Seven-Story Tower Takes Shape at 4 Bears Casino in North Dakota

The expansion project at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota, has reached an advanced stage, with crews closing in on the finish line for a $100 million development that replaces the original two-story lodge with a seven-story tower. Demolition of the former structure cleared the site for additional gaming rooms along with a fine-dining steakhouse, sports bar, ballroom, spa, fitness center, and 90 new guest rooms. Some elements such as the spa and guest rooms are scheduled for later in the summer, while the core tower advances toward full operation. Construction activity centers on the new tower, which rises prominently above the surrounding prairie. Workers have installed the structural framework and begun enclosing floors, allowing interior fit-out to proceed in parallel on lower levels. The design integrates the expanded gaming areas directly with the new amenities, creating a single vertical structure that consolidates guest services and entertainment options.

Project Scope and Key Features

The expansion adds capacity across multiple categories. The seven-story tower houses extra gaming rooms on dedicated floors, while the fine-dining steakhouse and sports bar occupy prominent positions with views of the surrounding area. A ballroom provides space for events and conferences, and the fitness center supports guest wellness programs. Once complete, the property will offer a total of 265 rooms, reflecting the addition of the 90 new units alongside existing accommodations.

Timing details indicate phased openings. Core gaming and dining spaces are expected to become available first, followed by the spa and guest rooms later in the summer. This sequence allows the property to resume full operations incrementally while final construction continues on upper floors and specialized areas.

Background and Site Preparation

The original two-story lodge stood on the site for years before demolition made way for the taller structure. Site preparation involved removal of the older building and reinforcement of foundations to support the seven-story height. The project budget of $100 million covers structural work, interior finishes, and installation of new equipment across gaming, hospitality, and recreational spaces.

Local crews have maintained steady progress through winter and spring, focusing on weatherproofing the tower envelope before summer heat arrives. Materials and equipment deliveries have supported continuous work on mechanical systems, electrical infrastructure, and interior partitions. The approach keeps multiple trades active on different floors simultaneously, shortening the overall schedule.

Timeline and Completion Status

As of early June 2026, exterior work on the tower stands largely complete, with interior construction advancing on the lower levels. Project managers report that gaming rooms and dining venues will open first, while the spa and remaining guest rooms follow in subsequent months. Full occupancy of all 265 rooms is anticipated once the final phases conclude.

Coordination between contractors has addressed sequencing challenges typical of vertical construction. Elevator installation, HVAC balancing, and fire-safety systems receive priority attention during the current phase. These elements must pass inspections before public access expands.

Operational Integration

The new tower connects directly to existing casino floors, allowing guests to move between gaming areas and the fresh amenities without leaving the property. Additional parking and access points have been incorporated to handle increased visitor volume once the expansion opens. Staff training for the new steakhouse, sports bar, and spa facilities has already begun in preparation for phased openings.

Utility upgrades, including expanded electrical service and water systems, support the larger footprint. These improvements were completed during earlier site work and now feed the tower's operational needs.

Conclusion

The 4 Bears Casino & Lodge expansion represents a significant vertical addition to the New Town property. With the seven-story tower nearing structural completion and interior work progressing, the project moves steadily toward its summer milestones. The addition of gaming rooms, dining venues, a ballroom, fitness center, spa, and 90 guest rooms will bring the total room count to 265 once all phases finish. Observers tracking the development note that the phased approach allows the property to resume and expand services while final construction wraps up. For further details on the project timeline, local reporting provides ongoing updates from the site.