The Oneida Indian Nation announced Tuesday plans for the largest expansion and financial reinvestment at Turning Stone Resort Casino in the last 20 years. The multi-year project will nearly double the existing convention and meeting space at the resort, and to support the increase of convention guests, the expansion will also include a new hotel at Turning Stone
Groundbreaking is expected to kick off in 2023. The new hotel will roughly be the same size as the existing Tower Hotel, with approximately 250 guest rooms, as well as new dining options, outdoor spaces and additional amenities. Together, these additions are set to “help attract even more regional and national events from across the country, further increasing tourism to the region.”
According to the tribe, the expansion project will result in millions of dollars spent with local businesses and vendors. The Oneida Indian Nation has selected Syracuse-based Hayner Hoyt as the General Contractor for this endeavor, and will also utilize Central New York trade unions, “creating hundreds of local construction jobs.”
It will also support the continued growth of the Oneida Indian Nation’s workforce “with hundreds of new permanent jobs once completed.” Over the last three decades, the tribe has invested more than $1 billion in Central New York.
Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO, said: “As we begin our largest reinvestment in two decades, we embark upon a new chapter of our enterprises, ensuring that we remain one of the top event and tourism destinations in New York for decades to come”.
“Today we are experiencing record demand for hosting conferences and other events at Turning Stone that far outpaces our current hotel and convention facilities. This extensive multi-year expansion project will help us meet this rising need and even greater demand in the future. 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,” he added.
The Oneida Indian Nation explained that it has selected “world-renowned architecture and design” firm Gensler as its development partner for the expansion. The firm has been the lead designer and architect for other destinations, including City Center in Las Vegas, Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in Washington and Walt Disney World’s Swan Reserve, among others.
Lester Yuen, Design Director for Gensler, said: “Gensler is thrilled to partner with the Oneida Indian Nation on its expansion of Turning Stone Resort Casino. 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.”
Anthony Picente.
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente added: “As one of the largest employers and key contributors for investments that bring millions of visitors to Central New York every year, the Oneida Indian Nation has been a critical driver in the economic development of Oneida County. This latest investment at Turning Stone Resort Casino – the largest in 20 years – expands on this partnership and, along with the Nexus Center, continues our shared goal for the revitalization of Oneida County.”
“We know that when the Oneida Indian Nation does well, Oneida County does well, and the expansion of Turning Stone will help grow this success with increased tourism, new jobs, and more”, he added.
