Developer Gary Kirke Floats Plan for Casino in Urbandale: 2012 in Review

Editor's Note: As the year winds down, Urbandale Patch is looking back at some of the stories that made you talk, cry, laugh or just scratch your head.

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This story originally published Sept. 24.

By Deb Belt

Developers Gary Kirke of West Des Moines and Mike Richards have filed a request that could lead to the development of a casino, hotel and other amenities in Urbandale.

The Des Moines Business Record reports the development would be located on roughly 85 acres north of Interstates 35/80 at 100^thStreet and Northwest 54^th Avenue, according to documents filed with the city of Urbandale.

The land, on the southwest corner of the intersection, is owned by Frampton Farms Inc., according to the weekly newspaper. The property is entirely in Urbandale, although the city limits of both Johnston and Grimes are north of Northwest 54th Avenue.

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Kirke and Richards are partners in Fair Grounds LLC, which placed an option to buy the property on Aug. 30, according to the Business Record, and the duo are also partners in Wild Rose Entertainment LLC, which owns casinos in Emmetsburg and Clinton.

A spokeswoman for Kirke said he is not available for comment at this time.

Urbandale City Administrator A.J. Johnson said the property is zoned for office use. The Urbandale Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a hearing on the issue Oct. 8.

Urbandale Mayor Robert Andeweg said Monday he hasn't had a chance to review the proposal. “I think it’s too early to comment on that either way. I'd at least like to see the proposal,” he told the Business Record.

Andeweg said the city, at this point, is just being asked to rezone the land to allow the uses of casinos, restaurants and other entertainment businesses.

Brian J. Ohrilko, administrator for the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, told the Business Record Monday, "This is kind of the first time we've heard about this."

He said there is not a gambling license available and he was uncertain that the five-member commission is inclined to add gambling licenses in Iowa. New licenses were last issued in 2009.

Ohrilko told the newspaper he believes Polk County would have to have a referendum to approve another casino before the state took any action to approve a license.

Other 2012 in Review stories:

Couple Receives Wedding Gift from President Obama After Living History Farms Hassle: 2012 in Review

Meeting Gold-Medalist Gabby Douglas in Urbandale Makes Youngster's Birthday: 2012 in Review

48 People Charged in Metro Prostitution and Human-Trafficking Ring: 2012 in Review

Urbandale Hy-Vee Opens with Fanfare and Ribbon Cutting: 2012 in Review

Families Stage Weekend Protest at Urbandale Motel Frequently Visited by Police: 2012 in Review

Urbandale Prays for a Miracle for Grace: 2012 in Review

What Really Happened on Urbandale's Jensen Playground?: 2012 in Review