The project hasn't been formally announced, but that is expectedto come this week as management of the property headed by regionalpresident Anthony Rodio unveils their plans to corporate officialsin Las Vegas. The AC Hilton is owned by Resorts InternationalHoldings, a division of the Los Angeles-based Colony Capital.

But the plans emerged late last week during testimony by hotelofficials before the state's Casino Control Commission relative togetting the casino's five-year operating license renewed. Thatrenewal application was approved unanimously by the commission.

Hotel officials did not release a timetable for the expansion,pending corporate approval, and cautioned that the project is inthe early planning stages. But details divulged by Rodio andcompany before the commission call for a new 1,000-key tower thatwould boost the room count past 1,800. Existing gaming space woulddouble to approximately 120,000 sf, and the project would add newretail space and restaurants, a 3,500-seat theater and a 3,000-carparking garage. The new facilities would rise on three adjacentblocks and would be attached to the existing property.