Old Wonder bread factory may house interim casino

May 4, 1998

One of the three groups planning for casinos in Detroit is looking at the old Wonder bread plant near downtown for its temporary casino.

People involved in the casino process say Atwater/Circus Circus officials have been considering turning the old bread factory at the Lodge Freeway and Grand River into a casino that would open when the group gets a state license and close when its permanent casino opens on the east riverfront, in 2001 or 2002.

On Sunday, Atwater spokesman Tom Shields would not confirm the group's interest in the site. "We have not made any decision," he said. "We continue to look, and we're optimistic we'll find a location."

The Greektown/Chippewa Indians group plans to open a temporary casino in Trappers Alley on Monroe. The third group, MGM Grand, has been widely reported to be considering a former IRS building on the Lodge service drive, but the group's officials have refused to comment.

Given the expected length of the state licensing investigation, officials do not expect temporary casinos to open until early next year.

By Bill McGraw