Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) has informed the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) that its Queen of Terre Haute Casino Resort project will incur higher costs than initially projected. The casino, currently under construction in Vigo County, is expected to open its doors in March 2024. The estimated cost for the project has been revised from $260 million to $290 million.
Ryan Jordan, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development for Churchill, shared with the IGC that the decision to revise the cost estimate was made after incorporating plans for additional amenities into the project. He stated, “We are excited about it and continue to move forward.”
Key Details of the Queen of Terre Haute Casino Resort Project:
Size and Features: The Queen of Terre Haute Casino Resort will encompass approximately 400,000 square feet, with a gaming area covering 56,000 square feet. The gaming space will house around 1,000 slot machines and approximately 50 table games.
Hotel and Dining: The resort will feature a 125-room hotel and nine food and beverage venues, providing guests with a range of dining options during their stay.
Changes in Design: A notable change in the design is the relocation of the rooftop pool. Originally planned for the top of the nine-story hotel, the pool will now be situated in a separate building at ground level. This adjustment allows for a larger pool area that is not seasonally limited by weather conditions.
Enhanced Rooftop Experience: The rooftop area, now devoid of the pool, will be transformed into an upscale bar and lounge. This space is envisioned to offer guests panoramic views of Terre Haute, complete with outdoor seating, fire pits, and heaters.
Crossroad Sports Bar: The casino’s Crossroad Sports Bar will undergo enhancements, including larger screens and two viewing areas. Patrons throughout the gaming area will have access to sports content displayed on video screens.
Outdoor Gaming Area: An outdoor gaming area with slot machines will be available, featuring louvers around the perimeter for controlled airflow. This space aims to create an open-air ambiance while accommodating smoking and gaming preferences.
Construction Milestones and Economic Impact:
CDI initiated construction in June, and the structural framework is anticipated to be in place by March 2023. The exterior enclosures are slated for completion between January and June 2023, with interior work scheduled to commence in March. The project is projected to generate approximately 500 jobs and contribute an annual economic impact of $190 million to the region.
Terre Haute City Council’s Approval:
In March, the Terre Haute City Council granted CDI’s request to rezone nearly 50 acres of land to facilitate the development of the Queen of Terre Haute Resort.
The Queen of Terre Haute Casino Resort project reflects CDI’s commitment to creating a premier entertainment destination while providing substantial economic benefits to the local community. As construction progresses and the resort’s opening date approaches, CDI aims to deliver an exceptional gaming and hospitality experience for patrons in the region.