French Lick Hotel and Resort topped off
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Kris Kirschner/Eyewitness News
French Lick, March 17 - Shades of the history of the French Lick Hotel and Resort remain. But the focus Friday was on the future.
"We said we were going to create something special that all Hoosiers could be proud of and I think today marks a giant step forward," said hotel and casino General Manager Scott Spurlock.
Seven months since they broke ground on Indiana's last riverboat casino, developers celebrated a symbolic touch, an ornamental spire placed atop the wheelhouse of the 84,000 square foot riverboat-themed casino.
Resident Mary Henderson thinks that so far it "looks nice."
The $350 million casino and restoration project should be up and running by December 1, and those involved with the project say they are right on schedule.
Along with building a new casino, the French Lick Hotel undergoes major renovations, 440 guest rooms and suites completely updated.
When all the plaster is dry, a 20,000 square foot spa and a 109,000 square foot event center will all be connected to the nautically themed riverboat.
The real progress though is the number of jobs the project is expected to bring, 1,000 in addition to the 300 already on the payroll.
"The people need it down here," says Vicki Russell. "They haven't got nothing hardly,"
Some are anxious to get started. Spurlock says people are "actually dropping off resumes. Everyone's so excited to join the team here."
People seem just as excited to check in, many are already booking rooms long before they're finished.
Steve Eppink with Lauth Group points out, "Blue Sky is pursuing time share resorts with the hotels."
It's been a long time coming, but Orange County finally sees a tangible end to the fight and the beginning of what they hope is a prosperous future.
Work will also begin on the West Baden Springs hotel this summer. By December first of this year the casino, both hotels, the event center, spa and several restaurants will be open for business.
