Parthenon-themed casino planned

BILOXI, Miss. -- A proposed Grecian-designed casino appears to have the support of the community after no one voiced opposition during a public hearing at the Department of Marine Resources.

The Acropolis Casino and Hotel to be constructed on the Back Bay will resemble a large religious temple from the days of ancient Greece.

Organizers expect to complete the Acropolis Casino and Hotel within two years if an anticipated six-month approval process goes without a hitch.

The project still must receive a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers and a license from the Mississippi Gaming Commission before construction could begin.

Several dozen people attended the Wednesday hearing, and all spoke in support of the project.

"The casino is going to do a lot for our area," said Charles Polite, 82, who lives near the proposed casino site.

The $60 million project will include a three-level casino barge and a hotel and will have an architectural theme based on the ancient Greek temple the Parthenon. The Parthenon, a structure dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, is one of the most spectacular architectural projects of the ancient world.

Rob Wyre, president of Acropolis parent company, Back Bay Casino of Biloxi, said he thinks the project should have little trouble gaining the necessary approval.

"I think we've done our homework," he said.

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