Rivers Casino & Resort officials presented on Thursday new renderings for the $330-million hotel and casino resort in Schenectady, New York, which was given the green light by the state Gaming Facility Location Board late last year. This was the third time that Chicago-based gaming operator Rush Street Gaming redesigned its property.
Last month, the company revealed a second design for the resort but it was not received well by Schenectady residents, as it did not match the rest of the buildings downtown.
Rush Street Gaming is working together with Rotterdam-based developer Galesi Group Inc. on the construction of the hotel and casino resort, which is part of a larger-scale project. Apart from gaming and accommodation options, Rivers Casino & Resort would also feature condos, a boat slip, a bike path, etc. According to initial estimates, the whole project is to cost about $480 million.
Mike Levin, Rush Street Gaming design consultant, said on Thursday that the brick facade featured in the previous renderings was replaced by precast stone and metal panels. Thus, the building would have a more contemporary look. Mr. Levin also explained that they have tried to respond to what community had formerly demanded. And the design consultant seemed optimistic that Schenectady residents will be content with the latest renderings.
The interior of the 50,000-square-foot casino floor has remained unchanged. The gaming hall would feature 1,150 slot machines and 66 table games. Apart from the gambling options, visitors would also be offered dining and entertainment ones. In addition, a hotel featuring 150 luxury rooms would be attached to the gaming facility.
Mr. Levin also added that their latest design represents Schenectady as it is now, not as it has been before. According to the designer, this was one of the residents’ requirements.
Joe Scibetta, Vice President of Operations for Rush Street Gaming, defined the redesign as a keeper. The executive also announced that the gaming operator would hold two vendor forums on July 17 so as to inform people about what kind of vendors the company would be looking for once its property is completed and ready for launch.
Furthermore, Rush Street Gaming would also hold a job fair on the very next day to provide potential employees with details on its requirements. However, no applications will be accepted for now.
