Lake Worth Beach Seeks To Revitalize Historic Casino’s Upper Level

Lake Worth Beach officials are moving to reshape the long-vacant upper level of the city’s historic casino complex, a waterfront landmark that already anchors weddings, events and beach traffic. 

• The city invites private proposals to repurpose the long-vacant second floor of the historic casino complex.
• The plans aim to balance public use with commercial opportunities amid local debate.
• Proposals are due by June 25, with a consultant review expected to guide the next phase.

According to local reporting, The Invitation to Negotiate opens the second floor to private proposals for the ballroom and an adjoining unfinished area. Bidders are allowed to pitch everything from dining and lounge concepts to mixed-use event operations. 

The city says the goal is to attract as many options as possible while keeping the landmark active and commercially relevant.

Although no longer a site for gambling, the building is adorned with “Casino” on its front. 

Balancing Public Use and Revenue

The 3,000-square-foot ballroom is a known event venue with Atlantic views, while the larger unfinished space has sat idle for years. That mix has split local opinion.

Commissioner Christopher McVoy argued the city should be careful about turning a civic asset into a commercial lease opportunity, saying, “To me it is totally inappropriate that we would be talking about commercial leases for the ballroom.” 

Mayor Betty Resch responded, saying, “I think the upstairs is empty commercial, potentially commercial, potentially citizen use space. I agree that someone should come with a business plan.”

Next Steps for the Landmark

The building reopened in 2013 after a $6 million renovation and remains one of the city’s most recognizable properties, alongside the pier and beachfront amenities. 

Proposals are due June 25, with site visits already underway. City leaders expect a consultant review to shape the next phase of redevelopment.

Recently, the state of Florida failed to pass HB189, a broad rewrite of gaming rules that would have reformed how “amusement” slot machines are treated.