Saracen Casino Resort’s Milestone: A Topping-Off Ceremony for Future Hotel
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff recently celebrated an important milestone as its ambitious 14-story hotel project reached vertical completion. On a sunny Tuesday, community members, officials from the Quapaw Nation, and construction workers gathered for a momentous topping-off ceremony. This symbolic event marked the placement of the final beam atop the hotel, signifying a significant achievement in the construction journey.
The Significance of the Topping-Off Ceremony
The topping-off ceremony is a longstanding tradition in the construction industry, symbolizing the completion of a building’s structural framework. Wena Supernaw, the Business Committee Chair for the Quapaw Nation, expressed her enthusiasm about reaching this crucial phase. “That’s the final major exterior construction,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of progressing to the interior work. “It takes a lot of time and care to be able to do that.”
Carlton Saffa, a key figure at the Saracen Casino Resort, highlighted the ceremony as an important checkpoint in the hotel’s development. “We’ve said for a long time that Saracen is a place to visit and one heck of a destination,” he stated. With the hotel now towering at about 200 feet, he believes it will become a significant landmark in the region, visible from miles away.
Community Involvement and Acknowledgment
To honor the hard work of the construction crew, a celebratory meal was organized following the ceremony. Saffa acknowledged that the completion of the hotel is projected for fall 2025, largely due to the relentless efforts of the workforce involved. “It’s thanks to their dedication that we are where we are,” he remarked.
Moreover, he shared the deeper implications of the hotel for the local community. Approximately 70% of Saracen Casino Resort’s employees are Jefferson County residents, yet the majority of their customers come from Little Rock. “When you build a hotel, those folks who come from out of town, they stay overnight and spend more time with you,” Saffa explained, illuminating the potential economic benefits for Pine Bluff.
Support from Local Officials and Community Members
The support from the Pine Bluff community, including local leaders, has been pivotal in pushing this project forward. Mayor Shirley Washington was in attendance, reflecting on the collaborative spirit shared between the Quapaw Nation and the citizens of Jefferson County. “Jefferson County has been so welcoming and supportive,” Supernaw echoed, thanking local officials for their kindness and cooperation throughout the project’s development.
Promising Economic Impact and Future Vision
In his address, Saffa made bold promises about the Saracen Casino Resort’s future and its potential impact on the region’s economy. He stated, “We know that we can now become an attractive market for places like Dallas.” He believes this hotel, while not the largest casino in the South, will certainly be one of the finest. The planned accommodations and amenities are set to draw more visitors, thereby enhancing the local tourism industry.
The new hotel will also feature an event center, which Supernaw indicated is expected to open around the same time next fall. This addition will not only provide venues for various events but also further bolster the hotel’s status as a sought-after destination in the region, creating more opportunities for both local businesses and the community.
Conclusion
As Saracen Casino Resort continues its journey toward a new era with the completion of its hotel, the topping-off ceremony symbolizes hope, community collaboration, and growth. The project promises not just to elevate the resort’s appeal but also to significantly propel Pine Bluff’s economic landscape forward. As construction progresses, anticipation builds for a facility that is poised to become a cornerstone of entertainment and hospitality in the mid-South region.
