Turning Stone Resort Casino in upstate New York is reinventing itself in its image after twenty years of leading the Region in gambling opportunities. The exercise involves an investment of some $370m in capital.
However, the resort is not simply slapping on a new coat of paint and sprucing up what exists already, but allowing itself to evolve entirely with new outdoor event spaces, a hotel addition, and a new conference center.
Helping the evolution along is the world-renowned architectural and design firm, Gensler.
Early 2024 Groundbreaking on Evolutionary Changes for Turning Stone
Groundbreaking is set for early next year and the investment is expected to create a one-time economic impact of over $600M with once-off jobs totaling 3,600 and the generation of some $22.1M in local and state tax revenues.
It’s unclear if the current plans are in addition to or a reimagining of renovations the Nation announced after reopening from a brief pandemic closure.
Existing conference space will be doubled with new and improved indoor and outdoor event opportunities including eight new meeting rooms, two new ballrooms, and a Grand Ballroom measuring 30,000 square feet. The Grand Ballroom will hold a terrace overlooking The Lodge’s Great Lawn, and Shenandoah Golf Course. New parking spaces will total 2,000 and the outdoor courtyard will comprise three new outdoor event spaces.
When completed the expansion will create New York’s largest convention center. There are only three other venues in the entire state of the same caliber and size. Promoters expect the new venues, along with existing amenities to expand the resort’s ability to attract large crowds from throughout the New England and Mid-Atlantic region.
A new Four-Diamond hotel called The Crescent. Will serve the needs of the expanded footfall and conference/event attendees. The hotel will feature nearly 260 new rooms including nearly two dozen one and two-bedroom suites as well as a welcome lobby with a lounge and fireplace to greet guests. Fine dining and a quick service cafe are included with Salt Seafood and Raw Bar in a tastefully unique rustic design space.
The competent existing lodging at the resort will be transformed throughout with renovations and enhancements to the Forbes Four Star award-winning “The Lodge “. The Hotel will be rebranded as The Brook.
Visitors can expect to see The Lounge with Caesars Sportsbook move to Turning Stone’s Exit 33, NY Rec & Social Club (formerly Lava Nightclub), with over 60 high-definition screens, plenty of cushy and cozy seating, and “fan caves” along with entertainment options galore such as foosball, pool, arcade games, and an outdoor patio with blackjack games and firepits.
A 5,000 sq ft medical center will be included in partnership with Rome Health for working team members as well as guests with expanded hours.
Outdoor additions will include a golf practice area with a driving range and short game area designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. More than 120 EV chargers including 36 Tesla Superchargers will be installed across the Nation’s lands for guests and employees’ use.
A new corporate entity or name will be born to reflect the evolution at the highest levels with the 3-decades-old Oneida Nation Enterprises becoming Turning Stone Enterprises on October 1st.
A Decade Since Historic Settlement Agreement
This year marks the 10th anniversary of a historic Settlement Agreement between the Oneida Indian Nation, Oneida and Madison Counties, and New York State. The agreement has helped to generate hundreds of millions of dollars for local communities as well as to inspire strong partnerships between the Oneida Nation, businesses, and regional governments.
Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO said: “The Turning Stone Evolution is much more than just an expansion. It is nothing less than a full evolution of the region’s premier destination and its role as an economic leader. Together with our existing facilities and partnerships, the new conference center will make Turning Stone and Central New York an even more desirable destination for larger and more prestigious events.”
Source: Oneida Indian Nation announces details of $370m Turning Stone revamp, G3 Newswire, July 24, 2023