The Norfolk casino project has taken a significant step forward as the city’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) has given it the green light to proceed, despite some ongoing design concerns.

The ARB, tasked with overseeing city property developments, approved the project with a 6-1 vote, as reported by WAVY-TV. This decision moves the project one step closer to the Norfolk Planning Commission. However, there are still discussions surrounding how the project will impact the surrounding area, particularly concerns about bird safety and its visual impact on the waterfront.

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming, a Las Vegas-based casino operator, are collaborating on this venture. Boyd Gaming obtained an 80% share in the project from Jon Yarbrough, a billionaire from Tennessee. Yarbrough had previously partnered with the Pamunkey Tribe to develop a casino in King William County. The planned casino in Norfolk, set to be constructed on a 9.35-acre plot near Harbor Park, supersedes earlier plans for a tribal casino and focuses on Norfolk as one of five Virginia cities permitted to host commercial casinos following a public vote in 2020.

Members of the ARB emphasized the importance of finalizing design details before granting full approval. Gregory Rutledge, an ARB member, highlighted the significance of this project for the city’s waterfront, referring to it as a future landmark. However, Rutledge also expressed concerns about the longevity of the building’s design. While the current plans appear visually appealing, he noted a lack of specifics regarding materials and how the building will interact with sunlight and pedestrian traffic. The ARB has requested further changes to address these issues, which will be revisited in a later design phase.

Environmental organizations raised ecological concerns during the ARB’s evaluation. The Cape Henry Audubon Society voiced worries that the casino’s design could disorient migrating birds, potentially leading to collisions with the structure. This apprehension primarily centered on the building’s lighting. Pat Scanlon, representing the society, urged the developers to consider implementing more bird-safe lighting and design elements.