One of the Dowagiac area’s most popular attractions just got even larger.

Following several months of construction, the new expansion to the Four Winds Dowagiac Casino is finished and open to the public. The new 2,700-square-foot space, built on the casino’s west end, offers 70 new slot machines and two new table games to guests.

The new space adds to the existing 300 slot machines and five gaming tables that are already installed at the facility, located outside the city on M-51.

Several casino officials and leaders with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, which owns the chain area gaming facilities, attended a grand opening ceremony for the expansion Friday, cutting the ceremonial ribbon before inviting visitors to tour the newly opened space.

First opened to the public in 2013, Four Winds Dowagiac — the third casino operated by the area tribe — was initially designed with the possible west expansion in mind, in case it was ever decided to expand the facility, said Four Winds COO Frank Freedman.

“2015 was a speculator year for the casino, building upon a strong year we had in 2014,” Freedman said. “We were astounded by the continual growth the casino was experiencing, and because of that we considered building the expansion.”

Once the decision was made to expand, the pieces fell into place fairly quickly, with architects coming up floor plans to match the aesthetics seen throughout the rest of the facility, Freedman said. Breaking ground in May, crews worked quickly to complete the expansion without interrupting service to customers.

In addition to the new games, the expansion provides a new entrance and parking space for Four Winds Copper Members, the casino’s perks program for its more loyal customers. The private parking lot contains 70 spaces adjacent to the building, which may prove especially useful during the winter, Freedman said.

Speaking during the opening ceremony Friday was Pokagon Township Supervisor Linda Preston, who has worked with tribal leaders many times throughout the years.

“Four Winds has brought a variety of jobs to our area, and created good living conditions for many of the residents in our area,” Preston said. “We enjoy having Four Winds open here, and we wish them continued success.”