The Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi will soon launch the largest casino expansion on the Mississippi Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina. The 110,000-square-foot project will include a 64,000-square-foot expansion of its facilities and amenities, as well as the renovation of existing areas.
Keith Crosby, general manager of the Palace Casino Resort, said, “Prior to the storm, we were a four-diamond resort. We are bringing back many of the amenities we lost to again provide our guests the complete package. We will also maintain many of our current amenities that have become popular, like our signature golf course, The Preserve; our first-class marina; and our award-winning fine dining restaurant, Mignon’s.”
Upon completion of the new construction, the property will include 38,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 1,000 slot machines and 26 new table games. Also included will be an eight-table poker room and high limit salon. A strong focus is being placed on the improvement of air quality throughout the casino. Non-smoking areas, including the poker room, will be available to guests.
The new 300-seat buffet will feature live cooking stations and a display bakery, where guests can purchase a variety of freshly baked goods. A café and grill will offer 24-hour service with seating for 50 guests. And, a new upscale lounge/sports bar will include a stage for live entertainment. Mignon’s Steaks and Seafood will remain; and its lounge, which was popular before the storm, will return.
Crosby said that upgrades to the hotel will focus on providing guests an intimate, service-based experience. A new front desk, concierge area and VIP check-in will be added. The lobby and atrium areas will also be remodeled. Other added amenities will include a new gift shop, spa and fitness center, business center and meeting facilities.
Cuningham Group, an award-winning international design firm with multiple offices including Biloxi, Las Vegas and Minneapolis, is leading the architecture and interior design work of the expansion. The firm, which designed many of the gaming, nightclub and restaurant environments within the pre-Katrina casino, has over 40 years of experience and has consistently been recognized as a leader in the resort gaming market.
Robert Low, owner of the casino with his wife, Lawana, said, “We are very excited to have this opportunity to further invest in the city of Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.” He continued, “The key to our success over the past 12 years has never been based on the bricks and mortar, but rather the hard work of our dedicated associates and the high quality of personal service they provide to our guests.”
The estimated date of completion for the expansion is late summer 2011. At that time, additional associates will be added to the current staff of 625.
Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway said, “This project, especially in the current economic climate, shows the confidence and vitality of the Biloxi market. The Palace has been an important part of our community for over 12 years, and this new investment should generate new jobs and revenue for many more years to come.”
