Virginia has authorized the construction of four commercial casinos in the state, with the fifth authorization awaiting approval by Richmond voters in November 2021. Caesars, one of the four casinos, is holding a public meeting tonight to listen to residents’ opinions.
The $400 million casino resort is coming up in Danville. Last year in November, Danville voters authorized construction of the casino through a ballot referendum. Around 69 percent voted in the agreement of Caesars Entertainment and Danville to build a casino resort to encourage economic growth in the city.
Later tonight, Caesars will hold a public meeting at the site where the casino will be built. Formerly known as Dan River Inc. Welfare Building just opposite the historic Dan River textile site, where the meeting is happening.
Through the company’s vice president, Caesars is a brand that thrives by engaging the community. Robert Livingston said that the company thought it best to collect the public’s opinion on the design of the upcoming casino.
Livingston hopes that people will give ideas on the casino’s architecture, specific designs, color palette, amenities, and attractions. The company will also take opinions on the material it should use to build the casino.
Changing the Eyesore to Life
Dan River Inc. Welfare Building was once the economic hub of Danville. Caesars is expected to revive the 85-acre complex and make it the economic hub that it once was.
The Schoolfield village, home to Dan River Inc., was an independent town since it was founded in 1903. It had textile mills that operated between 1880 and 1910.
Since Danville occupied Schoolfield, its mills have remained vacant and in bad shape. The city’s economy has been deteriorating since the closure of the textile mills.
This state encouraged city officials and residents to authorize a casino that might revive the city’s economy. Initially, the plan was to build a casino floor to hold 2000 slot machines, 75 table games, and a sportsbook.
Other amenities would include an entertainment hall, a conference center, a pool complex, a four-star hotel and spa, and 300-guest rooms. The project is expected to create 1300 permanent jobs, with an average earning between $35,000 and $47,000.
Besides the public’s opinion, Caesars will also use professionals’ opinions. The company has brought in Marnell Companies, a Las Vegas brand known for architectural designs. The firm has designed several properties, including Bellagio, Wynn, Forum Shops inside Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.
We Will Still Open By 2023
It would seem that Caesars is still far from opening its doors, mainly because it is yet to start construction. Although the company is dealing with COVID-19 related challenges, it promises to open its casino in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The construction involves demolishing some old structures. Caesars has noted that 700,000 square feet are covered with old systems that must be destroyed before building a new casino.
Danville hopes to get $22 million in revenue tax in three years since it is operational. Elsewhere, the construction of the other three casinos is ongoing.
Casino construction in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Bristol is moving steadily. Meanwhile, Richmond has to wait several more months before it knows its future with a casino.
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