The Henderson Planning Commission on Thursday approved a conditional use permit and design review to expand the Emerald Island Casino in the downtown Henderson Water District.
Final approval will be considered by the Henderson City Council on Nov. 4.
It took four minutes for commissioners to approve the request by land use consultant Michael Tassi to add 14,500 square feet to the property and change the building’s exterior appearance.
“It’s wonderful,” commissioners said before the vote in which Commissioner Michael Brunson abstained.
No one spoke for or against the proposal at a public hearing.
According to a proposal submitted by owner Ronald Winchell, the casino would add covered patios, integrated plantings for landscaping and seating, screened roofs and awnings at entrances and a brick veneer facade. The city has been asked to vacate a small portion of Navy Street to accommodate the expansion and commissioners approved it in a separate vote.
A redesigned parking lot will include 133 spaces. City codes require 125 parking spaces.
According to documents filed with the city, the casino would grow to 37,340 square feet on less than an acre.
Documents do not show how much is invested in the expansion and renovation. There is also no indication if there would be any changes made inside the casino.
Emerald Island’s justification letter for the project says exterior lighting and streetscape would be consistent with Henderson’s Water Street District.
Emerald Island and sister property Rainbow Club on Water Street were sold to ECL Water Street LLC, a company owned by Winchell and business partner Marc Falcone, by Tim and Mike Brooks in January 2024.
–
