MGM unveils plans for Massachusetts casino
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - MGM Resorts International re-entered the Massachusetts casino sweepstakes Wednesday with an $800 million plan for a resort complex in downtown Springfield.
The Las Vegas-based company said the complex would be built on 10 acres heavily damaged by a tornado last year.
The proposal includes a 250-room hotel, 89,000 square feet of gambling space and 70,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space in the three-block area adjacent to Interstate 91. Plans also call for a 12-screen movie theater and "high-end bowling alley."
"We don't want to build a box," said Jim Murren, MGM's chairman and CEO. "We want to build an urban environment."
MGM settled on the Springfield site after abandoning a plan to build in Brimfield, citing insurmountable challenges associated with the remote site.
The company must win the hearts of Springfield officials and residents and then the support of the five-member Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which ultimately will select among bidders for a sole western Massachusetts casino license. A new state law allows up to three regional casinos in the state.
The western region is attracting the most vigorous competition. Ameristar Casinos has proposed a resort on a former industrial site off I-91 in Springfield, and at least two other developers are eyeing the city.
Mayor Domenic Sarno, who plans to meet with potential developers next week, could play kingmaker, as the law requires a host community agreement with city officials before the state panel can consider a license.
"MGM wants to be in Springfield," Murren told a gathering Wednesday of elected officials, business and labor leaders. "We think we can contribute to the economic revitalization of this city."
MGM, which submitted a $400,000, nonrefundable state application fee Wednesday, said it had "under control" land for the hotel. The project would provide 2,000 construction jobs and thousands of permanent jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue for the city.
