The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana broke ground Wednesday on construction and renovation plans for Coushatta Casino Resort near Kinder.

“It’s been a long time coming and a lot of years planning,” Coushatta Tribal Chairman Jonathan Cernek said. “…A lot of teamwork, collaboration – all the things that go into making great projects.”

The first step of the project will include a new $150 million hotel, which will increase the capacity of the Coushatta Casino Resort to more than 1,000 rooms.

The eight-story hotel will have 204 rooms including luxury suites and will be connected to the casino and restaurants.

“The Coushatta Tribe is a pillar in the community,” Cernek said. “It’s a pillar of the economy and we just see that growing as we build on the success that our elders laid. The tribal councils that came before me laid the foundation for us to be successful.”

“It’s all happening and we’re trying to do that for the next generation,” he continued. “…Give them things to build on and to keep growing and putting the name of the Coushatta Tribe on the map. The people that make up this business are why we succeed.”

The casino and tribal leaders have been planning the expansion for the last two years, according to General Manager Todd Stewart.

“This is just the beginning of many things that we’re going to be doing,” Stewart said.

Plans for the renovations will include new buildings and new features, including updates to the gaming floor, new dining and shopping options and a new parking structure. The Coushatta Tribe’s culture will also be featured throughout the grounds.

The hotel project is expected to be completed by late 2025.