The general contractors are also finishing a second $300-million casino/hotel operation for the tribe in south Florida at Hollywood, about 250 miles south of Downtown Tampa. That project will have 115,000 sf of gaming space and a 750-room hotel.

The JV partners say both projects created a total 2,500 construction jobs and 5,000 permanent jobs. Orlando-based Hard Rock Café International is the Seminole's partner in both projects.

The Tampa project required precise construction periods to avoid shutting down the existing Seminole casino located at the center of the 37-acre site, according to the JV partners. Construction on the new hotel and casino began in July 2002. The first phase, consisting of 40,000 sf of gaming space and a restaurant, opened in June 2003.

"Once the casino had moved into its new home, the old casino building was torn down to make space for the completion of Phase II, including the new post-tensioned, reinforced concrete hotel tower and an additional 50,000 sf of casino space," says a Perini spokesperson.

The 250-room hotel has 10,000 sf of meeting space that includes an 8,000-sf grand ballroom that can be divided into eight sections for private meeting sessions; a health spa; pool; and the traditional Seminole chickee-hut-styled cabanas.

The 90,000-sf casino offers 32 poker tables; a bingo gallery for 400 participants; and 1,800 slot machines. The Tampa and Hollywood casinos were developed by Baltimore, MD-based Cordish Co.. Klai Juba Architects of Las Vegas designed the Tampa site.

Instant Insights /

Perini/Suitt Finish $100M Casino/Hotel in 20 Months

Related Stories

Recommended For You