Des Plaines Approves 57 Signs For New Casino

By Anna Deem in News on Mar 21, 2010 6:30PM

Instead of relying on flashing signs, Des Plaines' new casino--set to open in fall 2011--will feature large-scale LED monitors and electronic murals. This week, the city council approved a sign ordinance that allows the casino to display 57 signs inside and around it. In addition, the plan for the 20-acre casino site that will be located at Devon Avenue and Des Plaines River Road was also approved by the alderman. The developer, Midwest Gaming, is still trying to finalize its financing and hopes to break ground by the end of the month.

Ken Ambrosini, design director at Portland, Ore.-based Ambrosini Design Ltd., informed the city council that the light emitted from the electronic signs is adjustable and will be operated by a computer system that controls the intensity of the light throughout the day. The LED monitors also will not contain any flashing lights, and the images that are displayed will change no faster than every 7.5 seconds.

"We want to create a fun and exciting environment," said Michael Levin, casino project manager of Chicago-based Development Management Associates to the Chicago Tribune. "I think we will have that here."