Published: June 12, 2007 09:57 am      

Casino breaks ground

CLINTON — Hundreds watched as the ceremonial shovels turned the earth at the site of the new land-based casino and resort during the groundbreaking for the future Wild Rose Casino in Clinton’s west end Monday morning.

The $25 million project will cover 28.6 acres of land at U.S. 30 and Mill Creek Parkway. The 120,000-square-foot facility will feature a 28,000- square-foot casino with a gaming floor of 600 slot machines and 14 table games. Other amenities include a 60-room hotel, an Iowa gift store, a sports bar and restaurant, a full buffet and events center with seating for up to 1,000 people, as well as valet parking and space for up to 1,000 vehicles.

The facility is the result of planning and efforts between Wild Rose Entertainment and Valley Bluff Development. Wild Rose Entertainment is owned by Iowa businessmen Gary Kirke and Dr. Mike Richards. The two founded the company that acquired the Mississippi Belle II Riverboat Casino in June 2006. Wild Rose Entertainment also operates the Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Emmetsburg, which opened in May 2006.

Valley Bluff Development is a partnership between Realtors Dan Jefferies and Steve Howes. In February, Valley Bluff officials signed the land acquisition deal with Wild Rose Entertainment for nearly 29 acres on a site of 117 acres located northeast of the U.S. 30/Mill Creek Parkway intersection. Valley Bluff will continue marketing the remaining 88 acres to prospective retailers and businesses, with expectations of more than 40 businesses located in the area.

Wild Rose Casino/Mississippi Belle II General Manager Tim Bollmann hosted the ground-breaking ceremony. He remarked that it was a perfect day for the momentous occasion.

“Here, pretty soon, we’re going to make history in Iowa gaming by breaking ground on the first land-based casino development in the state of Iowa,” Bollmann said.

Bollmann introduced Mayor LaMetta Wynn, saying she has been instrumental in Clinton’s economic development. Wynn commented on the excitement surrounding the long-awaited celebration, noting the new and expanded facility will attract visitors and events and the site development will draw other business opportunities.

"When the Wild Rose Casino moves from the riverfront to this area, not only do we anticipate growth in this area, but the casino is adding hotel rooms, dining and entertainment space. This is a domino effect. We look for other businesses to locate nearby," she said. "On behalf of the city of Clinton, I would like to thank the Valley Bluff Development group for your very large investment and support of our city. We are growing and we appreciate your business."

Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce President Kent Campbell said the company's dedication to the community would create a springboard or ripple effect in the area in the form of continued growth and development.

"We owe a deep debt of gratitude to the casino, its partners and the developers, for bringing something else to our community to make it a better place to live, work and play," said Campbell.

Bollmann then introduced Clinton County Community Development Association President Jim McGraw, saying in 17 years in the gaming industry, he has never seen a group more dedicated to the community as the CCCDA board of directors. McGraw acknowledged the other board members in attendance at the groundbreaking and credited the area's gaming industry founders' insight for the success of the board in contributing to the community. McGraw said he couldn't be prouder to be a member of the board, which to date has given out approximately $14 million in grant funding for local projects.

Bollmann said the groundbreaking might not be happening without the work of Howes and Jefferies. Jefferies welcomed Bollmann and the Wild Rose organization, then took a moment to recognize the family of Dr. & Mrs. Kirchner who owned the site that was once a farm. He said the long time Clinton family was very philanthropic to the community and acknowledged the Kirchner's daughters, Fran Bickelhaupt and Beth Van Allen. Bickelhaupt was in the audience at the groundbreaking with her daughter, Francie. Jefferies also commended the engineering staff of McClure Engineering for the site preparation which included moving 1,250,000 cubic yards of fill.

He said the development corporation was pleased to have Wild Rose building at the site and to be able to provide surrounding development to the city. Jefferies noted the project would provide tourism opportunities, benefiting existing businesses by creating more traffic and injecting revenue into the community.

"We're also planning office projects here and all this activity is going to supply a much-needed boost to the tax base revenue of the city of Clinton Iowa," Jefferies said. "Increasing sales tax revenue and providing more direct and indirect job opportunities for the citizens of Clinton and the surrounding area."

He added the casino moving off the riverfront would allow for better utilization of the riverfront in the form of a new marina and amenities building and restaurant.

Wild Rose Executive Vice President and legal counsel Jim Krambeck addressed the audience, saying the new casino would result in more revenue for schools and infrastructure, as well as more jobs.

"It's the right time, it's the right place and it's the right partners," said Krambeck. "All the pieces are falling into place for continued growth in Clinton. We all would like to thank Wild Rose for being a leader, investing and believing in the potential Clinton holds."

Kirke credited city and civic leaders for being cooperative in the process of planning for the new facility. He said that from day one, the city welcomed the project with open arms and because of that it was a "smooth and easy project." Kirke thanked the mayor and council for their hospitality and remarked that the very professional workforce of casino staff the company found in Clinton is a good reflection on the community.

"We're pleased to be here to make it happen for Clinton. It's going to be a tremendous boon to your economic community here," he said. "We're very excited about this opportunity. It's going to be everything you ever expected and more."

Before turning the dirt with ceremonial shovels, Bollmann acknowledged the presence of several Wild Rose Entertainment officials including Richards, Krambeck, Operations Vice President Tom Timmons, Chief Financial Officer Scott Ivers and Office Manager Nancy Cook. Bollmann again thanked the city, the community and all those involved in the project.

"It's been an exciting ride and it's just going to get more wild," Bollmann said. "Let's go turn some dirt."

The building's concept was designed by architect Ed Vance, president and design principal of Ed Vance and Associates of Las Vegas. Vance spent a significant amount of time at the Clinton County Historical Museum going over the history of Clinton and viewing old photographs, to get a feel for the city to create the design and theme of the new facility in order to reflect Clinton’s heritage. The design will incorporate materials and features native to the area including rough-hewn limestone and heavy timber elements. Notable local photographs will be reproduced, framed and placed throughout the building.

Casino officials expect a 12- to 14-month window before the facility opens. The Mississippi Belle II will continue to operate with a cruising schedule until construction is complete next year.