NEW HOTEL, RV VILLAGE DIVERSIFY NATION ENTERPRISES
ONEIDA INDIAN NATION TERRITORY, via Oneida, NY --The people who
rebuilt their Nation from scratch now are building what may
become the premier hotel facility -- and one of the most
celebrated architectural innovations -- in New York State.
New details of enterprise diversification -- as well as
architectural models of finished construction -- to take place at
Turning Stone in Verona, NY, were unveiled at a news conference
today by the Oneida Indian Nation of New York.
Nation Representative and Enterprises Chief Executive
Officer Ray Halbritter explained how the new projects represent
far more than simply new buildings or add-ons to the Nation's
casino. The hotel and RV park initiate Turning Stone's
transformation from a stand-alone casino to a destination resort
complex, and signal the beginning of a diversification from
gaming and smokeshops into more traditional business, Halbritter
said. "These expansions clarify beyond any doubt the Nation's
demonstrated ability and ingenuity as a statewide economic player
and enterprise innovator. The Oneida People are showing that we
are developing our Nation's potential in a way that enhances life
for our People, and not only complements, but benefits the entire
region."
The projects, initiated 10 months into Turning Stone's first
year of operation as New York State's only legal casino, will add
at least 225 full and part-time jobs and create many millions in
new construction work for area firms, Halbritter said. The cost
of both projects combined is $30 million.
The accommodations will provide a long-awaited boost to the
region's tourism industry as they expand Turning Stone's drawing
power as an overnight destination, creating spin-off tourism
interest and activity to the benefit of neighboring attractions
and businesses throughout the entire region, Halbritter added.
"Our architect, Douglas Cardinal, is a genius, and the hotel is a
fabulous design. We truly expect that this facility will become
known as one of the premier accommodations in New York State,
generating much new interest in the Upstate area, and bringing
even more acclaim to our Nation's efforts." Unveiling the
models, Halbritter predicted, "I believe that people will be
calling this the most delightful building in New York State and
perhaps the most architecturally exciting and innovative
structure to be built in this state in recent memory."
Turning Stone drew 1 million visitors in its first eight
months of operation. That number is expected to grow to 2
million by the casino's first-year anniversary July 20, 1994.
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Contributing to Economy, State
In addition to creating 1500 full-time positions, the
Nation's Casino contributed to the economy of the area and of New
York State with:
.$1.1 million weekly payroll (all Nation operations)
.$40,000 per week in income tax withholding to the state for
non-Native employees (amounting to $500,000 for New
York State in 1993)
.$2.5 million reimbursed to the State for costs of law
enforcement/regulation at the Casino
.13.5 million in expenditures for goods and services to New
York State firms used in the Nation's gaming business
in 1993 (between the casino and bingo hall)
.$15 million-plus earned by area contracting firms for
construction projects undertaken throughout the Nation
in 1993
.Demonstration of added hotel room occupancy rates -- as
much as 200 rooms per week (at $40 per night, and added
$8000 per week) and increased restaurant patronage, as
demonstrated by redemption of 300 match play coupons
per week in the casino from such sources.
The Hotel At Turning Stone -- Facts, Figures, Features
The S-shaped structure is four stories tall and situated at
the front of the present casino building. It envelopes the south
(front) entrance to the Casino, creating dramatic new entrances.
The building will be designed in natural materials and colors -
lots of stone, lots of glass to let in light; extensive use of
plant materials inside and out.
. Projected Opening Date: Early in 1995
. 170,000 sq. feet in total area
. 250 rooms -- 160 "architecturally enhanced", 60 with upscale
features, 30 parlor rooms which connect as 2-3 room suites
. 10-12,000 sq. feet of convention facility area - for
performances, entertainment, meetings
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. Banquet, convention and meeting facilities accommodating 500
. Indoor swimming pool with unique atrium area
. Male and female Spa Facilities; State-of-the-art Exercise Room
. Fine Dining/Specialty Cuisine - A "Rain Forest" Atrium Setting
. Lobby/Lounge Area that can accommodate receptions, afternoon
tea, or private parties
. Specialty Ice Cream Parlor - also serving light snacks
. Two Specialty Retail Shops
. A Video Arcade with state-of-the-art video technology
. A supervised Children's Activity Center for guests
. Hotel Rates will be approximately $85.00 per night.
Recreational Vehicle Park - Facts, Figures, Features
Located on 60 acres about 3/4 mile south of the Turning
Stone Casino on Route 365 on Nation lands, the RV park will be on
par with the facilities at national parks, and have:
.Projected Opening Date: June 1994
.A total of 175 sites
.Seven uniquely landscaped "villages" ranging in size from 17 to
35 sites
.Sites include: water, sewer, electric (110 volt and 30 amp)
cable TV, telephone hook-ups, picnic tables, fire
ring/grill, trash receptacles
.Two restroom/shower buildings
.Three ponds - one for recreational use, two others to enhance
the natural ecology of the area
.Guest Services Building to house: site registration,
convenience/camp store, video arcade, laundromat, multi-
purpose/TV room
.A nature trail and environmental appreciation program throughout
the park - boardwalks and trails placed in the naturally
occurring wetlands where patrons can view foliage and habitats.
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.The project takes a worn out parcel of agricultural land and
revives it by bringing in tons and tons of new soil to
revitalize and regenerate the land and its use.