Originally, the casino project by Caesars Virginia in Danville was set to cost $400 million. Now, it seems the price tag has increased just a bit. The company now plans to spend over $100 million more to make the venue even larger than its original plans. Caesars Entertainment Senior Vice President Robert Livingston stated that over $500 million will be used to upgrade the property, including adding more hotel rooms.

Public Input Meeting

Last night, a public input meeting was held so that Caesars could provide more details on the casino project. It was at that time that Livingston made the announcement of more money going into the property. The Danville casino was supposed to house a 300-guest room hotel, but now that number has been increased to 500.

Also, under discussion was how to preserve the history of the construction site. Mark Schlang is the senior director of design and construction for Caesars Virginia who stated that the company is trying to figure out how to keep smokestacks on the property.

The former Dan River Inc. location is home to three smokestacks that stand prominently within the skyline. The company would like to preserve these items. The design team is also trying to decide where the casino will be built so that the smokestacks can be an iconic portion of the project. More towers are in the works to even out the visual look of the casino.

Additional Design Details

Along with a casino and hotel, the Virginia casino will be home to new restaurants, a sports bar, and brew pub. Celebrity chefs are supposed to be involved with the dining concepts. During the meeting, Schlang named Gordon Ramsey as part of the restaurant section of the property.

Entertainment options at the hotel will include an outdoor pool, fire pits, and hot tubs. A spa is also planned and a VIP area for guests. For parking, a garage will be added that will include 1,200 spaces. As far as the overall design is concerned, the elements will include red brick and tonal colors.

So far, the company has completed the conceptional design. Schematic designs are in the works, to figure out how the elements of the project will come together. The architecture is set to come together to bring the rich history of the community to the site along with the design scheme of Caesars’ properties.

Officials revealed during the meeting the work will start soon and activity at the site will pick up. By mid-September, representatives of the casino are expecting to offer a larger unveiling of the property.