A Virginia-based attorney revealed plans to build a hotel and casino complex in Gulfport, Mississippi’s harbor area, local media reported. Attorney Robert Lubin said that he would spend up to $140 million on the construction of the resort. He is also investing in the redevelopment of the city’s Markham Hotel.
Commenting on the proposed project, Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes said that it is great for both the city and the Coast.
Mr. Lubin is currently negotiating with Gulfport officials the terms of a lease for a 3.4-acre harbor site where the complex is to be located. The lease must be approved by the Gulfport Redevelopment Commission and the City Council.
Under the proposed plan, the resort will feature a gambling floor with a number of gaming options, a 4-star hotel with 300 rooms, an entertainment venue, a parking garage, and an unspecified additional amenity.
The city Redevelopment Commission selected Mr. Lubin’s project over two others. Mayor Hewes explained that the Virginia-based attorney had made the best presentation and had “committed the largest investment.” It is also important to note that Mr. Lubin has already been granted a Mississippi gaming license through Magnolia Bluffs Casino in Natchez, a venue he has been investing in.
The proposed casino will be built on the harbor’s west side. Plans for the construction of gambling facilities on the site have previously been prevented from materializing.
Last night, the Gulfport City Council discussed the proposed casino lease in a two-hour closed session, which was also attended by Mr. Lubin himself. The Mississippi Gaming Commission will have to approve the project for the hotel and casino resort in order for developers to be able to move forward with its construction. Involved parties expressed hopes that the plan will be considered by the gambling regulator within 90 days. And if an approval is eventually granted, the complex is likely to be completed and launched within a year and a half.
As mentioned above, Mr. Lubin will also invest $30 million in the redevelopment of the existing Markham Hotel. Construction work is set to start this summer and is expected to take between 15 and 18 months. The property is located in downtown city.
