Peppermill unveils plans for additional expansion

Wednesday, May 5, 1999 | 3:34 a.m.

"We know that to be successful in this increasingly competitive market ... we must constantly improve our product," said Tracy Mimno, Peppermill general manager. "That's why we're not just adding gaming devices, we're adding an entertainment experience."

The first phase of the estimated $300 million project is already under way with the renovation of the Century Theatres complex next door. That phase is expected to be completed in November and will include a 1,560-seat showroom, meeting and special event space and restaurants with elaborate special-effects.

"Gaming is more than gaming, it's entertainment," said Reno architect Peter Wilday, who is designing the project. "There's more work in the special effects than there is in the building."

Features include lifelike tropical birds swooping over buffet tables, flame-topped pedestals surrounding an Italian restaurant and sculpted Roman figures.

The restaurants, part of the first phase under construction, will also feature a curbside fountain and light show.

Phase two, which could begin next year, includes a 17-story hotel tower with 632 rooms, which would bring the Peppermill's total room number to 1,702. That phase also includes 10,000 square feet of retail shops, 97,000 square feet of additional casino space, and a five-story parking garage with 85,000 square feet of convention space on the top.

Construction of Phase three could begin in 2001, though casino executives said that will depend on market conditions.

Those plans call for an additional 17-story tower with 532 rooms and a second parking garage on the north side of the property. If completed as planned, the Peppermill would have 2,234 rooms and surpass the Reno Hilton with 2,001 rooms as northern Nevada's largest hotel-casino.

The expansion of the Peppermill on South Virginia Street comes as the southern part of the city is experiencing rapid growth, both commercial and residential. It also comes as downtown Reno, which has seen six casinos close in the past four years, struggles to regain its identity in an increasingly competitive gambling market.