NATCHEZ — A construction project that will change the face of the Natchez riverfront is about to get started, developers say.

Natchez Enterprises — a branch of Lane Company — is preparing to start construction on a casino at the bottom of Roth Hill.

Natchez Enterprises was formed in a partnership with Lane Company in order to build the casino.

President of Natchez Enterprises, Ted Doody said construction on the casino will begin in the first quarter of 2008.

“We intend to create a gaming, entertainment and dining experience for our guests that is unrivaled anywhere on the Mississippi,” he said. “We have financing in place and we’re ready to get started.”

The new casino will feature Las Vegas-style gaming and two restaurants.

One of the restaurants will be a buffet with seating for 200 diners.

The second restaurant will be fine dining restaurant with seating for 60.

Both of the restaurants will feature dramatic views of the Mississippi River.

The development will also have a glass-enclosed cocktail lounge and an outdoor dining and entertainment area.

Doody said the outdoor area of the casino will also feature river views.

“The entire project was designed with the goal of connecting Natchez to the river,” Doody said. “We’ve worked hard to preserve the flavor of the community, and give people access to one of its greatest resources.”

Natchez Enterprises will also build a park on two thirds of its land, Doody said.

Doody and a team of designers met with city officials last week to discuss plans for the future of the park.

As of now the park is slated to have a water feature, formal garden and a walkway that will snake along the river. The park will also be integrated into the Natchez Trails project.

Executive director of the Historic Natchez Foundation Ron Miller said the design of the complex will be a compliment to the riverfront.

“It won’t be a big lump on the waterfront,” he said. “It’s going to be a positive addition.”