ROCKFORD (WREX) — 13 WREX got an inside look on Wednesday at construction of the new Embassy Suites Hotel in Rockford. According to workers, construction is going extremely well.
“Pretty much everything is going according to plan and on schedule,” says Superintendent Nick Panzica. “It turned out to be a great site.”
Crews broke ground on the old Amerock building back in April 2018 to build
160 room hotel and convention center.
The pool was just installed, and on the 11th floor, developers say guests will get to see the best view of the city.
“I think it’s a big thing for downtown Rockford,” Panzica said. “I mean it’s the first step of the rejuvenation of the downtown area.”
The property is expected to open during the first week in April 2020. The developer says $2 million in business is already booked.
That developer, Gary Gorman, is also the man behind a proposal to bring a casino to the downtown area. 13 WREX told you yesterday about the citizen group called Rock River West Casino group.
The citizen group is working with Gorman in hopes of expanding and building an entertainment district in downtown Rockford, and using the casino to draw people in. Gorman says there are 13 acres read to be purchased and developed, and that he’s in talks with five different casino groups who might be interested in partnering up.
Hard Rock Cafe has said it’s interested in developing a casino where the old Clock Tower Resort used to be. Proposals must be turned in to the city by August 16th.
