Full House Resorts Receives Mixed Reception Over Non-Permitted Signage
Rick Langenberg
The Chamonix Casino & Hotel, the biggest lodging and hospitality venture in the history of Cripple Creek, is nearing the finish line in receiving a final sign-off from city officials.
But still, Full House Resorts, owners of Bronco Billy’s and the Chamonix, had to seek yet another extension in the execution of their permits, development plans and in their street vacation requests. Bronco Billy’s has received a spree of extensions since their $300 million project was first proposed in 2018.
“It has been going on for six years,” said Councilwoman Melissa Trenary, in outlining the importance of brining the project to a conclusion. “I would like to see it all get done.”
These sentiments were shared by other elected leaders, city officials and the casino/hotel operators themselves.
During a recent council meeting, city leaders had no problem granting an extension until January 15, 2025. In fact, part of the delay in granting final approval was attributed to the city, according to head administrator Frank Salvato. He cited drainage issues as one of the remaining hurdles, dealing with an outside parking lot. “We have held them up,” admitted Salvato, who sought both the city and Full House to work together in getting a drainage study done for the impacted area.
Plus, by the city’s analysis, the Chamonix has become the most complex building project it has ever dealt with, regarding an exhaustive list of approvals
Signs, Signs and Signs
However, when it came to the matter of signs, the Chamonix plans encountered a somewhat rocky reception. At one point, the Chamonix team faced the prospects of having to dismantle an elaborate freestanding sign, costing thousands of dollars to install. At issue was a variance request that the staff initially denied.
In fact, the installment of all of their signs sparked some criticism from city officials, who noted that no permits were granted for the installed signage.
But Baxter Lee, general manager of Bronco Billy’s, noted that this was part of a misunderstanding, since the Chamonix had gotten a previous certificate of appropriateness (COA) designation for these signs by the historic preservation commission and the council. He apologized for the oversight, and made it clear this would not happen again. In essence, the Billy’s representatives asked for a level of forgiveness for the signs already installed, and sought variances for these displays, stressing the overall economic benefits of their project. Lee noted that Chamonix representatives and city officials touch base daily on this project. Moreover, he lauded the city for the time they invested into this endeavor.
But Mariah Trujillo, the city’s preservation and planning coordinator, told the council that COA approval doesn’t allow an applicant to bypass the permit process. She said officials became alarmed when casino signs were getting installed without any permits, and their action had nothing to do with complaints from other casino operators. Trujillo explained that earlier design decisions by the historic preservation commission “does not regulate codes. There was an oversight (by the developers).”
Officials didn’t have any real problems with the majority of the signs installed, except for their freestanding exhibit in the valet area. This type of sign is a no-no, based on current rules. They didn’t have any issues with granting variances for the other signs, such as one showcasing Chamonix’s new steakhouse.
And unfortunately for the casino, the sign in the valet area is probably the most critical.
Mayor Annie Durham asked Lee if he had an alternative plan, if a variance couldn’t get approved for this display. Lee stated no and outlined the extensive money that has been invested into this sign. Plus, he said it really represented the only real clear message for visitors regarding where the casino entrance is located. “We really need that sign,” said Lee.
Finally, after a detailed discussion ensued, the council agreed to grant variance requests for all the sign plans presented due to Chamonix’s unique situation. Plus, the council conceded that the design plans for the Chamonix signage blended well with the city’s historic character and added a classy look to the town.
But the mayor cautioned Lee that in the future, the casino representatives needed to remember to follow the rules in obtaining permits, especially when it came to signs, and that COA designation is not the final stamp of approval.
In other development action, the council recently okayed more than $70,000 in tap fee waivers, for TimberWolf Development company, which is doing 15 single family residences with detached garages.
This action differs somewhat from the direction the council has taken in recent months in not granting full tap fee waivers under their development incentives program. But the elected leaders noted that the developers for this project were investing a considerable amount of money in extending infrastructure lines.
Also, the council was delivered a stellar report by Brandon Westhoff, of the Two Mile High Club, describing the success of Donkey Derby Days, which attracted record crowds. According to Westhoff, preliminary estimates indicated that the festival attracted crowds and visitor totals that exceeded 45,000. He thanked the city for their support.
