A casino developer has come forward into the Davenport casino discussion and made a proposal of their own.
The CEO of Clairvest Group Inc., Jeff Parr, confirmed that Clairvest has proposed a multi-use community project that would take-up 250 acres bordering the southwest intersection of I-74 and I-80 in Davenport. A formal announcement of the proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2013.
"There's discussion on potential changes in location for Rhythm City and we would like people to be aware that there's a potential option in respect to the parcel of land that we have before they start making serious decisions," said Parr.
The City of Davenport has been working to move Rhythm City Casino out of the river since 2012. On Wednesday, September 4, the CFO of Riverside Casino said the developer, Dan Kehl, would soon narrow his location options to three sites along I-80.
The proposal by Clairvest Group Inc. includes Clairvest purchasing Rhythm City riverboat casino and relocating it to a land-based facility. The facility would include a hotel complex with over 360 rooms, restaurants, retail space, and parking.
"It's clearly a block buster proposal," said Mayor Gluba.
A statement by Clairvest said the group’s proposed development would benefit the local community as construction work would be completed by local crews.
The developers anticipate $250 million in development investment over 10 years, which would create thousands of new jobs, employ local contractors and labor, and promote the local business community, said a statement from Clairvest.
"It would mean thousands of more jobs. It would be a huge development out there adding to our tax base. $250 million is the biggest business development to ever exist in the City of Davenport," said Gluba.
A spokesperson from Clairvest Group said moving Rhythm City casino to a land-based facility would increase the casino’s revenue and gaming revenue flowing into the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission as well as the City of Davenport. It would also increase distributable funds to local community groups by the Riverboat Development Authority.
Clairvest also said developing the 250 acres would increase the City of Davenport’s property tax base.