Foxwoods casino still searching for a home

    The Foxwoods casino, originally slated to open along the Delaware Waterfront discussed setting up shop in the Gallery Mall at 11th and Market Streets. Now according to a Foxwoods spokesperson, the slots parlor’s list of possible future homes includes the Strawbridge’s building further down Market Street.

    The Foxwoods casino, originally slated to open along the Delaware Waterfront discussed setting up shop in the Gallery Mall at 11th and Market Streets. Now according to a Foxwoods spokesperson, the slots parlor’s list of possible future homes includes the Strawbridge’s building further down Market Street. WHYY’s Elizabeth Fiedler reports.

    Transcript:
    City and gaming officials say if Foxwoods Casino opens along Market Street, it could prompt the revitalization of the area.

    Architect and Design Advocacy Group member George Claflin says the idea of putting a casino in the Strawbridge’s building is intriguing.

    Claflin: “Certainly when one imagines the interiors that gambling designers and casino designers are generally fond of it would be quite different from a retail interior. But the Strawbridge’s building was designed for access by large crowds of people and that wouldn’t change in this new use.”

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    Claflin says adaptive reuse projects like the new steakhouses that have opened in former bank buildings, are good ways to give new life to old structures.

    A Foxwoods spokesperson says talks continue and no final deal has been made.  Community groups around a number of potential casino sites say the gaming venues will bring crime and traffic into their neighborhoods.

    Listen:
    Click on the play button below or right click on this link and choose “Save Link As” to download. [audio: reports20090226casino.mp3]

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