The third Agua Caliente Casino will open within a year in Cathedral City, joining sister properties in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, all of them run by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
The new project will serve as a major anchor for the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District, an area which brings in theatre, films, concerts and outdoor festivals.
“Having a brand new gaming and entertainment center as a major anchor will spur more interest and development…and generate additional revenue for city services,” said Mayor Mark Carnevale.
The casino project began in 2017 when the tribe acquired 12.5 acres to add to an already existing parcel. The agreement with the city required the tribe to contribute $5.5 million to build a new fire station, as well as improve streets and infrastructure within the vicinity of the casino site.
“This will create jobs, revitalize an undeveloped downtown property, and support Cathedral City’s economic development efforts,” said Tribal Chairman, Jeff L. Grubbe.
Indeed, the casino complex has attracted increased interest in adjacent vacant parcels.
