The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate engaged PCL Construction to complete a two-part renovation at the Dakota Magic Casino property, including a hotel remodel and refresh as well as a full remodel and addition to the casino’s gas station and convenience store (C-store). The work supported the owner’s goal of updating outdated finishes and improving key guest-facing amenities while continuing to serve casino, hotel and C-store customers throughout construction. 

At the hotel, PCL phased the renovation across three guest room towers, completing approximately 60 rooms per phase. The team sequenced work by tower, moving from the third floor down to limit traffic through completed areas and help maintain finished spaces as the renovation progressed.

The project continued a long-standing relationship between PCL and the owner. Since 2016, PCL has completed several projects on the property, reflecting the team’s focus on relationship-building and supporting the owner’s evolving needs.

Because the project took place within an operating casino and hotel, PCL worked closely with hotel staff and operational staff to coordinate daily activities and reduce impacts on guests. The team used temporary walls, caution zones, controlled work hours and frequent communication to maintain clean, safe work areas while accommodating concerts, golf tournaments, and other events.

PCL also adapted to the addition of the C-store renovation while the hotel was already underway. The team treated the hotel and C-store scopes as separate workstreams, with separate schedules, meetings and project leads to coordinate directly with each management team. This structure helped the project team stay nimble as the client added scope and allowed each part of the work to move forward with the right operational focus. 

The C-store renovation presented structural challenges during work on larger windows, new front entrances and the exterior wall. PCL brought in a structural engineer and developed a phased shoring approach that allowed the team to safely support the building, complete one opening at a time and rebuild the exterior wall while maintaining control of the budget. 

For the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, this project represented continued investment in a property that supports tourism, recreation and economic activity. 

• Project scope: Hotel remodel and refresh, plus a full remodel and addition to the casino gas station and C-store. 

• Phased approach: Three guest room tower phases, with approximately 60 rooms renovated in each phase. Work started on the third floor and moved down to avoid moving demolition and construction activity through completed areas. 

• Guest impact mitigation: The team used temporary walls, caution zones, flexible working hours and frequent coordination with hotel leadership and operations staff. PCL completed some lobby work overnight to reduce impacts to hotel operations and guest areas. 

• Site efficiency: The team used a gondola garbage dumper to reduce the need for larger equipment, minimize the site footprint and improve flexibility around dumpster locations. 

• Community and workforce considerations: PCL followed Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO) guidelines, including hiring TERO workers and soliciting tribal member-owned contracting businesses.