The Colville Tribes are planning a restaurant, lounge and gaming area over the Coulee Dam Casino.

Special Projects Manager Carl Jackson said the restaurant is scheduled for an April opening.

Currently, contractors are taking out interior office walls where Colville Tribal Federal Corporation offices had been located. Their offices have moved to the new tribal headquarters complex near Nespelem.

The final configuration of the floor space is still being worked out, Jackson explained, but it will feature an upscale restaurant and a gaming area that will include some 90-100 machines, a lounge, and even an outside dining area on a proposed deck.

The entrance area to the new featured areas will allow patrons to take an elevator to the second floor or go up a flight of stairs.

The Colvilles have purchased a lot at the rear of the casino that will allow additional parking.

Preliminary plans call for seating for about 60 in the main restaurant area, plus space for about 20 outside.

Jackson said they are still making final decisions on the configuration of the newly-acquired upstairs space.