Groundbreaking Held for MotorCity Casino

In a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony today, MotorCity Casino broke ground on a $275-million dollar casino hotel and conference center at its present location near Grand River Avenue and the Lodge freeway.

The groundbreaking ceremony was lead by Larry Alexander, Chair of the Convention Bureau. Joining Mr. Alexander in turning the first shovels of ground were MotorCity Casino owner Marian Ilitch, Deputy Mayor Anthony Adams, Detroit City Councilman Ken Cockrel, MotorCity CEO, Gregg Solomon and MotorCity COO, Rhonda Cohen.

Construction has begun on a 17-story, 400-room hotel tower and parking structure and is expected to be completed in late 2007. This follows the Michigan Gaming Control Board's unanimous approval in September of MotorCity Casino's construction plans as well as the issuance of all necessary City of Detroit approvals.

"This is an extremely exciting time for MotorCity Casino and Detroit," said MotorCity Casino owner Marian Ilitch. "We intend to build a quality hotel and entertainment complex far beyond anything that is currently available in the city and be the first casino to open a new facility. The expanded property will usher in a new era in the hospitality industry in Detroit."

Plans include a complete interior and exterior remodeling of the current buildings, construction of a 17-story, 400-room hotel tower that includes a spa, retail outlets, restaurants and a lounge, as well as additional parking. Gaming space will be expanded to 100,000 square feet, and the current food service building will be remodeled and expanded to include additional dining options, meeting space and a 1,200-seat theater.

"The property design will be an extension of the MotorCity Casino brand and include elements that will make it a "must see" for visitors to the City of Detroit", said Gregg Solomon, CEO of Detroit Entertainment, L.C.C., owner and operator of MotorCity Casino.

The project will be phased in such a way that inconvenience to our guests will be avoided. "Throughout the construction process, guests will enjoy MotorCity just like they do today," Solomon said.

Construction is expected to support approximately 1,200 jobs. The completed project will add approximately 300 career opportunities to MotorCity's current base of nearly 2,700 associates.

"One of the most exciting prospects of this project is the addition of 300 direct jobs," said Detroit City Councilman Ken Cockrel. "With the current state of the economy and lay-offs taking place all over the country, it is great to know that MotorCity Casino will continue to employ Detroiters," Cockrel said.