The Kalispel Tribe says it plans to announce soon a big expansion of its Northern Quest Casino, in Airway Heights, and although a spokeswoman declines for now to provide details, an online newsletter says the project would include a hotel, convention center, restaurants, and more.


The spokeswoman, April Pierre, says, its too early to disclose details of the expansion, and that the tribe plans to announce its plans late this month.


Meanwhile, though, TribalNet, a Web-based newsletter that targets Native American information-technology issues, posted an article in February that suggests the possible magnitude of the project.


We are planning to add a 250- to 300-room hotel on site, with space to expand even further as the demand continues to rise, Brent Wilcox, the casinos information technology director, says in the article. We will also be adding a few new restaurants, convention and meeting space, and a 2,500-seat auditorium.


The article says the expansion is expected to be completed by 2009.


Pierre says she wasnt aware of the TribalNet article, but says, The property is going to expand. There are some final decisions to make before making it public.


Pierre does disclose that the expansion will begin with new parking facilities.


One of the initial projects will be a parking garage, she says. Parking has been an issue when we have events.


Northern Quest Casino is advertising to hire a construction supervisor, although Pierre says she doesnt know if thats related to the casino expansion. A job listing that was posted July 1 seeks a person to train and supervise construction workers in framing, drywall application, concrete finishing, plumbing installation, and demolition.


An expansion at Northern Quest Casino would be the third since it opened in 2001. The latest expansion, which was completed in 2004, added 59,000 square feet of floor space, giving the complex a total of just over 150,000 square feet. That expansion included a 1,000-seat entertainment venue, a buffet restaurant, and an expanded gift shop.


The tribe, which owns the casino property, hasnt presented any information on a possible expansion to the city of Airway Heights, says Alfred Pilialoha, the citys director of community development. Because of tribal sovereignty, the tribe isnt required on its federal trust lands to obtain building permits from the city.


The casino is located on a 40-acre parcel at 100 N. Hayford, on the eastern edge of Airway Heights. The facility currently has five restaurants, 30 gaming tables, Keno, a large poker room, and more than 1,200 video slot machines. The tribe owns another 250 acres near the casino.


The Kalispel Tribe has 393 enrolled members, a third of whom live on the tribes 4,600-acre reservation near Usk, in Pend Oreille County, which is nearly 60 miles northeast of the casino, Pierre says.


Several tribal-related construction projects are under way or planned.


The tribe broke ground this month on a $1 million Young Peoples Place on its reservation. The 5,500 square-foot, 12-bed facility will serve as an emergency foster-care center. Its expected to open by early fall of 2008, Pierre says.


Eagle River Development LLC, of Spokane, is the contractor on that project, and Shaman AE Architect, of Lewiston, Idaho, designed the facility.


The tribe also is nearing completion on its $20 million wellness and community center near Usk. Levernier Construction Inc., of Spokane, is the builder of that project, and Meridian Construction Inc., of Spokane, is the construction manager on the two-level, 86,000-square-foot facility. The center was designed by the Worth Group, of Reno, Nev.


The tribe earlier this month issued a call for bids on road and utility improvements to serve a residential development in which it is planning to build 10 to 12 single-family homes on its reservation.


The tribe also is looking for a site on the reservation on which to build a public safety complex, Pierre says.


Contact Mike McLean at (509) 344-1266 or via e-mail at mikem@spokanejournal.com.