DETROIT - The ongoing construction of the MGM Grand Casino and Hotel on the western fringe of downtown Detroit is like "putting up four $100 million projects at the same time, right next to each other. There's just a lot going on."

So said MGM Grand Project Supt. Gary Wolfe, who is managing the construction of costliest of the three new casinos currently being erected in the Motor City. MGM Grand, along with its project manager Tre Builders, its subcontractors and the building trades, are in the process of creating a permanent gaming establishment that will replace the existing temporary facility that was built in a nearby converted government building eight years ago.

Nearly 1,000 Hardhats are currently working on the project, moving it toward a grand opening this fall. The four separate projects referred to by Wolfe include a 100,000 square-foot casino, an 18-story, 400-room hotel, a 5,000-car guest garage (aka a parking deck) and "back of house," where employee offices, prep areas and eating areas are located. The project will also include seven restaurants.

"We're dealing with four separate schedules, four different procurement processes, basically four different construction processes that will all come together," Wolfe said. "We have a great crew, they're very productive and do quality work."

MGM Grand is spending about $750 million on the project, with slightly less than $400 million of that on construction costs. MGM is reportedly spending a great deal on finishing treatments within the hotel and casino. The construction style has been described as an updated Art Deco look that was popular in the 1930s.

It's being built on a 25-acre site acres east of the Lodge Freeway, at Third Street and Bagley.

The MGM Grand Detroit "will be an exciting, cutting edge destination," said Cara Belton, the casino's public relations and communications manager, told a Michigan travel publication. "In addition to featuring exceptional restaurants not currently available in the Detroit area, MGM Grand will include a variety of entertainment options surrounded by an interior design that is worthy of our reputation for the best in service and delivery."

TAKING OUT THE TRASH at the MGM Grand Detroit Casino is Kent "Tattoo" Pattenaude of Operating Engineers Local 324. The 18-story hotel is at left, and the low-level casino is at right.

GETTING THE HANG of a pipe hanger is Tony Montes of Sprinkler Fitters Local 704 and Simplex Grinnell.

PULLING CABLE at the MGM Detroit Casino is Cleophas Sherrer of IBEW Local 58 and Micron Electric.