CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Workers have opened the face of the historic Higbee Building to create an entrance for the Horseshoe Casino skywalk.

The skywalk will cross the intersection of Ontario Street and Prospect Avenue to link the casino with its parking garage. Construction began a month ago and is expected to continue until early next year.

Rock Ohio Caesars, which owns the Horseshoe, hopes the 175-foot-long, glass-enclosed bridge will increase business by providing convenience and a sense of security.

The federal government ruled that the construction would result in the loss of historic tax credits for building renovation. Forest City Enterprises, which had leased space to Rock Ohio, sold the former department store to the casino owners for $79 million and repaid investors for the credits' remaining value.