On Sept. 6, the Oneida Indian Nation announced a wide-ranging plan that will result in the largest expansion of the Turning Stone Resort Casino facility in the last 20 years.
With a groundbreaking set for next year, the finished product will double the already largest-in-the-area conference/meeting space, a new 250-room hotel, along with accompanying restaurant and outdoor entertainment options that will satisfy ever-increasing demand at the New York casino.
Gensler to partner in NY casino development
Design and architecture firm Gensler has been tabbed as a partner in the design and development of the facility. Gensler boasts 3,500 clients, 52 locations worldwide and a plethora of experience and expertise in the hotel and resort space.
Lester Yuen, design director for Gensler, stressed the uniqueness of the property and the opportunity to introduce unmatched characteristics.
“Gensler is thrilled to partner with the Oneida Indian Nation on its expansion of Turning Stone Resort Casino,” Yuen said in a press release.
“This expansion will introduce some game-changing features to this incredible property, and we are very excited to add this expansion to our portfolio of world-class hospitality and convention projects.”
The Oneida Indian Nation selected Syracuse-based Hayner Hoyt as the general contractor. The tribe will also utilize Central New York trade unions, creating hundreds of local construction jobs.
Turning Stone project ‘essential’ to success of Oneida
The expansion will also support the continued growth of the Oneida’s workforce with hundreds of new permanent jobs once completed.
“This extensive multi-year expansion project will help us meet this rising need and even greater demand in the future,” Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Onedia Nation Enterprises CEO, said in the release.
“Our 30-year track record has proven that investments like this are essential to sustain the growth and success of our enterprises and the entire region.”
The expansion project at Turning Stone will result in millions of dollars spent with local businesses and vendors. Over the last three decades, the Oneida Indian Nation has invested more than $1 billion in Central New York.
Local enthusiasm high for NY casino development
From town and county officials to local trade leaders, reactions were unanimously positive.
Politicians pointed out the strong partnership that has always existed between the localities and the Oneida Indian Nation. They also enthusiastically detailed improvements to local infrastructure and jobs that have resulted from the relationship. All while painting a bright picture of more of the same to come with this project.
Trade and business representatives reveled in the additional good-paying jobs that the project will bring. As well as the increase in local tourism that the expanded facility will support upon completion.
The continued investment commitment from the Oneida expects to attract more new business to the area as well.
