Plans for downtown Cathedral City casino revealed
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has released is site plan for the casino at the corner of Date Palm Drive and Highway 111. The city used the opportunity to show off plans for the vacant lot across the street.
The entire project is 125,000 square feet, with 65,000 square feet allocated to the casino and 60,000 square feet being allocated to mixed-use retail shops. The casino itself will have 500 slot machines..
Read: Casino development announced in downtown Cathedral City; some residents concerned
“What’s exciting, is that it’s going to be another powerful catalyst for our downtown,” said Stone James, economic development director for Cathedral City.
The city took the opportunity to create some additional plans of their own.
City officials drew mock renderings for the 13.5 acres across the street that they hope to sell.
They say the construction will change the fabric of downtown.
These plans are in addition to a $2 million renovation of the Mary Pickford Theater, a $3 million outdoor amphitheater breaking ground in about a month, and the former IMAX movie theater being converted into a playhouse by early 2019.
Officials are hoping to create a space where families can come and enjoy their time.
“We’ve got four major assets just here in downtown. That’s going to make this an even more attractive place to live work and raise a family,” James said.
Locals say they are excited.
“They’re going to bring a lot more people and a lot more money,” said Salvador Nito, a resident in the area for 27 years.
The businesses in the Gateway Plaza across the street from the proposed casino say they are especially excited.
“The lot next door has had a lot of talk, but I think, it’s great because we’re ready for it. I think the city needs it. There’s a lot of open real estate in Cathedral City. commercial real estate. It’s a great spot, great location. It’s going to be good for us. I’m looking forward to it,” said Scott Robertson, executive chef/owner of New Leaf Catering.
The tribe is six months into the two-year federal process of getting the land entitled. Once that is done they can start construction on the casino. If all goes well, the groundbreaking could come by the end of 2019.
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