Saracen Casino Resort Marks a Milestone in Pine Bluff: Topping-Off Ceremony Celebrates Future Hotel Completion
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — A significant moment in Pine Bluff’s growing hospitality landscape unfolded on Tuesday as the Saracen Casino Resort celebrated the construction milestones of its new 14-story hotel. The topping-off ceremony, a time-honored tradition in the construction industry, marked the installation of the final beam atop the hotel, signaling it has reached full vertical height. This event not only represents a step forward for the project but also stands as a beacon of progress for the Pine Bluff community.
Community and Collaboration: Coming Together
The ceremony drew a diverse crowd, including community members, local officials, construction workers, and representatives from the Quapaw Nation, which owns the casino. Wena Supernaw, the Business Committee Chair for the casino’s owners, expressed enthusiasm over the milestone, stating, “That’s the final major exterior construction. And by that going up, it’s going to give us the opportunity to go inside and start working on the stuff that’s not so easy to see.”
This sentiment resonated throughout the gathering, highlighting the collaborative spirit that has driven the project from its inception. The event served not only as a celebration but also as a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the construction teams whose efforts are making this ambitious project a reality.
A Landmark Development
Carlton Saffa, a representative of Saracen Casino Resort, emphasized the importance of the ceremony as a critical checkpoint in the hotel’s progress. With its height reaching approximately 200 feet, the hotel will undoubtedly change the skyline, becoming a prominent landmark that can be viewed from miles away. "We’ve said for a long time, that Saracen is a place to visit and one heck of a destination," Saffa noted. "Now you can see it from miles away, which means we’ve reached the pinnacle of the construction of the skeleton of the building."
Following the ceremony, a gathering of hundreds of construction workers was held to express gratitude for their tireless efforts, with meals provided to honor their contributions. Thanks to their hard work, the hotel is projected to be completed by the fall of 2025.
Anticipated Impact of the Hotel
The addition of a hotel is poised to elevate the Saracen Casino Resort to new heights, literally and figuratively. Saffa pointed out that while around 70% of the casino’s employees hail from Jefferson County, approximately 70% of their patrons come from Little Rock. By providing overnight accommodations, the casino aims to attract more visitors from outside the region, facilitating extended stays and greater spending.
This strategic move not only bolsters the resort’s operational success but also promises to benefit the broader Pine Bluff community economically. With an increase in visitor foot traffic, local businesses are likely to see a boost, fostering a thriving economic environment.
Supportive Community Relations
Supernaw highlighted the vital support received from the local community, acknowledging the significant role played by city leaders, including Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington. "Jefferson County has been so welcoming and supportive," she remarked. This strong local backing has created a favorable atmosphere for development, enabling the project to move forward smoothly.
A Future of Promises and Potential
As the project nears completion, Saffa’s ambitions for the resort are grand. "We know that we can now become an attractive market for places like Dallas," he declared, indicating a vision that encompasses not just Pine Bluff but the entire mid-South region. While the Saracen Casino Resort may not be the biggest casino in the South, Saffa confidently asserts that it will be the nicest.
In addition to the hotel, plans also include an event center, set to open in fall 2025, further solidifying Saracen Casino Resort as a premier destination for entertainment and leisure.
Conclusion
The topping-off ceremony at the Saracen Casino Resort signifies more than a mere construction milestone; it reflects the potential for growth, collaboration, and community spirit in Pine Bluff. As anticipation builds for the hotel’s completion, the project stands as a testament to the bright future awaiting the region, fusing entertainment, hospitality, and economic development into a promising narrative for residents and visitors alike.
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