Location:
Rock Island, IL
Size:
127,000 square foot Casino
200-Room Hotel
Project Cost:
$70 M
Completion:
2008
Services:
Structural Engineering
Partners:
KKE Architects (now DLR Group)
Kraus Anderson Construction
Jumer’s Corporation wanted to build a new casino with the mission of branding itself as a Las Vegas-style casino for the regional area. Jumer’s purchased a highly visible site at the corner of two major intersections; however, the site needed major soil correction before construction could commence. Several design teams submitted ideas to correct the soils on site or build deep foundation systems, but these options would have further extended the already over-budget facility.
Clark Engineering and KKE Architects partnered to design the casino on this challenging site. After careful consideration of existing soil reports, it was recommended that the project be built using Geopier® rammed aggregate piers to improve existing soil conditions. This decision allowed for design of the casino without either of the previously-considered expensive foundation systems.
Another unique aspect of this project was the “on water” gaming floor requirements set forth by the State Gaming Commission. Clark Engineering and KKE designed a structurally-supported slab for the gaming floor that met this requirement without a ‘floating barge floor’ that is typically used for this purpose.
Jumer’s Casino and Hotel opened in December 2008 as a 127,000 square foot casino with a 200-room hotel and a one level parking deck. By using creative solutions to minimize the foundation correction, the designs were able to save the corporation $2M in foundation costs as well as additional cost savings for the unique “on water” gaming floor design.
