Rockford Casino Gets Temporary Permit
A rendering of the proposed Hard Rock Casino in Rockford.
The Illinois Gaming Board is moving forward with a plan to allow the proposed new Hard Rock Casino in Rockford to operate in temporary facilities until a permanent casino is built.
Via the Rockford Register-Star:
Construction of the temporary casino could begin in a matter of days at the former location of Giovanni's Restaurant and Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road.
"Based on a review of the materials applicant submitted in support of this request along with your representations, and pursuant to the authority delegated to me under the June 11, 2020, Board Resolution … request is hereby approved," Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter wrote in an approval letter obtained by the Rockford Register Star. "Applicant may now commence construction at the temporary casino facility."
Construction is expected to last about three months. Before it can open however, the casino still must obtain the Gaming Board's permission to operate and receive approval of the casino's security and surveillance setup.
The 37,790-square-foot restaurant and banquet hall will be transformed into a temporary casino location. Plans are for the location to undergo an estimated $8.8 million renovation. It is expected to feature 736 slot machines, maintain two restaurants and could possibly include a "Rock Shop."
The temporary casino could operate for two years while the permanent, $311 million Hard Rock Casino Rockford is under construction. That project must still obtain further permission before construction can begin at the entrance to Interstate 90 and East State Street at the former location of the Clock Tower Resort.
Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), a longtime supporter of a Rockford casino, called it “rewarding to see this project gain real momentum.”
“The Hard Rock brand is one of the most sought-after brands in the world, and we are so excited to have the name attached to this highly-anticipated project,” said Syverson. “We’re also extremely fortunate to have a local partner like Ringland [Construction] doing the construction and ensuring we’re keeping well-paying construction jobs local.”