The construction of the Wild Rose Jefferson casino and resort continues to progress despite some wet and windy weather this fall. In fact, the site preparation and construction are keeping pace with the formal schedule presented to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission earlier this month.
Tom Timmons, president of Wild Rose Jefferson, told commissioners at the October IRGC meeting, as well as in a letter addressed to chairman Jeff Lamberti, that the company expects to complete construction of the facility by Aug. 1.
Project benchmarks: The underground site work, including the extension of water mains, storm sewer and utility conduit, is largely complete. The foundation is in place for the casino structure, which is being constructed with tilt-up concrete panels and steel. The crew expects to complete the installation of the 64 tilt-up panels this week and begin steel erection. Delivery of the steel to the site began last week and will continue this week.
A wind storm on Oct. 13 knocked down five of the concrete panels, but replacements were poured and delivered to the site a few days later.
“The momentum is good, and the weather will hopefully continue to cooperate over the next several weeks,” Timmons said. “Our next big benchmark, after erecting the steel, will be the enclosure of the structure, which our construction manager estimates should be accomplished before Christmas.”
Mid-States Steel Corp of Boone is providing the structural steel, while Jensen Builders Ltd of Fort Dodge has been contracted for steel erection. The labor force on site ranges between 35 and 45 people currently. Crew numbers will fluctuate as construction progresses.
“We are happy to be using quality, local Iowa contractors and vendors in the construction of the Jefferson casino and events center,” Timmons added. “In hiring these two companies located in Boone and Webster counties, we continue to demonstrate and underscore the regional reach and economic benefits of the project.”
Hotel construction: BriMark Builders in conjunction with local investors is developing and constructing the 71-room hotel connected to Wild Rose Jefferson. As part of his communication with the IRGC, Timmons noted that the hotel construction will start in earnest in December, and it is scheduled to be complete next June.
Job fair and application process: Interest in jobs and employment started the day Wild Rose Jefferson received its license, a spokesperson said. The company continues to field calls and receive emails on a daily basis from prospective employees.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the excitement that people have about the project when they contact us,” Timmons said. “We have already heard from several talented people in the community and from across the region and we look forward to assembling a top-notch staff.”
The company will host a job fair in the spring of 2015. At that time positions and descriptions will be posted and job seekers can provide resumes and fill out applications. Wild Rose officials will be on hand to answer questions and provide a more detailed description of the hiring process. The job fair will be publicized and promoted in the local and regional media.
