$90
Million New
Spa
Resort Casino Breaks Ground
PALM
SPRINGS, CA - The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians broke
ground Dec. 6 on an ambitious $90 million new casino project.
The new Spa Resort Casino, located in the heart of Palm Springs,
will cover an entire city block and is expected to spark further
revitalization in the downtown area. Completion of the project
is targeted for November 2003, and will replace the existing
Spa Casino operation.
Joining
Tribal Chairman Richard M. Milanovich in the groundbreaking
ceremony were Vice-Chairman Barbara Gonzales Lyons, Secretary/Treasurer
Moraino J. Patencio, Council Member Candace C. Patencio and
Council Member Jeannette Prieto-Dodd.
"This
is a grand day in the history of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla
Indians and of Palm Springs," Milanovich said. "This
ambitious casino project will make Palm Springs California's
premiere casino destination."
The new
Spa Resort Casino will be located northeast and diagonally across
from the existing property and will encompass an entire city
block, bordered by Amado Road on the north, El Segundo on the
east, Andreas Road on the south and Calle Encilia on the west.
The site is approximately a quarter mile from the Palm Springs
Convention Center and Indian Canyon Drive.
World-class
architects Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo and designers Dougall
Design each sport impressive client lists in the United States
and abroad. The casino's exteriors and interiors will reflect
a style of
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casual
elegance. The casino's cream-colored stucco walls will rise
from the surrounding lush landscaping and trelliswork. The unique
roof is a configuration of turrets, topped by varying shades
of blue concrete tile, bringing to mind the Tribe's historical
association with the area's waters. Marble and rich woods will
adorn the casino's interiors.
 In
the new casino, players will find all their favorite games,
including approximately 1,000 of the latest slots and video
poker machines and more than 40 table games. An elegant high-limit
area, the Salon Prive, will cater to guests who prefer a more
private gaming setting. A player's club will offer incentives
for frequent players.
The new
Spa Resort Casino will feature three restaurants, including
a 300-seat buffet, a casually elegant restaurant with exterior
dining terraces and a sports bar serving light meals and beverages
in a sports-theme environment. The property will also include
a 150-seat lounge with evening entertainment and a central bar
on the casino floor.
Ample parking
at the casino includes 1,303 spaces, including regular and handicapped-accessible
spaces. An additional parking lot will be conveniently located
across Amado Road. Luxury shuttles will transport guests to
and from the casino and the hotel.
The Agua
Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has a longstanding tradition
of major activity and visibility in the Coachella Valley. The
Tribe set an historic precedent by becoming the first Native
American Tribe to own and operate two gaming facilities in California,
when it opened the Agua
Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage in April 2001. |
Harrah's
Renovating, Expanding Properties
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LAS
VEGAS - Harrah's
Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel in Iowa is planning
$8.4 million in renovations at its hotel, including a
new marble entryway and new decor in the lobby. The renovations
are scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2003.
"We
plan to upgrade all aspects of the hotel's public areas,
guest rooms and suites," said Peter Weien, senior
vice president and general manager. Guest rooms will get
new furniture, fixtures and 32-inch TVs.
The
upgrades further Harrah's premier room concept. "We
will continue to improve our world-class service and provide
the best hotel product in the Council Bluffs-Omaha market,"
said Robert Brigham, director of hotel operations for
Harrah's.
Separately,
Harrah's in October announced plans for a $75 million
expansion in Maryland Heights, MO, in the St. Louis market.
Vern
Jennings, the general manager of Harrah's
St. Louis Hotel & Casino, told the Maryland Heights
City Council in November that Harrah's hopes to build
a 16- story tower next to its current hotel and casino.
The
plan calls for a 309-room hotel tower, including two 1,300-square-foot
super suites, complete with 12-foot ceilings, a Jacuzzi
and other amenities; plus 19 other suites that would be
900 square feet and 288 standard rooms that would be 40
percent larger than rooms in the current Harrah's hotel
in Maryland Heights.
Jennings
said that Harrah's also hoped to build a 2,500-square-foot
exercise center and redesign the hotel lobby's entrance,
featuring 20-foot high ceilings, a granite floor and chandelier.
"We want this to look just like some of the finest
hotels that you see in Las Vegas," Jennings said,
the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
To
accommodate large weekend crowds, Harrah's
St. Louis plans to add an additional 85 seats to the
steakhouse at the casino complex and double eating capacity
at Club Aromas, a popular coffeehouse, the newspaper reported.
Jennings
said that Harrah's already had invested $350 million in
the Maryland Heights complex. "I'm excited about
this," Mayor Mike Mueller said, the Post-Dispatch
reported. "Harrah's has been a good business partner
for the city."
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