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Developer Has Vision for Casino, Springfield Development

A real estate developer in Springfield has floated grand plans for downtown Springfield. The crux of Chris Stone's plan is a 1,200-employee casino in the capital city to generate tax revenue and draw tourists to the places Abraham Lincoln lived and worked. 

Stone runs EMS Midwest. It's a business consulting and properties company.  Stone wants a casino to be part of the Legislature's discussions about expanded gambling before its scheduled adjournment May 31. The Senate has adopted a contentious plan to add six casinos statewide.

Stone envisions developing a vacant block north of the Executive Mansion with a downtown college campus, and open space for ice skating, concerts, and a dog park.  There would be retail space, a movie theater and 30 apartments. 

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