For some time now, plans have been in the works to see a Hard Rock Casino created in Gary, Indiana. The plans for the project have now moved forward after a recent meeting with the Gary Common Council. The Board of Zoning Appeals in Gary voted in favor to the requested rezoning of close to 30 acres of land that is vacant in the town to develop the casino resort and hotel.
Moving Forward
The meeting took place just after the Hard Rock Casino rezoning efforts were approved by the Gary Plan Commission. The Common Council must now decide if the project can move forward or if it should be stopped in its tracks. In just two weeks, the plans could be approved by legislators in the city, with the project continuing to move forward.
Along with the rezoning approval need, the project must also be approved by the Common Council regarding a resolution that will authorize the relocation of the Majestic Star casinos of Gary. The casinos currently operate at Lake Michigan and must be approved to change to the requested site.
If the resolution is adopted by the Common Council, the Indiana Gaming Commission must also sign their approval. This could happen as early as the end of the month as regulators are set to meet on the 28th.
The Majestic Star casinos are owned by Spectacle Entertainment who stated to the zoning authority that if the regulatory issues are resolved they would be able to begin breaking ground on the project by late next month or early October. The project has a $400 million price tag for creation.
Hard Rock Expands
If the Gary Casino is allowed to come to fruition, it will mark the 13th Hard Rock branded property to be created in the United States. The idea to create a Hard Rock casino in Gary was first brought to light just a few weeks ago when Spectacle announced they wanted to join forces with the company to create the venue.
The new property would be developed in two phases. The first phase would include the casino construction with as many as 2,674 gaming positions. The facility will also house a sportsbook. For dining, there will be four restaurants and of course, a branded Hard Rock Café, along with bars and a live concert venue.
The second phase of the project will be completed by 2022 or 2023. This section will include a hotel and parking garage. The garage will be created to take the place of the surface parking lots of the facility.
The construction of the facility will have restrictions based on current state law. The property has to be set back and screened from residences located nearby. For the hotel, the developers can build a towering property but they must be given approval by the Federal Aviation Authority first.
The project should move forward as the Gary mayor is on board and no members of the Council have stated that they are opposed to the plans.
