The emblematic Fond-du-Luth Casino, owned by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, will eventually get its renovation. The tribe is planning to spend between $5 million and $6 million on the project.
Karen Diver, chairwoman of the Fond du Lac Band, shared with local media that her tribe has been planning to change the outlook of the gambling venue, which is located downtown Duluth, Minnesota, for quite some time. However, they have been waiting for a legal dispute with city officials concerning casino revenue to be settled. It began back in 2009 and it seems that the issue has not been solved yet.
Ms. Diver explained that the renovation will not be as major as they have intended, but they just cannot wait any longer. She pointed out that the central part of the city is constantly being changed and this means that Fond-du-Luth Casino needs to keep pace with what is happening, so as to remain competitive and attractive enough.
Ms. Diver said that both floors of the venue will be reconstructed. What is more, the first floor will be turned into a non-smoking area. It seems that customers have shared with the casino’s management that they would be happy if there is an area in the facility where smoking is not allowed. Smoking on the second floor, however, will still be permitted.
Fond-du-Luth Casino will also have its facade replaced. At present, the venue’s building sports Art Deco neon front, which according to tribal officials is quite outdated. The neon lights will be removed and LED ones will be installed instead.
As for the casino’s interior, the colorful theme will be replaced by a more natural and neutral one. Ms. Diver also explained that some of the operations will also undergo certain changes so as to become more player-friendly.
The band’s chair pointed out that the gambling venue will have its surveillance system updated. The operations of the casino will not be stopped during the construction process.
Fond-du-Luth Casino, owned and operated by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, opened doors back in 1986. At present, it offers to its players as many as 750 slot machines as well as Blackjack gaming tables. The facility was last renovated more than 20 years ago, when the current Art Deco theme was added.
City authorities commented that the renovation of Fond-du-Luth Casino will probably contribute to the “positive buzz” in the central part of the city.
