The IGB voted unanimously to kick out plans by Southland Live, who wanted to use a section of the River Oaks shopping center in Calumet City to develop a casino, and from the Ho-Chunk Nation, who wanted to build on land it owns in Lynwood.
Homewood and East Hazel Crest are teaming up with casino operator Wind Creek Hospitality with plans to develop a 64,000-square-foot casino on a 24-acre site. Costing US$300 million, the first phase would include a casino, an entertainment center and 21-story hotel, with a rooftop balcony offering views of Chicago’s skyline.
Windcreek’s presentation introduced a respected, experienced and fiscally-stable operator with a commitment to diversity and inclusion – and a development that promises to be the best in and for the south suburbs.
“Wind Creek Hospitality will not just build a casino, but truly create a community in the south suburbs – with job creation, community investment and sustained operational excellence, and we were enthused to share that with the Illinois Gaming Board in our presentation today,” said Jay Dorris, president and CEO, PCI Gaming Authority.
Matteson is partnering with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and wants to build a casino at the former Lincoln Mall site at US 30 and Cicero Avenue.
Matteson Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin commented: “We are excited to continue in the selection process and look forward to advocating our wonderful town as the best location for the Southland Casino. We are pleased and extremely excited. I think the Gaming Board saw the commitment to diversity and the community in this project.”
The first phase would be a 123,000-square-foot casino, with a 200-room hotel and convention center to build at a later date.
Source: GMB / G3 Newswire
