by: Jordan Reth
After a July approval for a casino license, Caesars
Entertainment is already running into trouble with its plans for Harrah's Baltimore casino.
The Urban Design and Architecture Review Panel critizied a plan for a
700-foot-long, 120-foot-high, nine-story parking garage that is supposed to be a part
of the new 3,750-slot casino. Concerns were raised that the structure will
drastically change the Baltimore skyline and viewscape of many of the current residents. The $310 million dollar casino is slated to
be built off Russell Street, just south of M&T Bank Stadium.
Greg Miller, a senior vice president for Caesars, stated that while they are reviewing other compromises, the location puts several restrictions on building options - the garage cannot be built underground due to its proximity to the Baltimore Harbor.
Another major concern is traffic. “I think the biggest issue with this garage is that it’s too busy,” a member of the review panel said.
Considering the planned casino’s proximity to both M&T Bank Stadium, Camden Yards, University of Maryland, Carroll-Camden Industrial Park, and the general downtown area, it seems that not only will the skyline be affected, but the daily commute as well.
Caesars plans to break ground as early as 2013 and would like to finish construction by mid-2014.
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