Story posted Wednesday, February 3, 2010
What To Name Casino?
By TODD WESSELL Journal & Topics Editor
Even though the sign on the artist's rendering reads "Des Plaines Casino" the new gambling operation that's planned for Des Plaines' southeast corner will bear a different name.
That's the word from Greg Carlin, CEO of Midwest Gaming and Entertainment, LLC, which will soon begin construction on the billion-dollar project near River Road and Devon Avenue.
Carlin confirmed this week that the operation will not be named "Des Plaines Casino."
"We're down to a short list," Carlin said. "I can't say yet what the name will be. Hopefully we'll know very soon."
Illinois' nine other riverboat casinos bear names like Hollywood Casino, located in Aurora, Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria, and Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.
Last week, the Des Plaines Plan Commission and city council's Community Development Committee gave approval of preliminary plans for the new 140,000 sq. ft casino, two parking garages and two high-rise hotels that will be located on a 20-acre parcel on the west side of River Road.
Formal city council approval is required before work can begin.
Midwest is hoping to begin demolition of three or four of the office buildings currently located on the acreage as early as March. Construction may begin in July with completion within 16 to 19 months.
Currently, the Illinois Gaming Board is conducting its required study of Midwest to determine its suitability to own and operate the business.
The review includes extensive background checks of all key personnel and major investors.
A favorable conclusion is expected which will enable Midwest to proceed with securing financing for the project. The gaming board may finish its suitability probe in time for its Feb. 10 meeting. If not, approval will have to wait until March.
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