Hard Rock hits pause on hotel project
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The operators of the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary say the time is not right to build an adjacent hotel because of high construction costs and tight capital markets. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report Hard Rock International told the Indiana Gaming Commission that it is still interested in pursuing a multistory hotel, but the economics of such a project need to improve.
“Unfortunately, with the economic uncertainty right now, we’ve paused that,” said Jon Lucas, chief operating officer at Hard Rock International.
Hard Rock has already invested more than $7 million in additional improvements to the $300 million venue since its opening in May 2021.
The projects included converting a buffet area into 1,200-square feet of additional gaming space and improvements to Hard Rock Live, the casino’s performance venue.
The publication says state data shows Hard Rock has been the top earning casino in Indiana for 14 consecutive months.
Click here to access the article from Dan Carden and The Times of Northwest Indiana.