French Lick Resort Casino on Schedule for November Opening

FRENCH LICK, Indiana -- Construction and restoration work at the French Lick Resort Casino is still on path for a November opening. The lobby of the French Lick Springs Hotel is 95 percent complete,
Artist's rendering of the French Lick Resort Casino.  including six panels of hand-painted allegorical murals depicting the mythological story of 'Pluto's World.'

The murals, which were developed and painted by Conrad Schmitt Studios of New Berlin, Wis., are Baroque in style and convey symbolic expressions of the resort's famed spring water's namesake ' Pluto. Each panel expresses a different theme of the mythological story, including 'Spring,' 'Heron the Boatsman,' 'Pluto on his Throne,' 'Cerberus the Three-Headed Dog,' 'Persephone on her Throne' and the 'Story of Persephone's Mother Demetra.'

All of the detailed lobby restoration is being accomplished by Conrad Schmitt Studios.

'This is truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of Old World craftsmanship that typifies what this destination is all about,' said Scott Spurlock, general manager of the French Lick Springs Hotel.

A level below the lobby, The Spa at the French Lick Springs Hotel is near completion. Kris Gebhardt and his wife, Angela, are designing the Spa, and they will oversee all operations. The Gebhardts, of Indianapolis, have decades of experience in fitness and beauty and own multiple businesses within the industry.

Kris has written five books, and has been officially recognized by Sen. Richard Lugar (R ' Ind.) and named one of the "Top 40 Under 40" business performers for 2003 by the Indianapolis Business Journal.

The Spa will feature Malibu Wellness products and La Bella Donna cosmetics.

The upper levels of the hotel are progressing. Model rooms are receiving finishing touches and should be complete by early August.

The 42,000-square-foot casino will soon receive its paddlewheel, adding one of the final exterior details to the exciting new gaming facility.

All of the hotel's windows have arrived and are being installed.

Two miles up the road from the hotel and casino, the Donald Ross Course at French Lick is nearing completion of its historic restoration. With a grand opening set for early September, the golf course will hearken back to Ross' original vision, including his signature squared greens, open fairways and deep, unforgiving bunkers.