At an ARB meeting on August 19th, the development team for Virginia’s upcoming casino project suggested that the name “Headwaters Resort & Casino” may be dropped. During the meeting, architects from the Pamunkey Indian Nation, the city’s primary partner, presented new architectural renderings.
Name Change For The Casino?
The latest renderings presented to the ARB omitted any reference to “Headwaters Resort & Casino,” marking a shift from earlier submissions. The ARB, tasked with ensuring the project meets the city’s architectural standards, noted the absence of the name or logo in public statements for the first time since 2021. When asked about the potential name change, a representative confirmed it was under consideration.
In addition to the name change, significant updates included reducing the hotel size from 300 to 200 rooms due to financial constraints and market analysis. The hotel’s design and orientation were also altered, though some changes, like the redesigned amenity deck, were criticized for not fitting with the rest of the building’s architecture. Concerns were also raised about the parking garage’s restricted access for Harbor Park fans, which could impact the facility’s integration with the surrounding area.
Ongoing Delays And Challenges:
The project, first proposed in December 2018, has faced multiple delays and requires a vote from the ARB, possibly in early September, to proceed. Despite Norfolk voters approving casino gaming in 2020, progress has been slow due to challenges like the construction of a downtown seawall and the need for detailed site plans and financial assurances. A temporary gaming facility at Harbor Park was also scrapped due to legal concerns.
Vision For The Future:
Despite setbacks, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe remains optimistic and is eager to move forward with the design and construction process.
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