SIOUX CITY, IA -
Monday night Ho-Chunk, Inc. laid out plans for what the group hopes will be Sioux City's newest casino, "The Warrior."
If it gets built, the $122 million dollar "Warrior" would transform the Davidson Building and the Warrior Hotel, into what Ho-Chunk, Inc. hopes would be a downtown destination.
"When the Hard Rock was announced and the Penn was announced we really weren't given a lot of hype, I put us at 40%," said Ho-Chunk, Inc. CEO Lance Morgan. "And I think we're well over 50% now."
Monday Morgan showcased what the Davidson Build and Warrior Hotel could become, a 291,000 Sq. Ft. Casino and hotel, with restaurants.
The plan would see the restoration of the two nearly century old buildings, with a brand new casino to the north, as well as parking garages with more than 1,000 spaces.
And even though the "Warrior" isn't a brand name, the group's CEO says that doesn't matter.
"If it was the Caesar's Palace I'm not sure more people would come," said Morgan. "So I think we have a chance to do something special with an older building and to make some thing that's really Sioux City's calling card."
Supporters hope the "Warrior" is more than just a place to gamble, becoming an anchor of downtown called "The Warrior Entertainment District," connecting Pearl and 4th Streets.
"Even if you're never going to set one foot in that casino, you're still going to want to go down there," said Morgan. "You're going to want to walk along the street, you're going to want to go to the restaurants."
There are actually three groups that want to build a land-based casino downtown.
Next week Penn National Gaming will showcase its two Hollywood-themed casino proposals.
That event is set for Tuesday, December 18th at 5:30 PM at "Bev's on the River."
It will be four months before a decision comes from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
The IRGC will make its final selection on April 18th.
