Tohono O'odham leaders, in Glendale this week, unveiled updated renderings of the tribe's proposed resort and casino, which show scaled back gaming and hotel plans.
The tribe had to adjust plans after Glendale won a legal battle, saying about one-third of the 134 acres of tribal-owned land fell within the city limits. The tribe is appealing that decision, but got federal approval for a reservation on 54 of the acres that were within the county.
The tribe redesigned and scaled back its project to better fit the smaller acreage approved as a reservation.
Tribal Chairman Ned Norris Jr. said the updates reflect two years of collaborating with community groups such as schools, businesses and elected leaders.
He said the casino has been redesigned to fit in architecturally with its surroundings, namely University of Phoenix Stadium. It is currently drawn at 55,000 square feet, which is about a third of the original size. Tribal leaders say it could grow in future phases.
Glendale City Council members Phil Lieberman and Norma Alvarez were there to support the plans at 95th and Northern avenues near the city's sports and entertainment district.
Lieberman called the resort and casino the "perfect drawing card" for nearby Westgate City Center. When work might begin on the venue remains unknown given the legal challenges it faces. Plus, the tribe must still seek federal approval to allow gaming on the land.
Glendale attorneys will be in court Feb. 17 to challenge the federal decision to create a reservation there.
Casino plans
The updated renderings show some major changes. The casino was pushed to the opposite side of the property, farther from Raymond S. Kellis High School on 91st Avenue. A 3-acre atrium with botanical garden was eliminated, and the hotel was downsized to 400-500 rooms, from 600.
The Tohono O'odham Nation expects two construction phases to happen one right after the other.
Phase 1 would take 18 to 24 months to complete. The phase would involve a 54,750-square-foot casino, shops and restaurants, including a sports bar, a casino bar, buffet and 24-hour caf.
Phase 2 would take 12 to 18 months to build and include the hotel and an 80,000-square-foot convention center and additional retail.
Renderings show changes
The updated renderings show some major changes. The casino was pushed to the opposite side of the property, farther from Raymond S. Kellis High School on 91st Avenue. A 3-acre atrium with botanical garden was eliminated, and the hotel was downsized to 400-500 rooms, from 600.
Economic boost?
A tribal-commissioned study estimates the project would create 6,000 construction jobs and more than 3,000 permanent jobs.
Peoria Mayor Bob Barrett has embraced the casino, calling it a huge economic boost for the Valley.
Glendale's elected leaders, except for two, oppose the project. Their concerns include loss of municipal control over land deemed a reservation and that the casino would unfairly compete with nearby businesses because it would not have to charge sales tax.
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