Beyond Gaming: How Tribal Investment is Reshaping Construction

A common misconception is that Washington’s Native American construction market is defined primarily by casino expansions and hotel renovations. In 2024, the National Indian Gaming Commission reported $4.7 billion in revenue in the Pacific Northwest—the primary source of funding for many of these projects. Tribal Nations are reinvesting those resources into essential community infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, administrative buildings, infrastructure, and more.

This represents a meaningful shift away from decades of casino and hospitality development toward long-term investments in community well-being and economic resilience.

“Gaming revenue created the foundation. Now we’re seeing Tribal Nations invest in the infrastructure of the future,” shares Native American Market Lead Greg Evans.

Swinerton is a trusted partner to Tribal Nations across the Pacific Northwest, collaborating to deliver projects that honor tradition and culture while meeting the evolving needs of Native communities. With decades of experience and a deep respect for the values and vision of each Tribal Nation, Swinerton brings a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to every project, ensuring that cultural heritage and modern excellence are reflected in every detail. Continue reading to learn more about how Swinerton is helping Tribal Nations upgrade their resources and facilities beyond gaming.

Beyond Gaming: Five Projects That Illustrate Swinerton’s Breadth of Experience

Lummi Administration Building | Bellingham, WA

Swinerton constructed this two-story, 119,000-square-foot administration building for the Lummi Indian Nation, delivering a facility that serves as a civic and governmental hub for the Tribe. The building houses Council Offices, Council Chambers, Court Rooms, a Police Department, and multiple other departmental office spaces. The lobby is a standout feature, rising to a 30-foot clearstory with acoustical wood ceilings, wood bands, wood finishes, and concrete tile flooring with underfloor heating. The structure features structural steel with concrete on metal decks, Nichiha panel exterior cladding, punched windows, and curtain wall panels accenting the main entry.

The Lummi Administration building was primarily funded through a USDA grant, which greatly affected the budget on the project. The Swinerton team, partnering closely with the Lummi Indian Tribe, faced this challenge head-on, with a goal of finding alternative options without limiting scope. Through a disciplined value engineering activity, Swinerton was able to stay within the budget without having to limit any project scope.

A meaningful component of this project was its commitment to Tribal employment. Through the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO), 25% of all labor was performed by members of the Lummi Indian Nation, creating direct employment opportunities within the community.

“This project represents far more than a new administration building. It creates a central gathering place where the Lummi Indian Nation can deliver government services, conduct business, and serve its community for generations to come,” Evans said.

Tulalip Clinical Pharmacy Expansion | Tulalip, WA

As the Tulalip Tribe grows, providing access to essential healthcare resources is becoming more necessary than ever. Swinerton is providing CM/GC services to the Tulalip Tribe for the expansion of their clinical pharmacy. The project includes 5,600-square-foot renovation and a 1,500-square-foot exterior addition. Once completed, the pharmacy will provide pharmaceutical services, overdose prevention resources, and counseling support.

The current pharmacy will remain completely operational throughout construction, resulting in a complex phasing plan that will keep daily work uninterrupted. For the first half of construction, the pharmacy staff will be temporarily confined to one half of the existing pharmacy before being moved into the completed space.

As with many Native American construction projects, TERO is essential to the success of this project. The project has a 10% TERO goal which, through strong partnerships with the Tribe and Tribal partners, is on track to be doubled by the start of construction. Swinerton’s commitment to TERO and strong partnerships with Tribal Nations is reflected in our ability to exceed the 10% requirement.

“As Native American populations continue to grow, their resources must too,” said Project Manager Steve Goff. “Swinerton is proud to be assisting the Tulalip Tribes in making the necessary upgrades to support their community members.”

Snoqualmie Convenience Store Development | Snoqualmie, WA

Swinerton provided general contracting services for the Snoqualmie Tribe of Indians on this 7,335-square-foot convenience store adjacent to the casino. The store features an upscale gaming-style motif, 12 gas pumps, drive through check out area, deli, and coffee and beverage stations. A gas canopy was also constructed to shelter the fueling station. Delivered under a GMP design-assist method, the project met an aggressive year-end completion target established by the owner.

This project was the first convenience store built on Native American land completed by Swinerton’s Pacific Northwest region. This project required meticulous utility coordination due to the need to reroute a gas line. Frequent coordination with the client and trade partners allowed the gas line to be moved and installed without interrupting gaming operations or guest experience.

“Convenience stores hold a lot of significance to Tribal Nations because of the revenue they bring in,” said Project Executive Les Martin. “Beyond serving community members and travelers, they help fund essential programs, create jobs, and support long-term economic growth and self-sufficiency for Tribal communities.”

I-5 Overpass and Interchange | La Center, WA

As part of a casino development project for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Swinerton designed and constructed a modified diamond interchange on the I-5 corridor, serving as the gateway to La Center and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe reservation. Completed in just 10 months, the project featured an overpass bridging the I-5 corridor, two large roundabouts on either side of the freeway, and bicycle and pedestrian access. Throughout construction, Swinerton managed and maintained steady traffic flow.

The project was under construction primarily in the winter months, posing additional weather challenges for the project team. The project required dedicated coordination and design between Swinerton, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, and the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), as well as engineering and trade partners.

“We approached this project with an eye toward the future,” shares Martin. “The result is infrastructure that enhances safety, improves access, and creates new opportunities for growth, helping position the community for long-term success.”

ilani Wastewater Reclamation Facility | La Center, WA

Swinerton provided general contracting services for a 14,000-square-foot, advanced tertiary treatment plant for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. The facility uses a multi-stage treatment process combining biological and membrane filtration with UV and chemical disinfection to produce Class A reclaimed water. That reclaimed water is then distributed throughout the resort for irrigation, toilet flushing, water features, and laundry operations, directly offsetting the casino’s potable water costs.

Excess effluent is managed through five deep dry injection wells constructed 100 to 180 feet below the surface, above the groundwater aquifer. The system is EPA-authorized and capable of handling up to 200,000 gallons per day. At the time of construction, this injection well approach had been attempted only once before in the state of Washington. The facility also incorporates a campus force main loop with a pump series and full cathodic protection.

Swinerton’s involvement extended well beyond construction execution. Working directly with the Tribal Council, the team developed a 15- to 30-year infrastructure vision for the site and designed the facility with future expansion in mind. By investing in forward-looking infrastructure upfront, including piping and structural capacity to accommodate additional treatment trains in series, Swinerton positioned ilani to expand the plant’s capacity at a fraction of the cost of a ground-up addition. Certain lower-revenue spaces were deferred to offset this investment, allowing the wastewater plant to open fully operational on day one.

“Infrastructure allows Tribal Nations greater sovereignty over their land and resources,” Evans said. “Whether we’re helping deliver transportation, utilities, energy, or civic improvements, our goal is to build infrastructure that strengthens communities and creates lasting value for future generations.”

Helping Tribal Nations Meet Their Needs

Across Washington, Swinerton is the proven general contractor for Native American construction. Swinerton teams understand the importance of developing spaces that uplift communities and provide essential services that help Tribal Nations thrive. Swinerton is a trusted partner with local experience and national resources to complete projects on time and on budget, while adhering to Tribal requirements and traditions.

From healthcare facilities and administrative buildings to convenience stores and casino expansions, Swinerton brings a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to every project. We honor the values and vision of each Tribal Nation, ensuring that cultural heritage is reflected in every detail while delivering the modern infrastructure that supports long-term community well-being and economic resilience.