The Q Casino in Dubuque, Iowa soon will start a $75 million to $80 million, 5-phase renovation, to be completed by 2025, officials recently announced.
Stacy Kansky, chief commercial officer for Q Casino and DRA, Dubuque casinos’ non-profit license holder, said, “It’s been 15 years since we’ve undergone any significant upgrades. We want to make this a better experience for our guests.”
The venue opened in 1985 as Dubuque Greyhound Park, then became Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino in 1994. A $33 million renovation and expansion took place in 2005. The property was known as Mystique Casino from 2009 until early 2017, when it was renamed Q Casino.
The city of Dubuque has approved the project plans. Alex Dixon, president and CEO of the DRA and Q Casino, presented details to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for final approval on January 26.
He said, “This is an exciting project for Q Casino, DRA and the city of Dubuque. A lot of effort has gone into getting us to this point but we have planned carefully and done our homework. We are now in a great position to begin transforming the old greyhound racing area into usable space as well as refreshing and enhancing what is offered in our current casino footprint.”
The five phases of the project include:
- Remodeling and connecting the former greyhound racing viewing area with the current gaming floor to create a temporary casino space;
- Remodeling the existing lower casino area to include a center bar with bar-top slot machines;
- Turning the temporary casino space into a permanent family entertainment zone plus a banquet space and bar;
- Adding a new 80-room Hilton-brand hotel with a rooftop restaurant adjacent to the existing 116-room Hilton Garden Inn;
- Renovating the exterior of the building with new parking and signage.
Kansky said the sportsbook and bar area will remain in the upper level area but the Farmhouse restaurant will depart, to be replaced by other food options.
