Turning Stone Casino Expands with Start of $370M Project Phase

The federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York, the Oneida Indian Nation, confirmed the start of the next building phase at Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Next Phase of the Central New York Casino Resort Starts

On Thursday, the Indian Nation revealed it signed more than two dozen contracts with Upstate New York companies that will play a key role in the building of the $370 million expansion project at the popular casino resort. Recognized as a milestone moment in constructing the Turning Stone Evolution, the building phase will focus on the development of The Crescent Hotel, The Grand Expo, as well as a new parking garage at the existing site, among other amenities.

Recognized as the largest investment in the casino resort for the Oneida Indian Nation in the last 20 years, the $370 million building phase will help deliver further amenities to visitors of the Central New York resort. The work has already started with the building of the resort’s new venue, NY Rec & Social Club, and the addition of a brand-new Sportsplex offering 36 new golf backs.

Notably, the construction of the latest phase was initiated with the delivery of 78 tons of steel at Turning Stone Resort Casino. As noted, the operator has also signed agreements with an extensive list of businesses that will help with the gas, electrics, plumbing and other vital operations. Overall, 26 such contracts were signed by the Oneida Indian Nation.

Turning Stone Evolution Will Provide Economic Stimulus, Create New Jobs

The latest construction phase will focus on increasing the available parking spaces. The Indian Nation’s project will double the existing capacity by adding a new parking garage with 1,500 spaces.

The new phase will also help develop a fine-dining restaurant, the Salt Seafood & Raw Bar, as well as the building of The Crescent Hotel offering 258 luxury hotel rooms and suites.

Equally as important, the building phase will create a brand-new meeting and conference facility spanning 165,000 square feet called The Grand Expo. Still, the $370 million construction phase won’t expand the casino floor at Turning Stone Resort Casino.

According to the Indian Nation, the completion of Turning Stone Evolution is expected to make the venue the largest conference destination for Upstate New York. This would put the venue on a list of several such establishments that offer amenities of that size.

“As the Turning Stone Evolution continues to transform the resort, it is also transforming our role as an economic engine for Upstate New York.“

Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO

Ray Halbritter, Turning Stone Enterprises’ CEO and a representative for the Oneida Indian Nation, spoke about the economic benefits the project will have for Upstate New York. Moreover, the exec added: “Partnerships with our region’s businesses have always been essential to our growth and success, and we are thrilled to expand these partnerships as the Evolution creates new opportunities today and for generations to come.”

The project is estimated to have a one-time economic impact in excess of $600 million. At the same time, the massive development will create more than 3,500 jobs in construction and related services. Post-completion, Turning Stone Evolution will also offer hundreds of permanent jobs.