WAYLAND, Mich. — When people think of the Gun Lake Tribe, the first thing that comes to mind is their casino, but the tribe is more than just a casino. They are beginning to develop nearly 1,900 acres of land not only to benefit the tribal members but also for the entire community.

Darren Bower

All around the Gun Lake Casino is construction. Over the years, the tribe has purchased property around US-131.

Gun Lake Tribal Chairman Bob Peters said, “To see the landscape change there, to see the skyline change, it’s pride for the tribe. We have come such a long way in 25 years of federal recognition.”

Peters says now is the time for the tribe to start developing land miles away from the casino.

“It started with the tribe buying land not only to expand our reservation, but to make us an economic engine in a community,” said Chairman Peters.

Darren Bower

This includes a parcel of land in the town of Wayland.

“Our first business will be on Reno and Superior. It will be mixed use with retail downstairs, office space and apartments,” said Chairman Peters.

The complex will be built in phases and will include many low-income housing units.

President Peters said, “We are moving forward; this corridor is one of the greatest developments… for the tribes I know in this region are probably the country.”

Darren Bower

The tribe also plans to extend Reno Drive to the casino and develop the land along the new road.

“The possibilities are endless. It’s almost going to be like, when it’s all complete, a city, a small town,” said President Peters.

He says this expansion will secure the financial future of the tribe along with the entire area.

Darren Bower

“The plan is to make this a thriving community and make it a place where anyone wants to come and live, and they’re going to have everything at their fingertips,” Peters said.

The Gun Lake Tribe wants to start construction on this project in the summer of 2025 and is still looking to buy more land in the area.

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