Local lawmakers assess potential casino in Illinois

The Collins Tower in Danville, Illinois, could host an hotel-casino and local lawmakers are studying the project.

US.- As Chris and Jeri Collins, the new owners of the tallest building in Danville, Illinois, renamed it as Collins Tower and proposed to turn it into a hotel-casino, local lawmakers are considering the proposal. The venue would benefit from the gambling expansion legislation, which is being debated in the State Legislature, and could bring new opportunities to the city.

The Collins marriage spoke before the Vermilion County Board’s property committee last week and have seemingly captivated lawmakers’ attention. However, committee chairman Wes Bieritz said that “it is yet to be determined” whether there is sufficient funding for the proposed plans for the annex building, which the Collinses plan to acquire and include in the development.

“One thing we do need to make it happen is the annex,” Jeri Collins had asserted to the property committee. On Monday night, they discussed the potential acquisition of the former annex building which stands all around the tower and even possibly buying another lot, north of said annex.

According to Chris Collins, the entire development could cost between US$65 million and US$70 million, and there already are investors willing to contribute. He also added that the plans would be eligible for federal, historic and economic development tax credits that could help fund about 65% of the project.