By: Jessica Cihacek
jcihacek@kcautv.com
He was in his 20's when he was first introduced to the building, using it as a warehouse for his family business. Not only is Roger Bomgaars the president of a well–known Midwest supply chain, he's one of the longest running owners of the old, battery building. And he'll be sad to see it go.
Bomgaars says, "I know every square inch of the building from the roof and clock tower to the basements, all the crawl spaces, so yeah, I'll miss it a little bit."
But when he was approached about turning it into a casino, he knew the place would be a perfect fit - exactly the mind–set of the Missouri River Historical Development, the potential non–profit license holder of a Hard Rock Sioux City.
MRHD President, Mark Monson, says, "I think this building is neat. It's a real, good–looking building and it needs to be preserved."
With a rugged–looking interior, a great view from inside and a structurally sound make–up, it's an undertaking leaders of Sioux City Entertainment, the potential operators of Hard Rock Sioux City are excited to attempt.
Bill Warner, with Sioux City Entertainment, says, "Has there been a Hard Rock done like this before? No. But that's what's fun, is now we're going to be able to take a building like this, work with a contemporary design and make the two kind of, meld together."
While there are other proposals for a land–based casino currently on the table. This one's got many people excited about the battery's re–birth into the community.
Bomgaars says, "It's time to pass the baton to a more public community use."
April is when the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will be making it's decision on a land–based casino in Sioux City, if Hard Rock gets the green light construction would begin as early as this summer.
