With the shout of "Gentlemen, start your engines," Don Barden broke ground this morning on his $450 million North Side casino. Mr. Barden pledged to make it a world-class facility and once again vowed to make it the flagship of his Majestic Star chain.

In addition to the usual ceremonial groundbreaking shovels, Mr. Barden had heavy equipment operators on hand who immediately started their engines and began the actual excavation work at the site. He renewed his commitment to have the slots parlor open in April 2009.

The ceremony was attended by more than 100 people, including former Steeler Jerome Bettis, singer Smokey Robinson and a contingent of family members and friends bused in from Detroit.

While the ceremony was billed as a celebration, Mr. Barden hinted he wouldn't mind using the shovel to finally bury some of the many groups that have challenged him since he was awarded development rights a year ago.

The latest challenge intensified yesterday when architects and design experts, who oppose the size of a parking garage at the casino, asked that today's ceremony be postponed.

Mr. Barden today unveiled new drawings of the casino and the decorative screenings to be placed on the front of the garage, a compromise worked out with public officials.

During a briefing for the city planning commission this afternoon, architect Michael Stern of casino designer Strada said the garage would be comparable in height to other North Shore facilities. The garage will be 119 feet tall, compared to 153 feet for Heinz Field; 105 feet for the Del Monte building and the Sports and Exhibition Authority garage; and 90 feet for the Carnegie Science Center.

He said designers have made two changes in plans: adding steel screening to the side of the garage facing the river and changing the color of the face of the garge from plain concrete to "warm tan."

Lisa Schroeder, executive director of the Riverlife Task Force who has questioned the design, said she was "thrilled" with the changes. She said she would reserve judgment until she can review the plans on the scale of the garage in relationship with other facilities on the North shore.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.