An excavating machine was used for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the downtown Lawrenceburg Event Center and Hotel project Tuesday. The preparation of the Ohio River levee can be seen in the background.  Mike Perleberg-Eagle 99.3

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - The work has begun at the site of the downtown Lawrenceburg Event Center and Hotel.

City leaders, executives from Hollywood Casino, and others gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking on Tuesday afternoon.

SEE EAGLE 99.3'S VIDEO OF THE GROUNDBREAKING BELOW.

They bypassed the handheld shovels and instead opted for a tool as big as the project itself. Lawrenceburg Mayor Dennis Carr used an excavator to dig into the soil at the corner of the High and Walnut Streets.

Up until the start of construction last week, the site was home to a couple parking lots.

The $40 million event center is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2014. When it is completed, the facility will house 180 hotel rooms, a restaurant, a ballroom, and meeting space.

Hollywood Casino executives and managers appeared at Tuesday's groundbreaking. Mike Perleberg-Eagle 99.3

City of Lawrenceburg leaders appeared at the ground breaking. Mayor Dennis Carr (standing at right) used an excavating machine to dig into the ground, signaling the unofficial start of the project. Mike Perleberg-Eagle 99.3

LINKS:

L'burg Event Center Groundbreaking Tuesday

First Piles Of Dirt Moved At L'burg Event Center

Group: Event Center Should Allow Non-Union Labor

Event Center Impact On River Levee Addressed

As Construction Looms, Neighbors Have Worries

L’burg Meeting To Detail Construction Impact

Event Center Construction To Begin In June

Event Center Update Part Of Main Street Meeting

L'burg, Hollywood Reach Event Center Agreement

Event Center Proposal Draws A Crowd

Hearing On Proposed Convention Center Tues.

Candidate Opposed To L’burg Event Center

L'burg, Casino Nearing Event Center Partnership