Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.'s proposed $1 billion development plan for the lower Hill District has won the approval of the city Planning Commission.

The proposal includes a $450 million casino, a $290 million arena funded by Isle of Capri, and more than $400 million in residential, office and retail development on the site of Mellon Arena, all contingent on the award of the Pittsburgh slots license.

Isle of Capri is competing with Forest City Enterprises and PITG Gaming LLC for the license. Forest City is planning $1 billion in development at Station Square as part of its casino proposal.

PITG Gaming is proposing $1 billion in development in the lower Hill and on the North Shore in its plan.

They both are expected to submit their plans to the commission for approval as well.

Also yesterday, the commission approved the development plan for the new $36 million August Wilson Center for African American Culture at 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown. Construction of the center is expected to start in November and be completed in spring 2008.