The building trades are reaching for the top of the $275 million Motor City Casino, hotel and conference center.

The top of the 17-story, 400-room hotel was nearing completion last week, in a process that's expected to wrap up with the expanded facility opening this fall. The casino and hotel are an expansion of the existing "temporary" casino built into the old Wonder Bread factory along Grand River Ave. in Detroit.

The completed project, led by general contractor MIG Detroit, will add about 300 jobs to Motor City's current base of nearly 2,700 employees.

The hotel tower that includes a spa, retail outlets, restaurants and a lounge, as well as additional parking. The project will double gaming space to 100,000 square feet, and the current food service building will be remodeled and expanded to include additional dining options, meeting space and a 1,200-seat theater. A 204,000 square-foot convention center will also be included.

"We intend to build a quality hotel and entertainment complex far beyond anything that is currently available in the city" said Motor City Casino owner Marian Ilitch. "The expanded property will usher in a new era in the hospitality industry in Detroit."

THE 17-STORY hotel tower will be the landmark for the expanded Motor City Casino.