Construction is under way on a $15 million renovation project at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, in Worley, Idaho, says Laura Stensgar, spokeswoman for the casino.

The update includes 68,400 square feet of the 205,000-square-foot casino, says Stensgar, and will focus on its gaming and event areas.

In the event center, the entertainment stage will be expanded from 800 square feet to 1,700 square feet, says Stensgar.

“We’ve had bands turn us down because the stage wasn’t adequate enough for their bands, for their instruments and staging,” she says. “That’s always been a concern, so we’ll be able to alleviate some of that.”

Event center upgrades also will include a new lighting system and a new service bar.

Updates to the gaming center will include an upgraded heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system that will provide improved smoke ventilation. The gaming center also will have new lighting, a redesigned floor that will feature tribal-themed geometric patterns, and a chandelier with video displays.

A mural painted by George Flett, a member of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, will be restored, she says.

Additionally, the gaming area will have a new area for people who wish to bet more money than most machines allow, says Stensgar.

Construction is expected to be completed by March 2019, says Stensgar. I-5 Design Build Inc., of Lacey, Wash., is both the project architect and contractor.

Stensgar says the casino works to stay in touch with its customers, so it chose to renovate after some feedback.

“We’ve met with (customers) through focus groups as well as surveys, and it was stated several times that they would appreciate an updated gaming floor … and better ventilation,” she says.

Located at 37914 S. Nukwalqw, the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel is owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. In addition to the casino and a 300-room hotel, the resort features Spa Ssakwa’q’n, Circling Raven Golf Club, and gift shops.

According to the Journal of Business’ most recent list of Kootenai County’s largest employers, the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel had 1,065 full-time equivalent employees as of Nov. 1, 2017, making it the third-largest employer in Kootenai County at that time.