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Turning Stone Resort Casino to create $100 million luxury retail outlet, entertainment facility19 November 2014NEW YORK -- The Oneida Indian Nation today unveiled ambitious plans to bring even more remarkable shopping, dining and entertainment options to Upstate New York through its latest development project at Turning Stone Resort Casino. The luxury retail outlet and entertainment complex, known for the moment as “The Next Big Thing,” until an official name is unveiled, is being built in partnership with Gordon Group Holdings, the distinguished developer of The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Turning Stone expects to break ground in spring 2015 and open the entertainment complex in fall 2016. “The Next Big Thing” at Turning Stone will be an expansive 250,000 square foot enclosed venue, featuring an eclectic mix of 60 luxury brand retailers, 15,000 square feet of varied dining options, a six-screen movie theater, a deluxe bowling alley, and impressive designer features including fountains that captivate guests with daily water shows. “We’re excited to bring the first luxury retail outlet to Central New York, offering local guests and tourists from around the country a comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience. The building of this luxury outlet and entertainment venue will create more than 1,100 new jobs, bring millions of new people to Central New York, and generate tens of millions of dollars for the surrounding counties,” said Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter at a press conference this morning. Turning Stone’s partner in developing “The Next Big Thing” is the Gordon Group. The firm cemented its global reputation by creating The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, which became the number one performing entertainment-retail project in the entire United States, and played a key role in transforming Las Vegas from a gambling town into one of the greatest attractions and vacation destinations in the world. “We’ve had the good fortune to work with many of the world’s most renowned resort gaming destinations and are thrilled to be entering into a partnership with Turning Stone to create something revolutionary,” said Sheldon Gordon, Chairman of Gordon Group Holdings. “Through our research, we’ve learned the overall market for this area is ‘under-retailed’ and a significant amount of local retail dollars are being spent outside of Central New York. Something truly special happens when you combine a luxury retail outlet center and entertainment complex within a casino resort setting and we’re excited about creating that experience at Turning Stone.” The fifth largest tourist attraction in New York State, Turning Stone is widely regarded as the premier destination resort in Upstate New York. Resort guests will now be able to enjoy a complete entertainment experience with luxury outlet shopping, award-winning hotels and restaurants, world-class amenities, PGA-level golf, and chart-topping entertainment. As the third largest employer in Central New York, the Oneida Nation has always been dedicated to creating new jobs and investing in the economic development and stability of the region. “The Next Big Thing” is expected to generate more than 1,100 new jobs and attract an additional 5 million tourists to Central New York each year. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente added, “The Oneida Nation is again proving its commitment to this community by creating new jobs for our residents, attracting more visitors to our area, and promoting innovative development designed to complement other retail facilities in the area. That's a win-win for the entire region, because it means a more diversified local economy and more money for Central New York as a whole. We commend the Oneida Nation for their dedication to invest in our region’s economic stability.” Pat Costello, Area Representative of the Central and Northern New York Building Trades said, “During a time when many companies in our area are laying off workers, sending their production work out of state, or offshore, the Oneida Nation remains committed to creating jobs in Central New York. Their unwavering commitment to utilizing local union construction workers on their expansion projects has been, and continues to be, a blessing to our industry. We are very excited to help add to what is already one of our area’s greatest success stories as the Turning Stone Resort continues to grow.” “The Next Big Thing” will mark Turning Stone’s fifth major expansion since the resort opened in 1993. Other expansion projects over the past two decades include: The Lodge; The Tower and Hotel; and Exit 33, the resort’s dining and entertainment complex, which opened in 2013. Additional details about “The Next Big Thing,” including the official name of the complex and featured stores, will be announced at a future date. About Turning Stone Resort Casino A premier four-season, destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33. Turning Stone was named “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. The Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone “Casino of the Year” in 2009. The resort offers world-class gaming, golf, entertainment, accommodations and spa facilities, and has earned AAA Four Diamond ratings for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant. |