The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has endorsed an application by MGM Resorts International for an historic preservation award for its $960 million MGM Springfield resort casino, which opened in August.
The developer of the 14.5 acre site committed to preserving some of the historic structures and facades and using them in the design of the casino, rather than demolishing them.
At the time when the casino opened MGM Springfield President Mike Mathis commented, “This is going to be very subtle and a little bit more comfortable and relaxed and we are leveraging that to create one of the most unique experiences in the industry.”
The 250-room hotel throughout pays tribute to some of the region’s literary figures, remembers the Indian Motorcycle, which was once manufactured in Springfield, and celebrates Theodore Geisel (“Dr. Seuss”) who was born in the city, with a chandelier of hats from some of his characters like “The Cat in the Hat.”
The hotel’s main entrance employs the façade from the 1846 Chandler Hotel. It built a ballroom under a stained glass dome from the 1912 Union Electric building. Even trees that were removed to make room for the casino were often made into furniture for the suites.
The old Springfield Armory was renovated and is now a comedy club.
In one case the casino picked up and moved the century-old brick High Victorian Gothic Church 200 yards distant. The building is now the home to a retail candle outlet.
Commissioner Bruce Stebbins asked the full MGC to support the company’s application for a historic preservation award to the Massachusetts Historical Commission. The commission voted unanimously to do so.
