Recently in Gulfport, Mississippi, Governor Phil Bryant cut the ribbon that official opened the million renovation at the Island View Casino’s 18-story, 405-room Art Deco-style Beach Tower. The building had been empty since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005.
The property created 300 new jobs. It now features five new restaurants, a spa and fitness center, plus 14,000 square feet of convention space and the new Beach club with cabanas and paddleboat rentals. Terry Green, co-owner of Island View Casino Resort with Rick Carter, said, “It checked off every list. Now the package is complete. We’re already booked for the next six weeks, both hotels.” The new tower brings the resort’s total to 970 rooms.
Bryant noted many Mississippi companies hold their conventions in Alabama and Florida. “I don’t like that,” he said, adding new Beach Tower amenities will allow people to bring their families when they attend conventions. Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes agreed. “That is one of the beauties of this facility, particularly for this area of the Coast,” he said.
The new tower offers the Beach Grill fine-dining restaurant and Fresh, for healthy drinks and snacks. The new Beignet Café, the Sweet Shop featuring gelatos, ice creams and candies, and the Diner featuring all-day breakfast. are located north of U.S. 90. A pedestrian bridge over the highway links the two areas.
Carter also revealed plans for developing the land east of Island View for another casino and hotel tower, timeshare tower, retail and restaurants. “It’s always good to look back but stay focused on the future,” Carter said.
