"We're 48 days away from the opening," Angel of the Winds general manager Travis O'Neil said. "Our target date is December 28, and so far we're right on schedule."

The Arlington-area casino, operated by the Stillaguamish Tribe, is expanding from 22,000 square feet to 106,000 square feet. The $44 million addition will feature the Watershed, a new full-service restaurant and lounge offering favorite American cuisine, live entertainment and banquet facilities.

The gaming floor will more than double in size with 1,000 slot machines in operation, more table games, and dedicated poker and keno areas. The new construction also offers upgraded "back of house" facilities for staff and management personnel.

Working with contractor J.E. Dunn and architectural firm ICI Design, the new space is being crafted to evoke a northwest lodge feeling. Massive beams, some real and some made of wood-like composite materials, add a rustic touch to the ceilings and support columns throughout the structure. Natural stone and cedar planks complement the Native American-inspired design.

Although there was still plenty of bare concrete and heavy equipment in place during a recent tour of the construction site, O'Neil and marketing manager Eric Larsen pointed out the features that will soon be in place for Angel of the Winds customers.

"This is the next step for us," said O'Neil proudly. "The expansion doubles our current operation and allows us to become a destination for dining and entertainment in the north end."

Growing revenue from the larger operation will also help expand programs for the Stillaguamish Tribe and increase tribal contributions to the community.

The casino's expansion is having another positive impact on the local economy in the form of new jobs. The number of available jobs at Angel of the Winds will nearly double to almost 600 employees by the time the facility is fully operational.

The official tribal ceremony to dedicate the new facility will take place December 28. The week before, customers could get a sneak peek of the addition, although the gaming area may not be operational yet.

"It all depends on the certification process," O'Neil explained. Gaming officials must examine the newly-installed slot machines to ensure they comply with state regulations before public use. The casino will feature IGT slots along with multimedia favorites.

From December 28 to January 5 the entire building-old and new--will be open for customers. The second step of the renovation starts January 5 with the closure of the existing casino floor for a two-month remodel.

"We'll freshen the paint and replace carpeting," said Larsen. "But the biggest project is the planned expansion of cooking and prep facilities for Kitty's Kitchen."

While the older section of the casino is closed, customer favorites like the 99-cent strawberry shortcake and shrimp cocktail will still be available in the Watershed Lounge.

"Those specials are not going away," Larsen assured. "We're dedicated to maintaining our reputation as the area's friendliest casino."

The casino, which celebrated its fourth anniversary in October, is famous for its frequent giveaways and customer rewards program. Through Thanksgiving, Angel of the Winds is giving away 45 turkeys each day to Totem Club members.

"We'll also donate turkeys to the local food banks," said Larsen. "Last year we gave away about 300 or so to food banks, and this year we expect to do the same or maybe even more."

With new dining and entertainment options, Angel of the Winds is expecting its clientele to grow.

The cozy new lounge will be a hot spot on New Year's Eve as the casino welcomes the Motown Cruisers for an evening celebration. The local band specializes in oldies and Top 40 covers. "You don't need reservations," said Larsen, "but it will be first come, first served for the party."

To find out more about Angel of the Winds, which is located off I-5 at exit 210, visit www.angelofthewinds.com or phone 1-877- EXIT210.

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