Insight MASSACHUSETTS
130,000 sq. ft. dining, retail and entertainment district, tentatively named Armory Square, and directly accessible from the garage parking. It would include about 25 dining and retail venues including a 12-screen cinema, bowling alley and outdoor stage.
Hard Rock International meanwhile wants to develop a Hard Rock branded casino on the campus of Eastern States Exposition (ESE). The single-phased resort property would be created on a dedicated 38-acre area of the ESE’s eastern parcel, as a keystone enhancement to the largest, most popular visitor destination in the region.
HARD ROCK'S BLUEPRINT Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with ESE, who brings years of experience in the entertainment business and the most desired location to our company and brand. With 38 acres to develop, the project allows us to build today and grow tomorrow. We’re proud to announce this project and concurrently submit our application. We are confident that together, with ESE, the Town of West Springfield and neighbouring Western Massachusetts communities, the new resort will positively impact the State’s economy and redefine the entertainment experience in Massachusetts.”
partnerships with world class restaurateurs and an upscale nightclub venue for round-the-clock entertainment. We will also offer the community a new downtown hotel and meeting space to attract new events and commercial interest and activity to the area.
MGM Resorts is looking at investing a similar amount; US$800m on a world- class dining, retail and entertainment district on about 10 acres of land heavily damaged by the June 2011 tornado in Downtown Springfield.
MGM AIMS FOR SPRINGFIELD MGM’s Springfield plan envisions a revived Main Street area with restaurant choices, a variety of shopping options, an outdoor stage, movie theaters, a casino and hotel that all respect and feed off of the area’s existing iconic architecture. The concept for a central downtown retail and entertainment district also includes a pedestrian bridge between the MGM project and the MassMutual Center.
CEO Jim Murren said: “We believe this is a significant demonstration of our desire to partner with Springfield and it gives
the MGC and the city the resources they need to move forward during this groundbreaking phase for a new industry in Massachusetts.”
The more than half-million square foot mixed-used development project would include a 25-story 250-room hotel with world-class amenities including a spa, pool and roof deck; 89,000 square feet of gaming space; about 70,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space that would accommodate 15 shops and restaurants; and a multi-level parking garage.
Plans also envision an approximately
(Top) Caesars’ Massachusetts
(Above) Hard Rock.
“This new evolution of entertainment
with Hard Rock will help drive new
energy and multiply the economic impact of our
organization on our regional
community for the next generation and beyond.”
The destination resort casino property would be unique to the region with a focus on providing a world-class entertainment experience to its guests with a first-class hotel of 400 to 500 rooms, featuring a Rock Spa and tropical, indoor pool deck; an approximately 200,000-square foot state-of-the-art casino with 100-125 table games and 2,500-3,000 slot machines; and a world-famous Hard Rock Café. The resort also is anticipated to incorporate a live music venue, a permanent music memorabilia exhibition, a facility with meeting space and a destination retail/dining galleria of approximately 150,000 square feet.
Eugene Cassidy , ESE’s chief executive officer, added: “Eastern States Exposition is proud to welcome Hard Rock as a neighbour and partner to the Western Massachusetts community and we’re confident the brand will complement our core values, offering exceptional entertainment and a commitment to philanthropic efforts. For nearly 100 years, our special property along Memorial Avenue has offered entertainment to millions, business and employment opportunities to thousands and a wonderful experience for all of New England. This new evolution of entertainment with Hard Rock will help drive new energy and multiply the
February 2013 PAGE 45
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