PHILADELPHIA-Two downtown casino proposals have elicited praise from some city officials for their potential to help spur economic development to the district and for not taking business away from existing area casinos.

The two downtown proposals cited by city officials were the Provence to be developed at the former Philadelphia Inquirer building on Broad Street and the Market8 plan for the 800 block of Market Street, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“If it's done well, (Market8) could have a rejuvenative effect on a block that's been bad for three decades,” said Alan Greenberger, deputy mayor for economic development. “It could attract a new audience with no negative impact on other casinos.”

The proposed Wynn casino on North Delaware Avenue drew the city's praise for its potential to turn around the Delaware River waterfront.

“It could have a powerful transformation of the waterfront. There's the power of the Wynn brand, that's not to be taken for granted,” Greenberger said. “But we're not sure how it fits into the city.” See story in the Philadelphia Business Journal.