TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Members of the Terre Haute Area Planning Commission and Churchill Downs addressed traffic flow plans for the casino. Earlier this year, Churchill Downs was awarded a license to build the Queen of Terre Haute casino.
In Monday’s meeting of the commission, members approved changing the position that the building will face. The front of the casino will now face west, while the rear will face the Clabber Girl Distribution Center.
Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development for Churchill Downs Ryan Jordan says this will make the property more visible from I-70.
“The more visible the property is, then more guests will be coming to the property, which is a win win for everybody. So, we’re excited to receive approval tonight and again be able to move forward with our plans,” said Jordan.
Officials say the goal is to push casino traffic onto New Margaret Drive, when it’s completed. There will be three entrances to the casino from Old Margaret, New Margaret and Rockwood Lane.
Also as far as the timeline. The FAA still needs to approve the casino plan due to its close proximity to the Terre Haute Regional Airport. That could happen in early May. A groundbreaking could happen in May and the opening date in late 2023.