FROM THE GROUND UP: Casino construction schedule still on track

— Structural steel began arriving on the construction site of Downstream Casino Resort at the Three-States Corner southwest of Joplin on Oct. 8.

More than 2,400 cubic yards of concrete were poured from mid-August through the first week of October to complete the casino building's 70,000-square-foot foundation, according to a news release from the Quapaw Tribe.

John Berrey, chairman of the Quapaw Tribe and the Downstream Authority, said the aggressive construction schedule of the largest construction project in Oklahoma remains on course for a summer 2008 opening.

A 40,000-square-foot building with administrative offices and warehouse space has been added to the $200 million first phase of the project. It will be constructed by a local company, and will be behind and just west of the casino/hotel complex.

Downstream Casino Resort Phase I is part of a planned multiphase entertainment development that includes a lavish casino with about 2,100 slot machines, 30 table games, 15 poker tables and a special high-limit area; an upscale 226-room hotel with luxury suites; a high-end steakhouse with seating for 100 guests; a buffet restaurant, food court and sports bar with race book; an 8,800-square-foot conference center; outdoor swimming pool with 10,000-squarefoot deck and space designated for a spa to be added later; two 18-hole golf courses at nearby Loma Linda Country Club; retail shops; the separate administration/warehouse building; and an RV parking lot with hookups.

DAYSPRING DEDICATES BUILDING

DaySpring hosted a dedication ceremony and open house at its DaySpring Cornerstone Building on Oct. 18.

The 36,000-square-foot building is next to DaySpring's existing distribution building on Arkansas 16 in Siloam Springs.

The structure provides space for 160 to 180 employees in creative, marketing, merchandising, administration, production administration, human resources and financial-services departments.

Special areas are dedicated to a creative-design studio and a visual-merchandising workshop.

DaySpring is a maker and distributor of Christian greetingcards and other products and gifts. A subsidiary of Hallmark Cards Inc. since 1999, the company employs more than 450 people.

LEGACY BRANCH OPENS

The Mo Brothers were the featured band when Legacy National Bank celebrated the grandopening of its third Springdale branch Oct. 11.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:15 p.m. was followed by entertainment and refreshments along with drawings for gifts until 7 p.m., according to a news release from Legacy National Bank.

The branch at 3607 S. Thompson St. is managed by Calie Neil.

Another branch is under construction at 5415 Pinnacle Point, Suite 500, in Rogers.

If you have tips on real estate developments, deals or trends, please call Stacey Roberts at (479) 770-8472 or e-mail her at:

sroberts@arkansasonline.com

Business Matters, Pages 84 on 10/28/2007

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