South Mississippi’s first dockside casino was also ground zero for Hurricane Katrina. A 24’ storm surge swept through the gaming barge, hotel, landside facility, and golf course clubhouse. Days after the storm, RAC began recovery and stabilization efforts, and then constructed 95,375 sf of temporary gaming in the existing landside facility and 145,690 sf of offices and support facilities attached to the existing building. The 14-story, 292-room hotel was completely remodeled and existing tower glass was replaced with impact resistant glass and framing. The 30,000 sf of meeting space was also renovated and the banquet kitchen was relocated to facilitate service to the ballroom. All other food service facilities were renovated. The former Jourdan River Grille, located on the 2nd level, received a complete renovation and is now known as the EPIC buffet. A new Porte Cochere was also constructed to support both the hotel and gaming facility.