Wind Creek Breaks Ground On 70,000 Square Foot South Suburban Casino

HOMEWOOD, IL — Officials from the Wind Creek Hospitality Group broke ground on the southland's first casino last week, according to officials.

The casino is slated to open in 2023, with construction delayed almost a year due to COVID-19 supply chain issues and planning setbacks. Representatives from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians were present at the groundbreaking.

The casino will be mostly on East Hazel Crest land, with a parking garage overflowing into Homewood's property. The construction site is located off of Interstate 80 near Halsted Street and 175th Street.

"We’re so very thankful for the support of community leaders, local organizations and residents of the south suburbs who helped get us to this point," said Stephanie Bryan, tribal chair of Poarch Creek Indians. "And look forward to working with you to ensure that the benefits associated with this project are experienced by the entire region."

In addition to tax dollars from the casino being split among Homewood, East Hazel Crest and a group of other south suburban towns, the casino will pay into a Southland Public Benefit Fund.

The fund, officials said, will distribute $150,000 each year for the first five years the casino is operational. Money will go to recipients through South Suburban College, Prairie State College, Moraine Valley Community College, the Ingalls Development Foundation and Advocate South Suburban Hospital.

Once the fund reached $20 million, one million dollars will be distributed to those groups annually. The casino, to be named the Four Diamond Casino, will include a hotel, multiple restaurants, entertainment centers and more. Officials anticipate construction will create up to 600 jobs.