What is the dark patched areas in the sidewalk? Is it just a change in concrete color  The design seems  to simple for Tower City Center's entrance

Banners in the main entrance:

Well, if your own insurance billionaire decides to give up on Cleveland, we'll take somebody else's...

Phase 2 - Gilbert has permission for 5000 slot machines. 2900 to go to Phase 2 http://www.woio.com/story/18254767/one-on-one-dan-gilbert-and-phase-two-of-the-horseshoe-casino

 

Now we know its going to happen...The big question is WHEN? I'm sure when phase I open next and they see the crowd demand is so high ..push to begin phase II would be sooner than later

 

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/05/gilbert_asks_for_patience_with.html

 

•Gilbert assured skeptics that Rock Ohio will proceed with a proposed casino expansion. He did not give a timetable but said the site, overlooking the Cuyahoga River, has complications that will prolong development.

"We bought that land for $85 million," Gilbert said. "We're absolutely building Phase 2."

 

 

The big question is how long will these complications prolong development.

Some great Dan Gilbert quotes:

 

Speaking about Phase 2:  "It is absolutely for sure going to happen.  There's zero doubt of that."

 

"We're trying to make sure that this is a two-way casino.  It's not just people coming down to the casino.  We want people to come to downtown Cleveland, not to say I'm just going to the casino."

I thought the Higbee casino was not long term once phase II was completed? If so then why is the skywalk needed? If both are long term then it is not going to be convenient to walk between phase 1 & II (using skywalk mentality) assuming it's through TC or from the welcome center lot to phase II. Confused. :|

Phase 1 is permanent.  We've been over this guys and gals...

I drove past the valet entrance today. It honestly looked fantastic. Very big city. I actually got excited to go and joined the rewards club. This was all while having a phone conversation with my mom about how/why it can bring in more visitors to the city. She's now convinced. :)

Roll the Dice at the Horseshoe Casino and Stay at Renaissance Cleveland Hotel

 

CLEVELAND, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrate the grand opening of the new Horseshoe Casino and stay in the same complex at Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. The luxury hotel in Cleveland is pleased to offer guests close accommodations to the brand new Cleveland casino.

 

The hotel near Horseshoe Casino Cleveland is located right around the corner on Euclid Avenue, right next to Tower City Center in the historic Higbee Building, and is projected to attract roughly five million visits annually to the downtown area. The Horseshoe Cleveland is promised to be another crown jewel on Cleveland's already majestic collection of sports, entertainment, music and cultural destinations.

 

 

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/roll-dice-horseshoe-casino-stay-183100006.html

 

 

 

 

Phantom money flowing at Ohio's soon-to-be casino

 

CLEVELAND — The phantom money was flowing Wednesday at Ohio's first casino, with cashiers practicing for next week's opening and no one going home a loser.

 

Developers of Horseshoe Casino Cleveland opened the doors for a media tour, and there was plenty of non-gambling action.

 

Lighting fixtures were adjusted, workers fine-tuned slot machines and dealers practiced pep rally-style chants to get in a smiling mood.

 

"When I say Horseshoe, you say service. Horseshoe," the leader said. "Service," the workers responded, pumping their fists in the air.

 

The chants will be a standard pre-shift routine when the casino opens Monday.

 

 

http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/ohio-news/phantom-money-flowing-at-ohios-soon-to-be-casino-1372800.html

 

 

 

 

We've got the skinny to help you get around downtown's casino and environs

 

Jackpot! The long-awaited Horseshoe Casino Cleveland is finally opening its doors at 9:30 p.m. Monday. Casino-goers can begin lining up at 5 p.m. (the first 1,500 to enter will be the winners of a Facebook contest), so expect to wait on opening day. Read on for what you need to know whenever you go -- from parking and gaming information to dining and other entertainment options in the Public Square neighborhood

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/05/weve_got_the_skinny_to_help_yo.html

^ 75 words in a 400-word article to explain where to park ... Could we at least mention the direct train service and free park-n-ride?!!  :wtf:

^ 75 words in a 400-word article to explain where to park ... Could we at least mention the direct train service and free park-n-ride?!!  :wtf:

 

Well, I'm not sure if THEY can... but WE certainly will: http://www.riderta.com/casino

^ 75 words in a 400-word article to explain where to park ... Could we at least mention the direct train service and free park-n-ride?!!  :wtf:

 

Well, I'm not sure if THEY can... but WE certainly will: http://www.riderta.com/casino

 

 

Thanks for posting that...:-)

Has anybody seen anything regarding Monday nights "event?"

If they are supposedly doing some big  ribbon cutting with crazy projected light-show on the building, I sure cannot find any mention of it anywhere. You'd think they would be promoting it.

 

Politicians? Lasers? Clowns? Fireworks? Anything?

 

No question about it, whether you like casinos or not, (or whether some of the PR misteps have irritated you) you'd have to agree that this project certainly appears to be first class.  Can't wait till Monday night.

You know, I am pretty convinced at this point that if you dont know about the train, the likelihood of you using it is pretty low, as you are likely not served by the rapid. As long as the patrons are coming from the suburbs, they will use their cars. Perhaps what would be useful is if RTA passed out or advertised to patrons of the casino, informing them of their options for the next trip. Still I dont see a patron from Mentor driving to the Windermere station, dropping their car off, and taking the train in. I do see people in Lakewood, Ohio city, shaker heights, and University Circle using the trains, but they would have anyway.

^ 75 words in a 400-word article to explain where to park ... Could we at least mention the direct train service and free park-n-ride?!!  :wtf:

 

Well, I'm not sure if THEY can... but WE certainly will: http://www.riderta.com/casino

 

 

Thanks for posting that...:-)

 

That's great how the RTA site has all those links to the nearby attractions.  Well done!

I can't see people potentially carrying $100s if not $1000s of cash on public transportation is a good idea. Do casinos give you the ability to wire money into some kind of e-account, where you can withdraw when you get there and deposit before going?

I can't see people potentially carrying $100s if not $1000s of cash on public transportation is a good idea. Do casinos give you the ability to wire money into some kind of e-account, where you can withdraw when you get there and deposit before going?

 

Why cite extremes? Not everyone going to the casino is a high-roller or professional gambler. Instead, I suspect that most aren't. Many visitors are there just to walk through or to limit their gambling to very small amounts, like $10 or $20, then go to get a bite to eat or see a show.

I can't see people potentially carrying $100s if not $1000s of cash on public transportation is a good idea. Do casinos give you the ability to wire money into some kind of e-account, where you can withdraw when you get there and deposit before going?

Have you ever heard of something called a cash machine? They have them in casinos

 

I do not know if my eyes were playing tricks with me, but it appeared to me today that the Horseshoe flags were bigger on the Higbee Bldg (the 6 poles on the W. Prospect side, and also the 1 over the main W. Prospect entrance).

I didnt see the other poles.

Like I said... I'm not sure.

Yes, you can link up your Rewards account to a bank account and get electronic deposits into your gambling account.

 

I do not know if my eyes were playing tricks with me, but it appeared to me today that the Horseshoe flags were bigger on the Higbee Bldg (the 6 poles on the W. Prospect side, and also the 1 over the main W. Prospect entrance).

I didnt see the other poles.

Like I said... I'm not sure.

Took this today

2012-05-11_17-48-38_218 by mmurph46, on Flickr

Adding the light fixtures to the exterior of the Parking Garage/Welcome center

 

 

I do not know if my eyes were playing tricks with me, but it appeared to me today that the Horseshoe flags were bigger on the Higbee Bldg (the 6 poles on the W. Prospect side, and also the 1 over the main W. Prospect entrance).

I didnt see the other poles.

Like I said... I'm not sure.

Took this today

2012-05-11_17-48-38_218 by mmurph46, on Flickr

 

Yeah that's the side that I didnt see yesterday but after looking at your pics and seeing all the flags earlier today...I think they have indeed been changed to bigger flags. 2 exceptions: the large pole over the main PS doors had no flag on it (I guess they;re putiing up a new larger one??) and the main W. Prospect doors still had the tiny flag flying this morning.

 

You know, I am pretty convinced at this point that if you dont know about the train, the likelihood of you using it is pretty low, as you are likely not served by the rapid. As long as the patrons are coming from the suburbs, they will use their cars. Perhaps what would be useful is if RTA passed out or advertised to patrons of the casino, informing them of their options for the next trip. Still I dont see a patron from Mentor driving to the Windermere station, dropping their car off, and taking the train in. I do see people in Lakewood, Ohio city, shaker heights, and University Circle using the trains, but they would have anyway.

 

I'm not so sure about that.  Playing up the fact of free parking at Rapid stops isn't geared toward those directly served by Rapid Lines, but by those who aren't , but can draive and park.  Your Mentor example is exreme (althought even these folks have the option of driving in on I-90 and parking at the Muny Lot and take the (less than) 10 min ride to Tower City.  I've already read and  heard people from places Like Richmond Hts, Parma and North Olmsted mention their intention to use the Rapid, even though the Rapid lines don't directly serve them....

 

... You may be surprised.  I think the constant pounding in the media about limited/expensive parking options once the casino opens may scare more than a few people to try transit.  And hopefully, if RTA can make their experiences pleasant enough, they may get into a habit of using the trains to head to the casino... as well as other, non-sports downtown attractions.

Some positive press from the Enquirer!

 

Casino-city ties drive marketing

After all the votes, all the promises and all the build-up, Ohio's first casino opens Monday

Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer

 

Ohio’s first casino is just days from opening, amid an advertising blitz that promotes the new Horseshoe’s ties to the city of Cleveland almost as much as its slot machines and table games.

 

It’s a strategic marketing campaign that offers a glimpse of what’s in store when Cincinnati’s casino gets close to opening next spring. Besides the expected billboards, newspaper ads and TV and radio spots, look for promotions giving casino patrons discounts at nearby restaurants, hotels and entertainment attractions.

 

“We’re calling it Cleveland’s casino,” says John Payne, the Caesars Entertainment Corp. executive overseeing the new casino here and its sister property under construction in Cincinnati.

 

Read More

This is also related to Tower City but I think the main focus is the Casino:

 

"Downtown businesses hoping for an economic jolt from new casino opening"

 

Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/downtown-businesses-hoping-for-an-economic-jolt-from-new-casino-opening#ixzz1ugtpaJYt"

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/downtown-businesses-hoping-for-an-economic-jolt-from-new-casino-opening

 

Once again they mention more stores coming to TC

 

A couple of pages back someone posted how with all of the new projects going on downtown that the Casino was their least favorite. I will have to disagree. Not because I have any great love for gambling, to me this is just a another venue, one more entertainment option. But in what scenario would anything have ever happened with the Higbee building. What other 350 million dollar investment was in the works. Maybe a rumor of a future call center at best. IMO we were years from anything happening there again. And besides the 1500 some jobs that have been created, what other project would have motivated the city and ForestCity of all people to take a hard look at the surrounding area and actually make some cosmetic changes with probably a lot more to come. This project is actually moving the investment needle with surrounding property owners. I have no idea what kind of run this thing will have, ten twenty years who knows. But I do know that it is a game changer when it comes to people taking an interest in an area of the city that definatly needed a lot of help.

Well said.

Totally agree

A couple of pages back someone posted how with all of the new projects going on downtown that the Casino was their least favorite. I will have to disagree. Not because I have any great love for gambling, to me this is just a another venue, one more entertainment option. But in what scenario would anything have ever happened with the Higbee building. What other 350 million dollar investment was in the works. Maybe a rumor of a future call center at best. IMO we were years from anything happening there again. And besides the 1500 some jobs that have been created, what other project would have motivated the city and ForestCity of all people to take a hard look at the surrounding area and actually make some cosmetic changes with probably a lot more to come. This project is actually moving the investment needle with surrounding property owners. I have no idea what kind of run this thing will have, ten twenty years who knows. But I do know that it is a game changer when it comes to people taking an interest in an area of the city that definatly needed a lot of help.

I'm really not much of a fan of the casinos-as-big-ticket-item-economic-development-strategy approach either. But Ohio does seem to be ready go to full speed ahead with it, and Cleveland does seem to have a very good friend in Dan Gilbert these days, with this, his ownership of the Cavs, Monsters, etc., Bisdom U, and so on. So it has become part of our reality for better or worse.

 

Maybe the benefits will offset the negatives, but casinos themselves generally aren't a good entertainment option for revitalizing a district. Their main objective is to pull people inside the door and then keep them there for as long as possible, with food, drinks, and yes, always one more spin. As such, nearby restaurants and other businesses hoping to capitalize on its presence may not see quite the increase in foot traffic that they are hoping for. If anything, they might even see a loss in traffic and/or revenue. Certainly, I hope otherwise, but this isn't one of the more usual forms of entertainment we are talking about, like a game or a concert, in which people go to for a time, spend a set amount of money (on tickets, food, etc.) and then leave, perhaps for food and additional entertainment elsewhere.

^for me, I feel like there is a layering effect to the casino, by that i mean that its just another entertainment option that will draw me to downtown.  Go to an indians game AND stop in at the casino.  Go to GHT for dinner and stop in for some blackjack.  I just think it will make it more likely for me (and hopefully others) to come downtown for a night. 

 

And there might be some nights when I only go to the casino, but those were probably nights when I wasn't going to go downtown otherwise.

^for me, I feel like there is a layering effect to the casino, by that i mean that its just another entertainment option that will draw me to downtown.  Go to an indians game AND stop in at the casino.  Go to GHT for dinner and stop in for some blackjack.  I just think it will make it more likely for me (and hopefully others) to come downtown for a night. 

 

And there might be some nights when I only go to the casino, but those were probably nights when I wasn't going to go downtown otherwise.

 

 

I like your thinking...I love the warehouse district so for me I feel I can play a few slots games than go over to the warehouse district and party some

Drove by very late last night (this morning - hehehe). The SW quadrant of public square is completely blocked off and there are gates set up around the entirety of Tower City Center from West Prospect going north. The gates extend to the State Building as well on Superior. I guess if you are expecting 5,000+ people, you have to have a way to control their entrance.

 

There was talk earlier of a special light show display on the northern face of the Higbee Building. I can confirm for fact this is true; however, nothing like the video that was posted up thread. They were indeed doing a dress rehearsal in those wee hours last night.

 

The only thing I was not able to confirm was whether or not there would be fireworks going off on the roof (which I had heard some people talk about).

 

And, of course, cops everywhere.

 

Haven't decided if I will go up there tonight to take pics or not.

 

I think I may go and view from a distance. Just to say I was there.

^ Same here.  Working late so I may just do a drive by on my way home.  I'm sure there will be the 'batman' spotlight spinning through the sky as well.

Haven't decided if I will go up there tonight to take pics or not.

 

 

I vote yes. 

 

Am looking very forward to some UO photo coverage of this :)

A couple of pages back someone posted how with all of the new projects going on downtown that the Casino was their least favorite. I will have to disagree. Not because I have any great love for gambling, to me this is just a another venue, one more entertainment option. But in what scenario would anything have ever happened with the Higbee building. What other 350 million dollar investment was in the works. Maybe a rumor of a future call center at best. IMO we were years from anything happening there again. And besides the 1500 some jobs that have been created, what other project would have motivated the city and ForestCity of all people to take a hard look at the surrounding area and actually make some cosmetic changes with probably a lot more to come. This project is actually moving the investment needle with surrounding property owners. I have no idea what kind of run this thing will have, ten twenty years who knows. But I do know that it is a game changer when it comes to people taking an interest in an area of the city that definatly needed a lot of help.

I'm really not much of a fan of the casinos-as-big-ticket-item-economic-development-strategy approach either. But Ohio does seem to be ready go to full speed ahead with it, and Cleveland does seem to have a very good friend in Dan Gilbert these days, with this, his ownership of the Cavs, Monsters, etc., Bisdom U, and so on. So it has become part of our reality for better or worse.

 

Maybe the benefits will offset the negatives, but casinos themselves generally aren't a good entertainment option for revitalizing a district. Their main objective is to pull people inside the door and then keep them there for as long as possible, with food, drinks, and yes, always one more spin. As such, nearby restaurants and other businesses hoping to capitalize on its presence may not see quite the increase in foot traffic that they are hoping for. If anything, they might even see a loss in traffic and/or revenue. Certainly, I hope otherwise, but this isn't one of the more usual forms of entertainment we are talking about, like a game or a concert, in which people go to for a time, spend a set amount of money (on tickets, food, etc.) and then leave, perhaps for food and additional entertainment elsewhere.

 

How many times have we stated this isn't a traditional "Vegas" or "Atlantic City" self serving casino?!

 

Before I go further I'll ask, you, how many restaurants does Phase 1 or our Casino have?How many Theatres/Show venues will be inside?Will the Casino have it's own hotel property?

 

Dan has said (and im paraphrasing) all along he wants our Casino to mesh with the urban fabric not be a self serving island in the center of the city.

 

Even the rendering of Phase 2 show all the venues like restaurant and stores to be external and the entrances to the Casino to be smaller, something not found in other casinos.

 

Cleveland's casino is the 2nd in the country to be located in the center of downtown or Central Business district.  You cannot compare what we have to AC, Vegas or Casinos found in exurbia!

An additional note from my travels last night: the new video wall..... WHOA!! What an image from the innerbelt. If you have decent vision, everything can be clearly seen. What a site that was. If this is any indication of Dan's "Times Square" vision for this section of the city, it is a of to a great start. Very exciting.

Since right now there are only 4 dining options in the casino, I think it could actually result in an uptick for downtown restaurants, especially because the 3 quick-serve places are going to be SLAMMED (Corky & Lenny's, B-spot and Rocco & Rosie's) and because the buffet is a little pricey for some people (people will pay that, but buffet food can have a negative slant for those who are foodie types like me). That may change in phase 2.

 

I walked around Tower City today and it really feels like a lot is going on. They really polished the doors on the front of TC and they looked beautiful! I peeked in through the glass doors to see everything and it looks pretty cool. The people taking pictures (several of them) next to me were all talking about it, it's created quite a buzz of excitement. DH and I actually have a rare night out this coming Friday and this was my first suggestion! I don't know if we'll go or not but it's definitely an option.

Just curious...Can anybody off the street (say lunch time office workers) patronize the buffet or do you have to be a casino customer?

Anyone can patronize any of the restaurants as I understand it. I have already talked a co-worker in to going over with me some time this week for lunch. If I'm wrong, I'll let you know. But the place is open to the public, it's not like you have to pay admission to get in, so how would they prevent you from eating there, exactly? And how would you "prove" you've been gambling if you, say, ran out of paper/coin money and intended to charge your meal?

Thanks for the reports!  Anyone lining up yet?

No one was in line yet when I was there around 12:45

I don't think they're allowing anyone to line up until 5pm.

 

 

 

That would be the "Collection Auto Group Centre"  :speech:

 

It would go well with the Barbara Anne Bridal Shoppe.

Seriously, I agree that that old storefront should come down ASAP.

 

 

 

 

yeah...but then it should go right back up in the clevelander or some other bar. better yet put it up in the 24/7 casino diner - ha!

 

Newsnet5 has a live feed on their website and there is now a small group lining up.

Anyone can patronize any of the restaurants as I understand it. I have already talked a co-worker in to going over with me some time this week for lunch. If I'm wrong, I'll let you know. But the place is open to the public, it's not like you have to pay admission to get in, so how would they prevent you from eating there, exactly? And how would you "prove" you've been gambling if you, say, ran out of paper/coin money and intended to charge your meal?

 

Partially correct.  If you are under 21 you wont be able to get to either the food court or the buffet. 

ah. Thanks.

Anyone can patronize any of the restaurants as I understand it. I have already talked a co-worker in to going over with me some time this week for lunch. If I'm wrong, I'll let you know. But the place is open to the public, it's not like you have to pay admission to get in, so how would they prevent you from eating there, exactly? And how would you "prove" you've been gambling if you, say, ran out of paper/coin money and intended to charge your meal?

 

Partially correct.  If you are under 21 you wont be able to get to either the food court or the buffet.

 

Are you sure?? If you enter the buffet through Tower City you can be under 21. I'm pretty sure that was in the paper. You just can't enter through the casino.