History Repeats Itself
• MGM Springfield •
How do you say excitement ?
MGM Resorts International can count the ways — first , by opening MGM Springfield ahead of schedule , then by becoming a presence in its Massachusetts home .
The colossal $ 960 million resort , which covers three city blocks in downtown Springfield , was originally set to launch in September . That debut was then pushed up to August 18 .
Igniting a cultural and economic renaissance in the historic New England city , the approximately 2 million-square-foot development , combining new construction with revived historic buildings , offers more than 125,000 square feet of gaming space , a 250-room boutique hotel on Main Street , superior spa services , inspired dining and diverse retail . MGM Springfield also features a luxury cinema , high-energy bowling complex , seasonal skating rink and outdoor marketplace displaying local art , events and talent .
Employment creates more excitement . MGM has pledged to create 3,000 jobs , with 35 percent of workers drawn from Springfield and 90 percent from the region . That boosts local tax revenue .
The property also salutes the past . The reimagined architecture will include whimsical design elements with tributes to local denizens Dr . Seuss and Emily Dickinson , among others . Historical reminders like a 1925 Edison-Western Union Stock Ticker , a 1915 Springfield-made Telegraphone and an 1895 Edison Home Phonograph will be on display . The company will restore the United Electric lobby with its terrazzo floors , marbled walls and stained-glass dome .
The Friedmutter Group of Las Vegas served as the architect , overseeing the master plan , exterior design , the design of the casino floor and all nightlife and bar spaces . L . A . -based Avenue Interior Design oversaw the development of the hotel lobby and an onsite Italian restaurant , using a palette of warm reds with industrial wood and metal touches . Other details recalling Springfield ’ s industrial history include exposed concrete-planked ceilings .
Bringing more community attractions was important to MGM Resorts , so a Regal Cinema will bring back movies . An arcade and bowling alley will complement TopGolf Swing Suites , the latest in virtual golf . The South End Market , a shopping mall with more than 40 tenants , will return retail to Springfield . MGM is also working with local attractions such as the Basketball Hall of Fame to spread the wealth through the region . Along with a world-class art collection , MGM is likely to quickly become the biggest attraction in Springfield . — Dave Bontempo
OWNER : MGM Resorts ARCHITECT : Friedmutter Group FEATURES : 252 suites , 2,500 slots , 94 table games INVESTMENT : $ 960 million
Dutch Treat
• Holland Casino at Ven Amsterdam •
© Holland Casino & Ven amsterdam
An aerial view of Ven Amsterdam shows off the complex ’ s ultra-modern form with interlocking curved structures and mirror-clad walls , barely a stone ’ s throw from the busy Sloterdijk rail line . A lifestyle hub developed on the site of a former office building , Ven calls itself “ a unique place where work meets play , creativity meets business , wonder meets curiosity and dreams meet lift-off .” In addition to hotels , restaurants , an event space and a fitness center , Ven is now home to the sleekly contemporary Holland Casino .
Holland Casino ’ s parent company operates 14 gaming halls throughout the Netherlands . For the newest addition , it transferred its gaming license from Schiphol Airport to the western part of the capital city . It is the company ’ s second flagship property in Amsterdam .
“ I am proud that after 12 years we can open a new casino where our guests can experience a successful evening ,” said Holland Casino CEO Erwin van Lambaart . “ The casino looks progressive and offers the latest and most exciting games , of which many are exclusive at Holland Casino .”
Holland Casino offers 503 slot machines , 12 gaming tables , a modern version of bingo that can be played on tablets , and remote roulette , in which customers in Amsterdam can play on tables in Rotterdam or Venlo .
“ It is a beautiful casino at a top location ,” said van Lambaart . “ It is fast and easy to reach for guests from both Amsterdam and outside the city .” — Marjorie Preston
OPERATOR : Holland Casino DESIGNER : Karim Rashid TOTAL FLOOR AREA : 54,800 square feet MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY : 2,000 INVESTMENT : € 30 million
2018 CASINO STYLE 7