Indiana casino bid pits Trump against Bird

Kimberly Hefling

Monday, July 12, 2004 | 9:21 a.m.

FRENCH LICK, Ind. -- He may be the beloved "Hick from French Lick," but Larry Bird has competition these days on his home court, and it's coming from The Donald.

Former NBA star Bird and billionaire Donald Trump are principals in investment groups vying for the state contract to build a casino near this struggling southern Indiana community.

Each is betting his group can bring much-needed jobs to an area that once was the playground of movie stars who gambled in upscale resorts but now consistently posts one of the state's highest unemployment rates. But as the Indiana Gaming Commission nears a decision on who will have the winning bid, Orange County residents are anything but unified in their choice.

For some in this community about 60 miles northwest of Louisville, Ky., Bird is the sentimental favorite. The former Indiana State University and Boston Celtics star, now president of the Indiana Pacers, has a house on the outskirts of town. He often is spotted mixing with locals at places such as the downtown Colonial Bar, where framed magazine covers of Bird line a wall.

Others say Trump, who already owns casinos in New Jersey and Gary, Ind., has the flash needed to put Orange County on the gambling map.

Frank Fahrenkopf, president of the Washington, D.C.-based American Gaming Association, said neither ultimately has an edge. While a recognized name such as Bird or Trump could initially attract gamblers, success depends on the service and related attractions, he said.

Like a restaurant with a celebrity name, "If the food's bad, you don't go back," Fahrenkopf said.

The proposals from the Bird and Trump groups and a third applicant, Lost River Development, promise to bring thousands of jobs to the area. Orange County hopes to reap the rewards of the state's casino industry, which generated $2.2 billion in gross revenue last year.

Besides jobs, residents say they want the casino operator to help restore both the vacant West Baden hotel and the French Lick Springs Resort & Spa, which is in operation but needs restoration. Both hotels catered to clients such as Lana Turner, Bob Hope and Al Capone when the area was a thriving gambling destination with 17 casinos before the Depression.

"I just want somebody who continues to keep the focus," said Jeff Lane, president of the West Baden Historical Society. "I just love the history, and I don't want anything to come in that would deteriorate that at all."

Bird has said any money he makes in his partnership, Orange County Development, will go to a foundation he expects will generate $10.46 million for Orange County in its first 10 years. He also has proposed building a museum featuring his basketball memorabilia as part of the casino.

"I would like to see him get it, but I'm not sure his proposal is as much as what Trump is offering," said Lynn Wolford, 62, co-owner of the Colonial Bar.

Trump's proposal includes a deli, a buffet and an entertainment lounge, and many believe he would spend the money to restore the historic West Baden Springs Hotel, known for its glass-and-steel domed atrium 100 feet high. At least $75 million is needed to complete its restoration.

The financial viability of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc. -- which lost $87 million last year -- doesn't appear to faze local fans of The Donald.

"That don't bother me one bit. If he lost nine casinos, he'd still have 20 to bounce back on," said Geneva Street, 70, a hairdresser and longtime casino advocate.

A local panel has met with all three applicants and made a confidential recommendation to the Indiana Gaming Commission. Public hearings on the proposals are scheduled for July 19, and the commission could decide who will get the license as soon as July 20, according to Jennifer Arnold, a gaming commission spokeswoman.

Myra Borshoff Cook, a spokeswoman for Lost River, said she is confident the gaming commission will select a company that presents the most solid plan -- even if there isn't a star name attached to it.

Lost River's proposal features a movie theater, bowling alley and retail development area. The group includes an Indianapolis-based real estate developer and Chicago-based gambling operator.

"We have focused less on attracting celebrities and really putting together a proposal that would provide long-term success," Cook said.