Buffalo Tower Renovation at Treasure Island Resort and Casino
Originally constructed by Knutson in the mid-1990s, the 246-room Buffalo Tower renovation at Treasure Island Resort & Casino represents a major reinvestment in one of Minnesota’s premier hospitality destinations. Today, alongside the Wolf and Eagle towers, the property boasts 788 rooms—second in size only to the Hilton Minneapolis.
Continuing our decades-long partnership, Knutson recently completed a comprehensive top-to-bottom renovation of the Buffalo Tower, modernizing all 246 guest rooms across six floors. The project delivered newly designed accommodations ranging from family suites with pullout trundle beds to executive suites overlooking the casino floor. Upgrades included new windows, furniture, finishes, enhanced lighting, and abundant USB charging capabilities—touching every guest room in the tower.
Strategic Phasing
The revitalized Buffalo Tower reflects Knutson’s ability to modernize legacy hospitality assets while maintaining seamless operations—strengthening a relationship that has spanned nearly three decades.
Executing the renovation within a fully operational resort required meticulous planning and sequencing. With portions of the first floor remaining active and guests occupying non-construction areas, our team carefully phased work to maintain safe access, minimize disruption, and preserve the guest experience. Crews navigated tight corridors, vertical logistics challenges across seven floors, and complex coordination with resort operations.
Approximately 400 construction professionals contributed to the project, including 10 members of the Prairie Island Indian Community, reinforcing our shared commitment to local partnership.
“Knutson Construction is a highly-regarded partner, and I am happy to recommend them to any owner for any project now, and in the future. The Knutson team has demonstrated their core values while working with us, which have consistently lead to one successful project after another. Knutson always takes a proactive approach to solving problems and overcoming challenges, while keeping the lines of communication open and everyone working as a team. While working with Knutson, they have demonstrated that our best interests is their top priority.”
Darrell Breuer, Support Services Director
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Trusted Partnership
Collaboration to us means not just working together, but standing together. Since 1997, Knutson Construction has partnered with Treasure Island, delivering projects on time and on budget to help the success of the Tribe.