A modern makeover is under way at Greektown Casino-Hotel - Detroit Free Press
Greektown Casino-Hotel today will show off the first big phase of its ongoing makeover as the city's third-place gambling hall works its way back from bankruptcy.
The casino consolidated three of its table games areas into one Super Pit, removing the Galleria bar and walls to create a more open space with wider sight lines and a livelier environment for card players. Other table games and slots in the casino's non-smoking section will stay where they are.
Nearby, the old Apollo tavern and its small, underused entertainment stage have been replaced with Fringe, a sleek new sports bar with video screens and bar-top video gambling open to the casino floor to promote the spot as a gathering place after games at the nearby downtown stadiums.
The casino will formally unveil the new facilities during an invitation-only reception this afternoon, but they are now open to the public. The remodeling is part of Greektown's larger strategy to upgrade its design and amenities for players after the casino emerged from bankruptcy in June 2010.
CEO Michael Puggi acknowledged that the construction has crimped business at the casino recently. But he said loyal longtime customers are standing by Greektown because "we are the most comfortable and, I think, the friendliest casino out there."
But "if we don't do what we're doing, we won't achieve goals we've set for the property," Puggi said.
Despite aggregate revenue at the city's three casinos rising 1.9% in August compared with the same month last year, Greektown posted an 8% decline to $27.5 million, according to Michigan Gaming Control Board figures.
For the three-month period ending in August, Greektown revenue was down 2.4% compared with 2010.
The casino plans a gradual top-to-bottom revamp through 2013, aiming for a sophisticated look that moves away from its traditional Greek-style murals and gold trim toward sleeker lines, fresh colors and a more modern appeal.
At Fringe, for one, the wall behind its bar is made of dark wooden horizontal slats with inset lighting, flanked by walls in a deep red hue. Tubular lamps hang from the ceiling.
"The challenge has been to keep the culture of Greektown but to try to modernize it to some degree," said Michael Polsinelli, Greektown's project manager.
Polsinelli said the upgrades are being done gradually so regulars aren't overwhelmed by change.
23 Sep, 2011--
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