Wind Creek Illinois LLC to Submit Application to Build Four-diamond Casino Destination in the South Suburban Communities of East Hazel Crest and Homewood
Presentations to Village Trustees Outlining Project Details Scheduled for Next Week
Wind Creek Illinois LLC, a subsidiary of PCI Gaming Authority and operating under the brand name Wind Creek Hospitality today announced its intent to submit an application to develop a casino and entertainment destination in the south suburban communities of East Hazel Crest and Homewood, IL.
Wind Creek will present the proposed casino development – to be located directly off of I-80, near Halsted Street and 175th Street – at Village Board meetings next week in Homewood (October 7) and East Hazel Crest (October 9). Wind Creek’s management is hopeful that, at those meetings, Village Trustees will vote to certify the project, which will enable the casino operator to proceed to develop an application to be submitted to the Illinois Gaming Board by the October 28 deadline.
“Wind Creek Hospitality has a proven track record of success in developing high-quality and successful casino and entertainment projects, and we’re excited about the opportunity to bring one to Illinois,” said Brent Pinkston, chief operating officer of Wind Creek Hospitality. “East Hazel Crest and Homewood are two strong and stable communities, with visionary leadership. We believe this partnership and the prime, easy-to-access location creates a solid foundation for the quality casino and entertainment complex we hope to develop – one that will maximize revenue and bring sustained benefits to the entire south suburban region.”
Wind Creek Hospitality is an authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and manages 10 premier gaming properties with best-in-class amenities in Alabama, Florida, Nevada, Pennsylvania and the Caribbean.
Wind Creek’s proposal in the south suburbs includes a phased construction plan that would offer:
- Nearly 70,000-square-foot casino floor with more than 1,300 slot machines and 56 table games
- An entertainment center, customized with the region in mind – both in design and the featured performers it will draw
- Three restaurants, two bars and a skyline lounge
- A 252-room luxury hotel with indoor pool and spa
A rendering of the proposed development can be found here. Phase one of construction includes the casino, entertainment center, bars and restaurants. The hotel, pool, spa and skyline lounge are included in a second phase of construction scheduled to open in year four of operations.
“Right off I-80 and close to the Indiana border, we feel as if this site presents a unique opportunity to draw patrons from not only across the south suburbs, but from neighbors in Indiana as well,” said Pinkston. “A casino in this location will benefit the entire south suburban region – providing jobs and revenue for years to come.”
The casino itself is projected to create the equivalent of least 800 full-time jobs when fully operational – careers ranging from maintenance and casino floor positions to hospitality and management roles. This estimate does not include temporary jobs created by the project’s construction.
In addition, Wind Creek has a track record in each community where they operate for being a good neighbor and giving back in a number of philanthropic ways – setting aside over a million dollars annually for charities in the areas they serve.
“Wind Creek makes it a priority to not only be a good neighbor, but to give back to the communities where we are located,” said Pinkston. “We are committed to identify ways to identify the best way to do that here, based on local market needs.”
About Wind Creek Hospitality: Wind Creek Hospitality is an authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Wind Creek Hospitality manages the Tribe’s gaming facilities including: Wind Creek Atmore, Wind Creek Wetumpka, Wind Creek Montgomery, Wind Creek Bethlehem, Wa She Shu Casino in Nevada, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino as well as racetracks in Alabama and Florida. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws. The Tribe operates a variety of economic enterprises, which employ thousands of area residents. For more information, visit: WindCreekHospitality.com.