Project Description: The Mill Casino Tasting Room and Restaurant
Location: North Bend, Oregon
Oregon is set to welcome its first tribal distillery following a historic agreement between the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) and the Coquille Indian Tribe. This landmark deal paves the way for the establishment of the first-ever distillery liquor production and sales operation within sovereign lands in Coos Bay.
The Coquille Indian Tribe, in partnership with Heritage Distilling Company, plans to produce and sell a variety of distilled spirits at The Mill Casino and R.V. Park in North Bend. The products will be available at the casino’s bars, restaurants, and shops. This initiative not only marks a significant milestone for the Tribe but also contributes to the local economy by providing revenue for healthcare, education, and services for its members.
The Mill Casino, owned and operated by the Coquille Economic Development Corporation, has announced “the most significant renovation in a generation,” further enhancing its already impressive bayfront footprint. The project has been years in the making, involving changes to federal laws that previously prohibited distillery operations on tribal land. The successful repeal of these laws in 2018, along with collaborative efforts from Heritage Distilling Company, has made this historic agreement possible.
Construction started in early 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025. The project aims to replace the current Plank House restaurant, White Caps lounge, and some minor upper-level office spaces with an expanded footprint. This will offer new and enhanced customer experiences across two levels. Several key features include:
- Tasting Room (131 seats): Connected by an internal stair, the distillery tasting room spans over two levels and offers a unique experience combining two full-service bars with lounge seating, televisions for event viewing, gaming options, and stunning panoramic views of Coos Bay.
- Plank House Restaurant (96 seats): The newly reimagined restaurant, situated on the main level, offers stunning views of Coos Bay. The space is designed to create an intimate dining experience, featuring enhanced acoustic dampening, a cozy fireplace, oversized and comfortable seating, and elegant wood finishes.
- Retail: The distillery retail space, conveniently situated right next to the gaming floor, is crafted to warmly invite guests to the new tasting room and Plank House restaurant. It serves as an introduction to the distillery's wide array of spirits and merchandise.
- Outdoor Seating & Promenade (16 seats): Outdoor seating is available next to the main level tasting room. Large sliding glass panels seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor areas. Custom-designed seating offers wind protection while preserving the views. A large TV is available for watching events.
- Private Event Suites (42 seats): On the upper level, two private event suites offer stunning views of Coos Bay. With large sliding glass panels, a portion of these spaces can transform into private balconies, seamlessly connecting to the outdoors. The suites are separated from the main tasting room by operable partitions, allowing for versatile configurations. Each suite features cozy lounge and table seating, along with TVs for event viewing.
- Cigar Lounge (39 seats): A cozy lounge area, distinct from the main tasting room, offers an inviting haven for cigar aficionados. With comfortable lounge and table seating, a well-stocked humidor, various gaming options, and TVs for watching events. Adding to the charm is a unique, signature Heritage Distilling Company barrel booth. Enjoy picturesque views of Coos Bay from the private outdoor balcony.
- Swing Suites (16 seats): Swing suites offer a fully immersive customer experience for a variety of sports and gaming activities. The two suites can be separated for smaller groups or combined, providing lounge seating and TVs for simultaneous event viewing. They are located on the upper level, adjacent to the main tasting room.
- Production Operations Facility: The distillery production support space offers capabilities for down proofing and bottling, filling Cask Club barrels, and storing spirits in a warehouse. This area has been creatively transformed from previously existing storage spaces within the operational building onsite.
Design features include:
- 3,412 square feet of expanded area.
- 17,903 square feet total on 2 levels.
- Non-smoking area separated from casino by means of automated glass sliding door system.
- Operable horizontal and vertical grilles, ensuring the security of retail products during off-hours. They are designed for ease of use, allowing for quick opening and closing, thus enabling efficient transition between business and non-business hours.
- Enhanced food and beverage service support features: including new dumbwaiters and a new service elevator to support guests on multiple levels.
- Acoustic Mat: Installed under the upper wood floor finish, this mat provides a solid foundation for sound control, reducing impact noise and vibrations.
- Fsorb Sound Absorption Panels: These panels are strategically placed throughout the lower-level space to effectively absorb sound and minimize echo, creating a more pleasant and tranquil environment.
- Soundply Micro-Perforated High-Performance Acoustic Wood Panels: These advanced panels enhance the aesthetic appeal while delivering superior acoustic performance. Their micro-perforated design allows for optimal sound absorption without compromising on visual elegance.
- Carpeting: Selected for the retail, restaurant, and private event spaces, the use of carpeting further contributes to sound absorption, reducing noise levels and enhancing comfort for guests.
- High-Performing Acoustic Ceiling Panels: Used strategically and in the private event spaces, these panels ensure that sound is evenly distributed across the spaces, minimizing unwanted noise and reverberation.
- Digital displays and integrated sound systems throughout.
- New customer restrooms.
- Large exterior glazing panels for enhanced viewing experience.
These features collectively aim to deliver a high-quality, immersive customer experience for patrons of The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park.
Owner & Project Team
- Owner – CEDCO: The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park | Margaret Simpson, CEO
- Partner – Heritage Distilling Company | Justin Stiefel, CEO and Jennifer Stiefel, President
- General Contractor – SP Construction, Inc. | North Bend, Oregon
- Architect – fi architecture (Darrin Filand, Andy Hartung, Jamie Plater, Dustin Schaefer) | Gig Harbor, Washington
- Structural – PCS Structural Solutions | Tacoma, Washington
- Mechanical | Plumbing | Electrical – BCE, A Gannett Fleming TranSystems Company | Fife, Washington
- Lighting Design – LUMA | Portland, Oregon
- Acoustic Engineer - Tenor | Seattle, Washington
- Cost Estimating - RC Cost Group | Bainbridge, Washington