Inspired by the colors, sights andsounds of Memphis’ famed BealeStreet, Creek Casino Montgomery is

undergoing a $65 million renovation that will feature morethan 2,200 gaming machines, a luxury hotel and full-servicesalon once construction is completed in late 2015. A finedining restaurant and a blues club offering live nightly musicalso will be included at the expanded facility, to be renamedWind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery.

At the helm of the massive upgrade is the Creek IndianEnterprises Development Authority (CIEDA).CIEDA executes and oversees building, construc-tion and development projects commissioned bythe Poarch Creek Tribe.

“We have the distinct pleasure, under the direc-tion of Tribal Council, to design and manage con-struction projects for the Tribe,” said James T.Martin, president and CEO of CIEDA. “Whileutilizing Native American contractors whereverpossible, we have to date successfully executedover a half billion dollars in commercial construc-tion, and have plans for even more in the future.”

The Poarch Creeks, operating as PCI GamingAuthority, already operate a 46,000-sq. ft. (4,273sq m) gambling floor casino at the site. ThePoarch Band of Creek Indians also own the WindCreek Casino & Hotels in Wetumpka and Atmore,Ala.

The Montgomery renovation was structured inphases, with Phase I including the game floor, thenew blues club and the back-of-house operations.The four-story hotel is considered Phase II con-struction. Work on the long-awaited expansion,which has been in the planning stages for a while,is likely to be finished by the end of this year.

According to Jim Angus, construction projectcontrols manager, CIEDA, project managementgroup, “One of the biggest challenges has beencoordinating the construction around an operatingfacility. Because this addition replaces a portionof the existing facility and is an extension of theremaining building, it has been crucial that theoperations group work closely with the construc-tion group in order to minimize the disruption toexisting building services, and to the customer’slevel of satisfaction. Portions of the remainingbuildings also required some renovation so thatthe completed facility will have a seamlessappearance.

“Demolition of a portion of the building started inNovember of 2014, and the entire structure has now beencompleted. The building has been dried-in, and all of themajor HVAC equipment has been set. All of the HVAC ductwork has been installed, and the main electrical service hasbeen connected and is operational.”

The tear down involved approximately 60,000 sq. ft.(5,574 sq m) of casino floor, administration, kitchen andback of house/service areas. The demolition took approxi-mately four weeks, as the foundation was larger than expect-

ed. Crews managed to carry out the task, which includedrerouting chilled water lines and managing electrical feeds,without disrupting a fully operational casino.

The basic structure is a light steel frame perched on a two-foot thick post tension foundation. The land itself bringschallenges not generally associated with most constructionprojects.

“The whole area is archeologically sensitive, as far asburied artifacts, etc.,” Angus said. “We didn’t want to digdown into the dirt. We wanted to stay above grade. We actu-

ally raised the building up on top of fill to preservethe historical significance of the site.

“The top three floors of the hotel are done witha light metal pre-fab metal stud partition that wasdelivered in sections and set up. We were able tokeep weight down and not have to go into theground with foundations.

“The idea was that once you enter through theporte-cochere and come inside the building, it’sas if you are entering the corner of Beale Streetand Second Avenue,” Angus said. “We foundsomeone who does a lot of demo of old brickstructures, and we were able to get a whole lot ofold brick that had come down. They slice it in half,so it’s really a facade. I'm very pleased with howthings are coming along. I think this project isgoing to be in its own style, probably one of thebest facilities we have.

Angus said the thought process was two-fold.The firm wanted to expand the gaming operationand make it seamless.

“Over the years, like any other facility, youbuild one segment and then keep adding to it. Wetook down what was there prior to 2010. All ofthat is gone. We’ve opened things up so that itnow looks like one big casino floor, giving peoplea more open, exciting atmosphere.”

Patrons also will have a variety of food optionswhen work is completed.

“The first of those is Lucille’s Eatery, namedafter King’s beloved guitar. That fast-casual spotopened in January. Now, with the introduction ofB.B. King’s Blues Club and Restaurant, we havea major entertainment and food venue, plus 123rooms in a hotel that we didn’t have before. Thisfills out the balance of what we had in this facili-ty.”

Jake Carlton, the casino’s property manager,

Sights, Sounds of Beale Street Inspire Renovation

ALABAMA STATE EDITION A Supplement to:

Your Alabama Connection • Rich Olivier, Atlanta, GA • 1-800-409-1479

“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”

see CASINO page 2

CIEDA photoInspired by the colors, sights and sounds of Memphis’ famed Beale Street,Creek Casino Montgomery is undergoing a $65 million renovation that willfeature more than 2,200 gaming machines, a luxury hotel and full-servicesalon once construction is completed in late 2015.

November 112015

Vol. XXVIII • No. 23Mobile

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By Cindy RileyCEG CORRESPONDENT

Page 2 • November 11, 2015 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Crews Use Air Distribution System to Improve Air Qualitysaid, “This just gives us the opportunity topay tribute to someone who was one of thegreatest, if not the greatest, blues legendever. If you’ve never seen Beale Street inMemphis, there are some unique entertain-ers. You’ll have that aspect of Beale Streetrecreated right here. It’s something unique tothe city of Montgomery. It’s not the same aswhat our other properties have become.”

In addition, Itta Bena will be a 195-seatupscale dining establishment. The grandopening of the new restaurants and theexpanded gaming floor will take place inNovember or December. Invited guests willget a preview of the hotel during a pre-open-ing that coincides with the public event.

Currently, work under way includes mainentry drive and VIP parking, game floortheming elements, carpet replacement in theexisting building, painting, drywall finish-out in the hotel floors, mechanical and elec-trical distribution, low voltage distribution(data & surveillance) and kitchen equipmentinstallation.

Work to be completed includes start-up ofA/C systems, vinyl wall coverings, ceilingtile installation, finish flooring materials,mill work, doors and hardware, signage andinstallation of FF&E. Workers also are usinga special air distribution system to pumpconditioned air into a cavity below the floor

before it is forced back up and released.Officials say the process will help with over-all air quality.

During construction, about 200 workershave been on site at the facility. According tomanagement, the process has gone smooth-ly, with minimum disruption to the casinoand no major construction issues. Trackingimported materials and meeting accelerateddelivery dates have been crucial in makingthe deadline for completion.

Some of the equipment being used on therenovation and expansion has included trackhoes, dozers, off-road trucks, lulls, backhoes,skid steers and a crane to set the structuralsteel.

Although weather conditions have notalways been favorable, crews have notallowed the elements to interfere with con-struction. Rain and moisture have been con-cerns, but have not forced any major delays.

The Montgomery casino has added 60new employees, so far, as part of the expan-sion. Officials expect to hire more than 170others before the grand opening, including acomplete hotel staff, new operations man-agement and valet parking attendants.

The project, located on Eddie L. TullisRoad in northeast Montgomery, is a jointventure between Rolin Construction Inc.,and Rabren General Contractors Inc., doingbusiness as Alabama Native Contractors.

Rolin Construction photoThe Montgomery renovation was structured in phases, with Phase I including the game floor, the new blues club and the back-of-house operations.

Rolin Construction photoThe four-story hotel is considered Phase II construction.

CASINO from page 1

see CASINO page 6

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • November 11, 2015 • Page 3

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Page 4 • November 11, 2015 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • November 11, 2015 • Page 5

Page 4 • November 11, 2015 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • November 11, 2015 • Page 5

Page 6 • November 11, 2015 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Work Under Way Includes Game Floor Theming ElementsFor Shawn Rolin, president of Rolin Construction,the renovation has been a rewarding experience.

“Alabama Native Contractors, PCI Gaming andCreek Indian Enterprises created a dynamic teamwho exemplified the meaning of partnership. Thiswas an example of tribal and non-tribal contractorsand owners- teaming together and driving the proj-ect to success.”

Rolin said, “As a tribal member, being able toparticipate in and deliver another project to thePoarch Band of Creek Indians on time and withinbudget brings a great sense of pride.”

Managing various economic enterprises, thePoarch Creek Indians are the only federally recog-nized Indian tribe in Alabama operating as a sover-eign nation with its own system of government andbylaws. The Poarch Creek Indians are descendantsof a segment of the original Creek Nation, whichonce covered almost all of Alabama and Georgia.

Unlike many eastern Indian tribes, the PoarchCreeks were not removed from their tribal landsand have lived together for almost 200 years in andaround the reservation in Poarch, Alabama. Thereservation is located eight miles northwest ofAtmore, Alabama in rural Escambia County, androughly 60 miles east of Mobile.

(This story also can be found on ConstructionEquipment Guide’s Web site at www.construc-tionequipmentguide.com.) CEG

The Alabama State Department of Transportationreceived bids for transportation-related improvementprojects.

Following is a list of some of the projects let.

County: LaurderdaleContract ID: 20150424043Project: Resurfacing and traffic stripe.Location: SR-2 (U.S.-72) from just west of CR-71 (MP42.550) to just east of CR-31 (MP 45.000).Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• Midsouth Paving Inc. — $1,369,497• Joe Keenum Excavation & Construction Inc. —

$1,392,260• Rogers Group Inc. — $1,456,946

County: WalkerContract ID: 20150424044Project: Planing, resurfacing, bridge rail retrofit and stripe.Location: On SR-13 from the Fayette County line to theWinston County line.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• Dunn Construction Company Inc. — $2,188,916• Good Hope Contracting Company Inc. — $2,284,512

County: EtowahContract ID: 20150424046Project: Planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe.Location: On SR-77 from the junction of Pinedale Drivein Southside to the intersection of Steele Station Road inRainbow City.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• McCartney Construction Company Inc. —$1,670,786

• Good Hope Contracting Company Inc. — $2,046,723

Counties: Randolph and CleburneContract ID: 20150424047Project: Safety widening, resurfacing, and traffic stripe.Location: On SR-1 (U.S.-431) from the intersection ofCR-29 north of Wedowee to just south of SR-9 (MP212.221).Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• McCartney Construction Company Inc. $2,749,792• Midsouth Paving Inc. — $2,832,430

County: LawrenceContract ID: 20150424052Project: Resurfacing and traffic stripe.Location: On SR-101 from the intersection of SR-184 toWheeler Dam.

Contractors and Bid Amounts:• Joe Keenum Excavation & Construction Inc. —

$858,654• Reed Contracting Services Inc. — $899,585• Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $947,686• Rogers Group Inc. — $1,118,057• Midsouth Paving Inc. — $1,128,756

County: TuscaloosaContract ID: 20150424053Project: Resurfacing, guardrail and traffic stripe.Location: On SR-216 from just east of George NewellRoad to just east of Booler Road.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• Midsouth Paving Inc. — $1,781,122• S. T. Bunn Construction Company Inc. — $1,872,061

County: JeffersonContract ID: 20150424057Project:Auxiliary lanes (grade, drain, base, pave, signals).Location: On SR-38 (U.S.-280) from the I-459 inter-change to the junction of Cahaba River Road.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• Veterans Landscaping Company Inc. — $3,182,016.• Russo Corporation — $4,297,724• Carcel & G. Construction LLC — $4,989,743

Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega • Calhoun • Russell • Walker • Lawrence • Dekalb • Morgan • St. Clair • Tuscaloosa • Morgan • Shelby• Bibb •Hale • Fayette • Marion • Winston • Cullman • Shelby • Chilton • Chambers • Covington • Baldwin • Clarke • Monroe • St. Clair• Chilton • Escambia• Montgomery • Jefferson • Russell • Fayette • Conecuh • Coffee • Geneva • Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega •Bibb • Coffee • Calhoun • Russell • • Walker• Lawrence• Dekalb • Morgan • St. Clair • Tuscaloosa • Bibb• Hale • Fayette • Monroe •Clarke • Winston • Cullman • Shelby • Chilton • Chambers • Covington • Baldwin • Clarke • Monroe • Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega

Alabama…

‘The Yellowhammer State’ Highway Project Lettings

CIEDA photoA fine dining restaurant and a blues club offering live nightly music also will be included at the expanded facility, to berenamed Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery.

CASINO from page 2

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