Jerry Creel, community development director for Biloxi, Mississippi, announced Barrington Development, which is transforming the former Casino Magic into a resort and water park, will begin work on apartments, a hotel, a bank, restaurants and shops at the downtown City Place starting in September. Creel said Barrington also will turn the neighboring Santa Maria de Mar apartments, vacant for 10 years since Hurricane Katrina, into a160-unit luxury hotel with a swimming pool and other amenities. The development announcement follows the opening June 6 of the new MGM Park stadium, home of the Milwaukee Brewers Double-A affiliate, the Biloxi Shuckers.
Cono Caranna of Barrington said because of its location, City Place will provide housing to casino workers, members of the baseball team and others who want to reside or stay in the downtown area. Biloxi architect Frank Genzer said, “It’s the type of development that will bring people downtown and allow them to work and live downtown and walk to work.”
Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich stated, “We’re encouraged and appreciative anytime a significant development is proposed in Biloxi, especially when it involves a company with a proven track record.” Council President Felix Gines said since the new downtown stadium opened, “People have been inquiring about the area. I know the interest is there.”
