Casino construction isn’t waiting on lawsuit outcome

Thursday, July 22, 1999 | 9:32 a.m.

Work continues to move forward, even though a lawsuit could threaten the future of the city's three casinos.

U.S. District Judge Gerald Rosen is expected to rule soon on whether the city's casino process should go forward. Businessman Don Barden charged that the casino selection process was unconstitutional because Greektown and MotorCity were granted preferences in city and state laws legalizing Detroit casinos.

Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer said MotorCity didn't need its preference because the casino group was strong enough without it. But he said the Greektown group needed one.

Mike Mecca, chief executive of the Greektown Casino, said the group is focused on completing the temporary casino, scheduled to be finished in October.

"We're making sure we have this ready to open at the earliest date," Mecca told the Detroit Free Press for a story Thursday. "We're moving forward. That's where our focus is."

Rosen could let the casino process, which ended with the selection of MGM Grand, Greektown and MotorCity casinos, stand or require that the city rebid one or more casino licensees.

Barden, who owns a casino in Indiana, was rejected as a Detroit casino operator.

Greektown officials say the lawsuit isn't hampering them.

The new casino wing adjoining the old Trappers Alley spans two floors, and will have a circular bar on the first floor. A staircase near the entrance will take gamblers to the second floor, which will include a large stage for major acts and two more restaurants, Mecca said.

"We're selling the whole district, so we want people to be able to see it," Mecca said. "That's what's special about Greektown."

Greektown officials also said that even if a new casino developer is picked, a 1998 city zoning ordinance still requires a temporary casino in Greektown. A new developer would have to buy the temporary facility the Greektown group is now building.