$10 million in capital expenditures are planned in the three phases of renovations and upgrades.  The renovations are in phases to avoid interference with group conferences and meetings.

"We plan to upgrade every area of the resort in time for the 25th anniversary of federal recognition of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians as a Native Sovereign Nation in 2005.  That will coincide with Grand Traverse Resort and Spa's 25th anniversary.  Our goal is to provide the finest resort experience for our guests," stated the resort's Executive Vice President and General Manager, Andrew Bateman.

- Phase One -
The $1.5 million phase one began immediately following the acquisition of the resort by the Grand Traverse Band at the end of March with completion this year.  Phase one renovations focused primarily on infrastructure upgrades including re-paving cart paths on The Bear golf course, re-paving the Clubhouse parking lot and other paving projects, purchase and installation of all new Cybex Eagle strength training equipment in the health club, renovation of Tower suites, new golf course maintenance equipment, a new golf cart fleet, several new service vehicles, upgrades to the resort's water system, and various roofing and HVAC improvements.

- Phase Two -
Much of the work of the $4.7 million phase two will take place between November 2003 and May 2004.  It includes remodeling half (117) of the guest rooms in the Hotel section of the resort and complete remodeling of Tower floors 16 and 17, where the resort's signature Trillium Restaurant and Lounge are located.  Further work will include the purchase and installation of all new equipment in the resort's laundry facility.  Other items in phase two include purchase and installation of a new key-card entry system in all 660 guest rooms and condominiums, upgrades to computer hardware and software systems, golf course maintenance equipment, kitchen and service equipment, and continued infrastructure improvements.

- Phase Three -
A similar amount is planned to be spent in phase three between November 2004 and May 2005 renovating the remaining 117 Hotel rooms as well as other areas of the resort.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is located along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay.  The Midwest's largest full-service, year-round, resort and conference destination offers 660 luxurious accommodations, 85,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, and 54 holes of championship golf including The Bear, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and The Wolverine -- a Gary Player signature golf course.  Additional features include a full-service spa, variety of seasonal recreation, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, children's center, shopping gallery, and diverse restaurants and lounges.

In addition to the resort, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has been in the casino gaming business since 1984 and also operates other economic development ventures.  The Band's gaming operations include Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawbestown and Turtle Creek Casino in Williamsburg.  The Tribe also owns and operates one small hotel, several restaurants, a conference center, and a convenience store.