Initial phase of Cleveland casino could be longer than expected

CLEVELAND (AP) — Plans to open a startup casino in a renovated Cleveland department store are looking like a longer-term bet.

The owner of Cleveland’s trademark Terminal Tower said today it has finalized a previously announced plan to lease four floors of its old Higbee department store for an initial casino phase.

Forest City Enterprises said the five-year lease includes extension options. Forest City has sold adjacent land for new casino construction.

The Horseshoe Casino Cleveland is scheduled to open early next year, which would make it the first in Ohio. Other casinos will be located in Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo.