Burned Joliet casino pavilion demolished

Officials say crews are removing what remains of the fire-damaged portion of the Empress Casino in Joliet.

General manager Frank Quigley says that includes two pharaoh statues that once stood at the entrance of the Egyptian-themed entry pavilion, which was destroyed in a March 20 fire.

Quigley says the casino is expected to reopen sometime in June, but minus the Egyptian motif.

He would not speculate on what theme the owner might choose.

Quigley added that the casino will still be called the Empress when it reopens, but when a new pavilion is completed, the name may change.

Fire officials say the fire was sparked by welders working on kitchen duct work. The casino had been undergoing renovations.

The damage has been estimated at $340 million.