American casino operator Caesars Entertainment Corporation has unveiled a plan that will see it spend around $85 million in order to expand its Horseshoe Southern Indiana and bring the facility’s existing riverboat casino onto dry land.

Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment Corporation explained that the project is to involve the construction of a 100,000 sq ft one-story building at Horseshoe Southern Indiana to house the new land-based casino as well as an entertainments venue and a selection of restaurants and retail outlets.

“By moving the casino operations to a new building, we are able to give guests a fresh new modern casino and an enhanced experience,” read a Tuesday statement from Brad Seigel, General Manager and Senior Vice-President for Horseshoe Southern Indiana. “Integrating the food, entertainment and gaming outlets in one area builds upon the high-quality experience that guests expect from our property. We will continue to operate as normal during the renovation and welcome guests to take this journey with us over the next 18 months.”

According to a Tuesday report from the News and Tribune newspaper, the expansion is possible thanks to 2015 legislation that allows Indiana riverboat gambling ventures to relocate onto dry ground so long as they do not stray from their existing footprints. It detailed that the property’s current 503-room hotel is connected to a riverboat-based 93,000 sq ft casino via a long covered causeway but that the redevelopment will see this elevated walkway diverted to the new riverside building.

Caesars Entertainment Corporation reportedly declared that the new-look Horseshoe Southern Indiana, which is located along the banks of the Ohio River approximately 14 miles from downtown Louisville, Kentucky, will feature a ‘modern feel’ complete with exterior balconies alongside ‘a state-of-the-art ventilation system and windows bringing natural light’. It moreover purportedly stated that the redevelopment is to additionally include renovations to the Harrison County facility’s existing conventions and meetings spaces.

The News and Tribune reported that the project received the unanimous approval of the Indiana Gaming Commission on Tuesday afternoon with Caesars Entertainment Corporation now hoping to begin construction work this summer with an estimated completion date during the second half of next year.

“We are proud of our 20-year history of operating in Indiana and the millions of dollars and hours of contributions we make to the local communities in which we work, live and play,” read the statement from Siegel. “This project further demonstrates our continued enthusiasm for and commitment to the state. We appreciate the Indiana Gaming Commission’s decision today and look forward to continuing our positive working relationships at the state and local level.”