PORTFOLIO
Grand
Casino
- Tribal Casino & Wellness
Mille Lacs, MN & Hinkley, MN
A modern guest experience rooted in culture, community, and hospitality. Through the comprehensive renovation of more than 1,050 guest rooms across Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mille Lacs, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures reimagined its properties with contemporary design, curated local artwork, and a renewed sense of place. Aurora Procurement Solutions partnered throughout the journey, helping transform a bold vision into a seamless guest experience.
In spring 2023, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures announced a comprehensive renovation of more than 1,050 guest rooms across Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mille Lacs. The goal was to refresh the properties with a contemporary aesthetic that better reflected the evolving Grand Casino brand while creating a more elevated guest experience.
A key component of the renovation was the celebration of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s culture and traditions. Working with an art consultant, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures curated original artwork from local artists, incorporating meaningful pieces throughout guest rooms and public spaces. The result is an environment that feels both modern and deeply connected to the community it serves.
Aurora Procurement Solutions partnered with the project team from the earliest planning stages, providing FF&E procurement expertise and managing the sourcing, coordination, and delivery of furnishings and materials for the large-scale renovation. Working alongside Cuningham Group Architects, PCL Construction, and Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, Aurora helped navigate the project’s ambitious schedule, budget requirements, and complex logistics.
"Our project focused on the renovation of over 1,040 rooms in a relatively short time. Aurora partnered with us from the start and worked tirelessly to source products that met our vision, worked with manufacturers to ensure our standards were met, and led the coordination efforts of getting product from around the world to central Minnesota. Aurora is a partner that you can trust."
— Mike Engel, Vice President of Hospitality Innovation, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures
The scale and complexity of the project presented unique challenges, including overseas manufacturing delays, strict project timelines, and floor-by-floor coordination across more than 1,000 occupied hotel rooms. Through proactive planning, ongoing communication, and close collaboration with project stakeholders, Aurora successfully managed procurement and delivery efforts while keeping the project moving forward.
“This was the largest project I have completed in my career to date. We managed several unexpected challenges, including overseas product delays and the delivery and coordination of furnishings for more than 1,000 rooms. It was all about logistics and performance. One of the project’s greatest strengths was the collaboration between the owner, contractor, design team, and trades. Having a seat at the table and working together every step of the way made all the difference.” said Barb Soberski and her Aurora team.
To meet the project’s budget, schedule, and performance requirements, Aurora coordinated a strategic mix of domestic and international manufacturing partners. The team’s ability to align sourcing, logistics, and installation efforts helped ensure the successful completion of one of the largest hospitality renovations in the region.
The transformation was celebrated with a grand opening event attended by project partners, casino team members, and community representatives. Today, the renovated properties stand as a source of pride for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and offer guests a hospitality experience that reflects both contemporary comfort and a strong sense of place.