NEW ORLEANS—Harrah’s New Orleans in preparation for adding hotel inventory to its casino property here has named Gail Kaliszeski vp/development. Kaliszeski, said the property, will work aggressively to realize its plans for transforming the second floor of the casino into an entertainment venue, as well as constructing a hotel. Previously, Louisiana state law prohibited the operator of the city’s casino from operating hotel rooms as well, but Harrah’s renegotiated its contract and won the ability to go into the lodging business in New Orleans. Harrah’s has been a majority owner of the JCC Holding Co., which owns the casino that sits at the foot of Canal Street. Plans are to buy out JCCs remaining shares by the end of the year, then look to add hotel rooms to that operation as well, said Tim Wilmott, currently Eastern division vp of Harrah’s, who will take the reins as COO. Wilmott said Harrah’s has land in New Orleans which could be developed for a hotel. Kaliszeski previously served as GM of the New Orleans Centre and CNG Tower, a one million-plus square-foot complex with a three-level shopping center, 26-story office building, and seven-level parking garage. Her responsibilities included overseeing all aspects of the complex including operations, security and marketing, as well as contributing to the profitability of the project through leasing and other ventures. Kaliszeski currently serves as the Louisiana State Operations Chairman for the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), and previously served as the ICSC’s State Public Relations Chair. She is also a former Chairman of the Retail Initiatives Committee for the Downtown Development District. Harrah’s operates 26 casinos in the United States, primarily under the Harrah’s brand name.
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