Friday, November 18, 2011

Work continues Thursday at the Isle of Capri casino site. Steel beams are being erected as construction of the main structure progresses.
(Kristin Eberts) [Order this photo]

Construction crews began raising and installing steel beams earlier this week for the Isle of Capri casino building.

The steel building frame construction is expected to be completed sometime in February, according to Isle of Capri spokeswoman Jill Alexander.

The concrete basin that will hold the building's floating floor is complete. Work on the basin began in August.

Over the weekend, crews began pouring concrete for the floating floor and it will likely be completed today, Alexander said. According to Missouri law, the gaming floor of the casino building must "float" in a basin of water at least two feet deep.

Alexander said she could not disclose the amount of steel being used for the building or its cost because the company does not release itemized information. The total estimated cost for the entire project is $125 million, including $68 million to construct the casino building and the remainder for the relocation of North Main Street, property acquisition costs, furnishings and casino games. The casino is scheduled to open in late 2012.

So far the construction is on schedule, Alexander said. No weather delays through the winter would be nice, she said.

"Of course we are hoping for a mild winter, and we are pleased with all the work that has occurred up to this point," she said.

The city of Cape Girardeau regularly inspects the construction of the casino, as does the Missouri Gaming Commission. The city's director of development services did not return a call Thursday seeking comment and information on the city's inspection and any findings inspectors may have.