(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Peter Morton's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has been selected by the Pauma Band of Mission Indians to be the developer and operator of a new $300 million hotel and casino in northern San Diego County. "We are excited about working with the Pauma Band to produce one of the great resorts in California," said Peter Morton, chairman and founder of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Tribal Chairman Chris Devers said, "the tribe voted overwhelmingly for the Hard Rock and is ecstatic with its new relationship."
"It is envisioned that the hotel and casino will have 300 hotel rooms, 100 gaming tables, 2,000 slot machines, a concert venue, restaurants, and spa," added Hard Rock President Kevin Kelley.
Last year Morton acquired 24 acres next door to the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel & Casino where he plans to build 1,200 hotel condos, residences, and bungalows as part of a $1 billion condominium and entertainment development.
The Hard Rock proposal was chosen for the Pauma gaming venture project from among several competing bidders, including Foxwoods Resort Casino. Construction is expected to begin as soon as the management contract is approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission in Washington D.C., a process which typically takes six to nine months. "We plan to open by the fourth quarter of 2006," said Morton. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
