The Oneida Indian Nation announced plans to expand its Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. The multi-million-dollar project will be the tribe’s largest expansion and financial reinvestment in the venue in the last 20 years. A groundbreaking is expected to take place in early 2023, officials said.
The plans include a second 250-room hotel tower, restaurants and outdoor areas. The resort’s existing convention and meeting space will be doubled. Officials said the project will create “hundreds of permanent jobs once completed. These and other new amenities will help attract even more regional and national events from across the country, further increasing tourism to the region.”
Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises chief executive officer 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.”
Halbritter said the expansion will allow Turning Stone to host conferences and meetings far into 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.
Architecture and design firm Gensler has been selected as the tribe’s development partner for the expansion. Halbritter noted Gensler was the lead designer and architect for City Center in Las Vegas as well as the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in Washington.
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said, “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 expands on this partnership and, along with the Nexus Center, continues our shared goal for the revitalization of Oneida County.”
The Oneida Nation has invested more than $1 billion in Central New York over the past three decades, Picente noted.
