Casinos As Entertainment District Anchors

An Indian tribe plans to use its land and casinos to anchor a mile-square entertainment district in Palm Springs.

1 minute read

January 26, 2004, 7:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Hoping to transform [Palm Springs] into a vast entertainment district, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is seeking permission to turn a square-mile portion of the downtown core into a multibillion-dollar complex featuring high-rises, shopping malls, restaurants, a theme park and a second casino... City officials say the tribe is not legally obligated to seek the city's blessings for its plan — or even zoning changes — because it is located on sovereign land... The Agua Caliente tribe describes the plan as a vision for 'a unique and cohesive district with its own identity, which is separate but linked to downtown Palm Springs.' The tribe compares it to Pleasure Island in Orlando, Fla., an entertainment complex that includes eight nightclubs and evening street parties set off by music and fireworks."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Sunday, January 25, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Geese flock to a frozen pond in Aurora, Colorado. There are houses in the background.

Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing

The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.

September 17, 2026 - Capital & Main

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A busy highway in Richmond, with construction and the city visible in the background.

'This is going to be painful:’ Virginia stares down $1.7 billion funding gap for highway maintenance

The state may address the deficit by shifting $290 million from its construction budget to maintenance projects.

1 hour ago - The Virginia Mercury

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18 - Inside Climate News

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18 - Mass Transit