By MARY PEREZ
meperez@sunherald.com
BILOXI --Margaritaville Casino moved closer to reality Thursday when plans cleared both the Biloxi Architectural Review Commission and Planning Commission.
"This is a good step," said Hal Lamoreaux, Harrah's Central Division project director, after the Planning Commission unanimously accepted the changes.
The amendments to the already approved master plan now go to the City Council before developers can apply for permits and begin construction of the $700 million casino resort on 47 acres. Gary Lechner, who sits on both commissions, said it normally takes about two weeks before the City Council hears the application.
Architectural Review commissioner Mike Hutter asked developers if the streetscape and signs will follow the Margaritaville theme.
"Every one of the Margaritaville restaurants around the world is designed for that location," said senior project manager Mark Waggoner of Marnell Corrao Associates. In Biloxi, "The hotel takes flavor from Key West," with octagonal towers and dormer windows that reflect Jimmy Buffett's memories and his songs. Buffett was born in Pascagoula and grew up on the Coast.
"He wants it to be very carefully designed and detailed," said Waggoner.
Instead of tall buildings, the resort will spread out along the beachfront from the Casino Magic property to the Grand Biloxi. Two pedestrian overpasses will cross U.S. 90 and connect Margaritaville to Harrah's Grand Biloxi.
A variance was required for three marquees that will be placed at both ends and the center porte-cochere. Waggoner said they will be designed similar to properties in Las Vegas, where the signs take on the design flair of the property.
Detailing plans for the resort, Waggoner said Casino Magic will be renovated with 378 guest rooms and a new spa and salon. Grand Biloxi has an additional 494 rooms and Margaritaville will include a 420-room hotel with an outdoor shopping village, casino, meeting and convention space, ballroom and restaurants.
Lamoreaux said the test-pile program is complete at the site and Waggoner said the target opening of Margaritaville is in 2010.