbrook and Colley roads, near Interstate 39-90.
 
The 240,478-square-foot casino will feature a 62-seat bar, four restaurants with an outdoor patio, and a 76,413-square-foot conference center, WTVO reported. Additionally, a 312-room hotel with a lobby bar, rooftop bar, spa, and a parking structure will be built in separate phases following the initial casino opening.

The hotel's facade will feature a color-changing media mesh lighting system designed to display dynamic visuals, including effects, color sequences, and patterns, potentially showcasing branding, holidays, and special events.

Approved by the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs in 2020 and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers in 2021, the development aims to create 1,500 jobs in the area. The City of Beloit will receive $13 million in federal funding to improve infrastructure around the site, including road upgrades and the addition of bike and pedestrian lanes.

Bike and pedestrian lanes will be installed along Willowbrook Road, extending from Milwaukee Road to the state line, and on Colley Road up to Gateway Boulevard, the report said. Additionally, new traffic lights and other intersection improvements will be implemented to enhance road safety and traffic flow.

The Master Plan and Zoning Map Amendment for the project passed the Plan Commission on July 17th and will be presented to the City Council for a public hearing on August 5th. The Beloit Casino will be located approximately 19 miles north of the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, which is expected to open in late summer 2024.