Lucky 7

The red-brick building at Seventh and Ann streets in downtown Kansas City, Kansas, started out in 1906 as a Scottish Rite Temple. When it reopens to the public this evening as the 7th Street Casino, gamblers might feel like they're returning to the roaring '20s. In 1996, the Wyandotte Nation purchased the historic structure and took 10 years and $20 million to restore it. With the installation of faux-mahogany bars, stained-glass light fixtures and stamped-tin ceilings, this temple has been reborn as a venue that looks more like a speakeasy.The metro's newest — and smallest — gaming facility will feature a swanky steakhouse, private dining areas and several floors of slot parlors for its 400 electronic gaming machines. The state of Kansas has for years been challenging the Wyandotte Nation's right to operate a casino at this site, and an appeal is still pending. But casino operators are banking on a go-ahead from the courts and plan to open their doors this evening. After a 4 p.m. media launch and a 6 p.m. VIP reception, the 7th Street Casino (803 North Seventh Street in KCK) opens to the gambling masses tonight at 10. For more information, call 866-447-4946.
Thu., Jan. 10, 2008