In Illinois, the Waukegan Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously voted to recommended that the city council approve the site plan for Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts’ temporary American Place casino. The venue is expected to open in July and the permanent facility is scheduled to open within three years.
The 75,000-square-foot temporary casino will be housed in a high-tension tent, with 1,000 slot machines, 50 table games, restaurants and bars, plus kitchen and administrative trailers, said Full House Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Alex Stolyar. He said he hopes construction can start by the end of this month, depending on approvals from the Illinois Gaming Board and others.
“I’m excited. I appreciate the recommendation. I’m always happy with a unanimous positive vote,” Stolyar said. Mayor Ann Taylor added, “There’s a lot or work to be done. We want this to be the best project it can be.”
Both the temporary and permanent casinos will be built on a 28-acre city-owned tract bordering Fountain Square shopping center, plus a 10-acre plot Full House has under contract, Stolyar said. Full House will pay the city rent on a ground lease.
City Commissioner Theodora Anderson said she was concerned about the appearance of the temporary structure. “It looks more like a warehouse. Why aren’t there any windows?” she asked. Stolyar said casino buildings typically do not have windows, and landscaping will enhance the structure’s appearance. “We want to make the temporary casino look as nice as we can. Landscaping will be used to give it a more artistic feel,” he said.
Stolyar said Full House already is in the planning stage for hiring about 700 employees for the temporary casino. That will increase to 1,800 for the permanent facility. He said, “We’re looking for local people. We expect many of them to be with us for three years and transition into the permanent casino. They’ll be trained and ready to go.”
The permanent casino will feature a 1,500-seat entertainment venue and a luxury boutique Mansion House hotel.
