By AP/KWMU
Alton, Ill. – The downtown riverfront in Alton, Ill. is about to get a dining and party boat.
The three-level Boat at the Riverbend is expected to arrive at the Mississippi River city in about a week.
The boat had been a barge that once welcomed visitors to what is now called the Argosy Casino in Alton. Since then, the barge has undergone a $3 million makeover and could be ready to open late next month.
The 48,000-square-foot complex will have four luxury banquet rooms, a bar and grill at water level and a fine-dining restaurant on the top level.
The complex is expected to employ about 200 people.
Wood River businessman Rick Jones and his brother, Gary, bought the barge from Argosy Gaming Company several years ago. Gary since has died of cancer.