New Project to house 150-room hotel, convention/meeting hub and workforce housing
The race for major development expansions in Cripple Creek has a new official competitor: Triple Crown Casinos.
Late week, Triple Crown, which has hosted the largest number of betting devices and games of chance in town for many years, unveiled plans for a $30 million to $40 million expansion bid, as part of a proposal to offer a “revitalized hospitality experience and elevate its appeal to all market segments,” according to a company press release. For weeks, much speculation has abounded regarding Triple Crown’s expansion prospects.
This expansion plan will up the ante in Cripple Creek’s bid to become more of a destination area.
More specifically, the proposed Triple Crown project will add approximately 150 guest rooms, adjacent to their Brass Ass Casino, to complement the company’s current accommodations at the Midnight Rose Hotel Casino and JP McGills Hotel and Casino.
The plan will also include an upscale rooftop restaurant, a ballroom, convention/meeting room space, and other amenities, according to Triple Crown officials. In addition, the $30 million to $40 million expansion conforms to the town’s historic preservation guidelines, noted Chief Executive Officer Larry Hill.
“We are very excited to announce this bold expansion designed to offer an exceptional hospitality experience and differentiate us from our competitors while also retaining our unique historic legacy,” said Hill.
Hill added the project – designed by Oz Architecture of Denver, CO – is also intended to capture additional tourism business and create more job opportunities for local residents.
The 140,000 square-foot project will mark the first major expansion of the Triple Crown Casinos property in their 25 years of local ownership. The company plans to begin construction sometime in spring, 2019, according to Triple Crown officials.
In another move to confirm its role as a major market leader in the historic district, Triple Crown Casinos is in the process of acquiring The Gold Fever Inn in town to help alleviate the city’s crucial workforce housing shortage.
Housing has been a hot topic in local community forums, with plenty of ideas, but no concrete solutions. That scenario could improve, with the new Triple Crown expansion project.
The Gold Fever Inn features 53 rooms as well as underground parking. It is located at 123 W. May Avenue, about two blocks from the downtown core.
“With limited housing opportunities in our town, we have faced the challenge of acquiring and retaining quality employees,” said Hill. “We see this acquisition as an ideal way to meet that challenge and provide affordable, comfortable and safe housing for our staff.”
The expansion announcements were made as Triple Crown Casinos completed a comprehensive 25th anniversary celebration. According to company officials, the celebration helped drive record revenue in the third quarter of 2018.
The announcements also come in the wake of city reports of a possible boom in lodging amenities in the gaming community over the next few years. According to Cripple Creek Community Development Director Bill Gray, the gaming community could experience 500 new rooms with major projects planned by large casino operators. According to officials, the talk of a destination community may finally take on actual meaning. “This is very encouraging,” said Gray. “This will be a big asset for the community.”
Gray cited the future project of Triple Crown as an important player in the town’s expansion development. In a recent interview, he said informal talks have occurred between Triple Crown project developers and city officials.
The initial hurdle for Triple Crown Casinos deals with getting their plans approved by the historic preservation commission and then the city council.
About Triple Crown Casinos
Nestled in the historic town of Cripple Creek, CO, Triple Crown Casinos is the leading gaming operator in town. Opened in 1992, the operation features three premier gaming destinations, The Brass Ass Casino, Midnight Rose Hotel and Casino, andMcGills Hotel and Casino, each with a distinct personality and ambiance that combines the flavor of the old west with state-of-the-art gaming excitement. The casinos are noted for offering the widest selection of games and were recently voted The Loosest Slots in town as well as well as providing Best Fine Dining, Table Games and Entertainment. Located in the heart of town, the enterprise also offers the most covered parking spaces in Cripple Creek as well as four superb dining choices, ranging from casual to elegant. In addition, the property offers superb hotel accommodations with spacious rooms and luxurious suites.
For more information, visit Triple Crown Casinos.
