While the center of the casino will be a large gaming space, Fox-LaRose said there will be plenty to offer non-gamers: restaurants, shops and event spaces for concerts up to 2,500 people; banquet space for up to 1,000; and an entertainment lounge with free concerts on the weekends. It also will be possible to access the restaurants and shops without entering the game floor.

Among the food choices, Fox-LaRose said there will be national and local brands filling a food court and several restaurants. Casino patrons will be able to catch mountain-views on outdoor patios, she said. The tribe will reveal the names of which restaurants are to be included in the next two to three weeks.

“Anything you encounter on the (casino) property we really want to blow you away,” she said.

The design of the casino will “infuse” aspects of the Cowlitz Tribe’s culture but will not necessarily look overtly tribal, she noted. One art installment includes a blown-glass depiction of a school of fish and the building’s rug has outlines of a camas flower. The design is aiming for a four-star experience, she said.

“For the (operation’s team), we’re starting to own the space now, and gaming equipment is being delivered. So that’s exciting,” she said.