Design changes boost casino’s odds in Boonville

Wednesday, March 8, 2000 | 9:18 a.m.

The Isle of Capri presented the plan to the Boonville City Council Monday night in an effort to persuade the council to approve its purchase of the Victorian Star project.

Isle of Capri signed a deal last month to buy the casino project from Davis Gaming, but the city must approve the deal. Council members had criticized contract changes Isle of Capri wanted, such as changing the riverboat theme to the company's trademark Caribbean style.

Tuesday night's presentation contained a number of changes, including a casino that resembles a riverboat.

"It's more in line with what people who voted for this originally wanted," city council member Jim Tsapelas said. The original sketch of the casino looked like a modern hotel with some historic touches.

"They made tremendous changes," Boonville mayor Bud Kempf said. "I think that they've got something now that will be beautiful."

"I don't see us not approving it," Tsapelas said.

Isle of Capri also promised to put $1 million into an escrow account. The money would be used to build the casino but would go the city if Isle of Capri abandons the deal.

Isle of Capri has also agreed to pay a fine of $50,000 for every day it goes beyond deadlines to be set by the city for the beginning and end of construction, Stone said.