CATHEDRAL CITY, CA – The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians announced today the construction for the Cathedral City casino will be underway soon thanks to Federal government approval of the Tribe’s request to transfer the land status from fee to tribal trust for gaming purposes.
“We are excited to begin construction on this large-scale investment in Cathedral City,” Tribal Chairman Jeff L. Grubbe said. “This project will create jobs, revitalize an undeveloped downtown property and support Cathedral City’s economic development efforts. In addition, we have the honor of working with Cathedral City to relocate and build a new fire station that will allow fire fighters to serve city residents from a brand new state-of-the-art facility and a more desirable location.”
In 2017, the Tribe acquired 12.5 acres at the corner of E. Palm Canyon Drive and Date Palm Drive to complete a 13.6 acre project site for an entertainment development project in the heart of downtown Cathedral City. As part of that agreement, the Tribe contributed $5.5 million to build a new city fire station at 68950 Buddy Rogers Ave.
“This is a real game changer for Downtown Cathedral City,” stated Cathedral City Mayor Mark Carnevale. “For more than a decade, the land where the casino will be built has been an eyesore to the community. Having a brand new gaming and entertainment center as a major anchor to our Downtown Arts and Entertainment District will spur more interest and development, provide quality entertainment for our residents and visitors, and generate additional revenue for city services. We have been waiting for this day to happen and we could not be more pleased. Downtown Cathedral City is now the place for quality theatrical performances, blockbuster films, concerts, outdoor festivals, and soon to be added to our collection, gaming.”
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is expected to announce a groundbreaking celebration date soon.
“The City of Cathedral City and Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have been working as partners for more than two years to make this project come to fruition,” stated Administrative Services Director Tami Scott. “We have been able to formalize agreements that will provide improved streets and infrastructure around the property as well as enhanced public safety measures including the new fire station, public safety personnel, and other amenities that will greatly enrich the aesthetics for our downtown.”
About the Tribe: The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe located in Palm Springs, California, with 31,500 acres of reservation lands that spread across Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and into the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. The Tribe currently owns and operates two 18-hole championship golf courses, the Spa Resort Casino in downtown Palm Springs and the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage. For more information about the Tribe, visit www.aguacaliente-nsn.gov.
