Free valet parking for alternative fuel cars, an in-house recycling program for patrons, green walls and LED lights on every floor in the parking garage are just some of the energy-efficient and sustainable initiatives that will be a part of the newly-named Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. (Photos: Interior construction at Rivers Casino)
The gambling facility is on a quest to become the first LEED-certified casino in the country. Casino officials said they believe the new facility will reach the program’s silver certification level, but the goal is to hit the gold status, which is one step below the highest ranking.
Going green was initially pushed by Midwest Gaming CEO Greg Carlin and also discussed by city officials. It was accepted once “we determined we could achieve LEED certification at relatively nominal cost,” said Jason Westrope, of Development Management Associates, which is overseeing the LEED certification.
Making it the first in the nation to win the status was certainly a catalyst, said Acting City Manager Jason Slowinski.
“There’s a certain pride that goes along with that … being the first in something,” he said.
Each LEED level is determined by points awarded because of sustainable materials, practices, and designs. Along with “green” features, like being in a dense area or close to public transportation, also help in the point process, Westrope said, and should help the Des Plaines casino.
On a recent afternoon, the sounds of drills and hammers echoed inside the 143,000 square-foot facility as colorful wires sat in spaghetti-like piles among stacks of heavy tiles. Laborers installed carpet in offices and put together the casino floor, which lies above six inches of water and another six inches of concrete.
The main entrance will be located on the north side of the site, where a walkway connects the 5-story parking garage to the casino. Westrope said the parking structure will be the first in the nation to use LED lights on every deck, meaning they will last longer and use less power.
Besides offering free valet service to hybrid and electronic vehicles, the casino will have two charging stations for fuel-alternative cars. The stations aren’t guaranteed to help garner points for the LEED certification, but are a part of the “green” effort, said Michelle Jacques, of Development Management Associates, as she stood in the main entrance.
Once inside, casino-goers will see various skylights to let in natural sunlight and free-standing walls covered with plants in places like the buffet. Recycling will be offered at various trash areas. Toilets will use less water and sensor-triggered lights will be scattered throughout office space.
Not every “green” feature is visible to the human eye.
Materials like concrete and steel have recycled content while paint, adhesives, and carpets emitting low volatile organic compounds are being used and reduce the quantity of odorous, indoor air contaminants. High energy-efficient HVAC units will take exhaust air, recapture heat and return it to the building.
Officials said the name “Rivers Casino” was meant in part to highlight its “green” elements and natural surroundings.
Other casinos may not have been LEED certified because typically they can’t have smoking inside or must designate indoor smoking areas, officials said. The Des Plaines casino will have two “luxurious” outdoor smoking patios with TVs, fans and heaters, comfortable seating, and green screens blocking traffic since Illinois law prohibits indoor smoking.
“They’re not really leaving the premise,” Westrope said. “They’re exiting the building to a cozy environment.”
Casino officials said they will likely find out what LEED level the facility achieved after the July opening.
“If we get LEED gold, I think well be very, very happy,” Westrope said. “We’re pretty confident we’ll get silver. Gold will be a little bit of a stretch.”
jmdelgado@tribune.com
