Kansas Crossing breaks ground

BY ALEX BATTITORI

As of Thursday, May 5, construction of the Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel is officially underway.

Developers ceremoniously broke ground before a crowd comprised of state, city and county officials and area residents. The project has actually been underway for about a week now.

The casino, situated near the junction of Highways 69 and 400, is set to feature 625 slot machines, 16 gaming tables and a 600-seat entertainment complex. During the building process, it will provide 380 construction jobs. After expected completion in March of 2017, it will supply the area with 250-300 full-time jobs.

“We’re excited to get back to work on Kansas Crossing,” Bruce Christensen, lead investor and spokesperson, said in the Kansas Crossing press release. “The obstacles are cleared and we’re pleased to resume this remarkable project that will provide meaningful jobs and lasting economic impact for our communities and the State of Kansas.”

The construction of the casino was delayed nearly nine months total, following lawsuits filed by Cherokee County and the Castle Rock Casino Resort LLC. Judge Larry D. Hendricks ruled against both parties three times, although Cherokee County has opted to continue the lawsuit. Developers of the casino believe the appeal will have no effect.

Originally, the project was estimated to carry a price tag of $70 million. Principal investor Bruce Christensen says it will now total approximately $80 million due to the finalization of details that were not complete by the time the bid was awarded. The details deal primarily with the interior design of the building.

Although the project is operated by Kansas Crossing, it is actually owned by the State of Kansas. The state will receive 22 percent of the gambling profits brought in by the casino.

“This is the moment we’ve been waiting for,” said Pittsburg Mayor John Ketterman. “Kansas Crossing’s impact will provide our communities with new resources that would otherwise not be possible.”