LINCOLN, CA - The United Auburn Indian Community celebrated the topping out of its redesigned Thunder Valley hotel Friday, but a spokesman hinted it may not remain 15 stories high forever.

"We've designed the resort for expansion, both up and out," said Thunder Valley spokesman Doug Elmets.

The hotel complex was initially designed to be 23 stories high, but with worsening economic conditions last fall the tribe suspended construction.

Work began again in April with a new general contractor, but the foundation and lower floors had already been built to support a taller hotel.

The redesigned hotel will offer 400 rooms instead of the original 623. The parking structure will be seven stories instead of nine, with a total of 3,800 spaces instead of the original 5,000. And a performing arts center has been replaced by a multi-purpose area.

But even a more modest hotel may seem like a gamble in light of the severe recession. Elmets said the tribe doesn't think so.

"Business is coming back. We're seeing a lot more patrons coming here, and you need to prepare for the future," he said. The future, he said, could eventually include a larger hotel.

Friday's topping-out celebration included lunch for the roughly 350 construction workers on the job. A spokesman for the general contractor, Penta Building Group, said the total head count could exceed 500 by the time the hotel opens next July.