LITTLE BOSTON — The new Point Casino in Kingston is at the midway point in construction and, thanks to some forward thinking, won’t stop with the winter weather.

Casino marketing director Scott Laursen said the exterior “skin” of the bigger casino is up, and crews are working on filling out the inside.“[We] timed it just right before the snow got here,” he said.

The new casino is built using an aluminum framework and a fabric roofing material, giving the building a domelike look. The finished casino will feature traditional art by Native artists, to be commissioned by a Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe artwork committee.

Laurie Mattson, executive director of Tribal Government Services Administration, said the tribe put out the bid to tribal members, and is very pleased with the 18 local artists that responded.

“We’re pleased with the  quality of art proposals we received,” she said. “We think art will beautifully represent the tribe’s cultural heritage.” From murals to carved masks to canoe paddles, drums and weavings, “We’re going to get some beautiful things.”

Construction began on the 52,000-square-foot building on Aug. 15. Laursen said the opening is planned in April. The new building will allow for an “upscale” casual restaurant, expanded deli and buffet, larger gaming floor, double the table games, a dedicated poker room, and a sports and cigar bar featuring a cabaret.

Laursen wouldn’t comment on the total amount of the project. The North Kitsap Herald previously reported the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe secured financing for the project through East West Bank, a $20 million loan. The tribe also contributed $5 million of its own funds.

Laursen said part of the old casino building will be used for administrative offices. The rest will be demolished.