New York: Turning Stone Resort Casino plans multi-year expansion project

The multi-year project will double the existing convention and meeting space at the resort and will include a new hotel with about 250 rooms, new dining options, outdoor spaces, and additional amenities.

“As we begin our largest reinvestment in two decades, we embark upon a new chapter for our enterprises, ensuring that we remain one of the top event and tourism destinations in New York for decades to come,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO.

“Today we are experiencing record demand for hosting conferences and other events at Turning Stone that far outpaces our current hotel and convention facilities. This extensive multi-year expansion project will help us meet this rising need and even greater demand in the future. Our 30-year track record has proven that investments like this are essential to sustain the growth and success of our enterprises and the entire region.”

The expansion will also create hundreds of local construction jobs and result in millions of dollars spent with local businesses and vendors.

The Oneida Indian Nation has chosen Syracuse-based Hayner Hoyt as the General Contractor and will use Central New York trade unions.

They chose world-renowned architecture and design firm, Gensler as its development partner for the project.

The firm serves more than 3,500 clients with 52 locations around the world and has been the lead designer and architect for other leading destinations like the City Center in Las Vegas, Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in Washington and Walt Disney World’s Swan Reserve.

“Gensler is thrilled to partner with the Oneida Indian Nation on its expansion of Turning Stone Resort Casino,” said Lester Yuen, Design Director for Gensler. “This expansion will introduce some game-changing features to this incredible property, and we are very excited to add this expansion to our portfolio of world-class hospitality and convention projects.”

The expansion will also support the continued growth of the Oneida Indian Nation’s workforce with hundreds of new permanent jobs once the project is complete.

“As one of the largest employers and key contributors for investments that bring millions of visitors to Central New York every year, the Oneida Indian Nation has been a critical driver in the economic development of Oneida County,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente. “This latest investment at Turning Stone Resort Casino – the largest in 20 years – expands on thispartnership and, along with the Nexus Center, continues our shared goal for the revitalization of Oneida County. We know that when the OneidaIndian Nation does well, Oneida Countydoes well, and the expansion of Turning Stone will help grow this success with increased tourism, new jobs, and more.”

Turning Stone will host a hiring event on Monday, September 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to increase its workforce as they prepare for the expansion. Find more information on the "Get in the Game".

The Oneida Indian Nation has invested more than $1 billion in Central New York in the last three decades.

Planning for the multi-year expansion is already underway with a ground-breaking expected in 2023.

By Jeanne Tyler Moodee Lockman