Jumer’s Corporation wanted to build a new casino with the mission of branding itself as a Las Vegas-style casino for the regional area. Jumer’s purchased a highly visible site at the corner of two major intersections; however, the site needed major soil correction before construction could commence. Several design teams submitted ideas to correct the soils on site or build deep foundation systems, but these options would have further extended the already over-budget facility.

IMEG and the design team partnered to design the casino on this challenging site. After careful consideration of existing soil reports, it was recommended that the project be build using Geopier ® rammed aggregate piers to improve existing soil conditions. This decision allowed for design of the casino without either of the previously-considered expensive foundation systems.

Another unique aspect of this project was the “on water” gaming floor requirements set forth by the State Gaming Commission. IMEG designed a structurally-supported slab for the gaming floor that met this requirement without a ‘floating barge floor’ that is typically used for this purpose.

By using creative solutions to minimize the foundation correction, the designs were able to save the corporation $2 million in foundation costs, as well as additional cost savings for the unique “on water” gaming floor design.

The casino and hotel were purchased by the Bally’s Corporation in 2021.