HARRIS, Mich. (WZMQ) – Construction is underway on a $19 million expansion at The Island Resort & Casino in Harris.
The massive project will update three parts of The Island, starting with a 16,900-square-foot addition to the convention center, which draws guests from far and wide all year long.
“We can host really big events here, up to about 500 people,” said Island General Manager Tony Mancilla. “The new one will be able to host 1,200 people. It’s getting more of those regional events that people are wanting the convention space for.”
The larger, modern design will cater to different types of activities.
“We’re going to have a big ballroom with lots of breakout space,” Mancilla said. “It’s going to have a 26-foot ceiling, and I want to put some pickleball courts in there and have a tournament every Monday or Tuesday in the winter for the people.”
Next, the indoor pro shop is being replaced with convention center restrooms. The shop is relocating near the Sweetgrass golf course for a more cohesive experience.
“We’re adding parking space out in the corner where the Pro Shop will be, so it’ll have its own turnaround, plus a nice bar overlooking the 9th and 18th holes,” said Mancilla. “It’ll be a nice amenity for the golfers”
Finally, a new, nine-hole golf course will be added alongside the Sweetgrass and Sage Run courses. Called the Cedar course, it will be inspired by golden age architecture focused on natural landscapes. According to Mancilla, although the golf season is short, it’s extremely busy for The Island’s courses.
“Our courses are full the majority of the summer,” he explained. “Most people come for two or three days, and what they’re really looking for on that last day is early tee times. This is going to allow us to add about 14 – 15,000 early morning tee times in the summer.”
Mancilla says the three projects will be major upgrades for The Island Resort & Casino.
“This kind of addresses our soft spots in the early to the middle part of the week where people are looking for things to do, like those early tee times or those conventions,” he said. “To grow, you’ve got to add people. People only spend so much when they visit, so you need more people, and that’s really what the project’s about.”
The pro shop is set to open next May, followed by the convention center in June. The Cedar course is expected to welcome golfers in mid-2026.
