Oklahoma’s Choctaw Nation has confirmed the date on which it will officially break ground on Choctaw Landing – Hochatown, its new entertainment and resort development in the state. Construction is set to start on Tuesday (June 14), with an opening targeted for late 2023.
The new casino and hotel venue will be at the corner of N. U.S. Highway 259 and OK-259A in Hochatown, southeastern Oklahoma, near the popular vacation destinations Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park. “The name Choctaw Landing signifies that guests have arrived at a place that feels like home,” a press release explains.
The four-story, 200,000 square-foot project, set to cost $165 million to construct, will feature 100 hotel rooms, 600 slot machines, eight table games, and several restaurants and bars. It will also include a pool, an outdoor venue with an amphitheater, a beer garden and a family-friendly game zone.
In addition to the new resort, the tribe explains that a 12,000-square-foot mercantile will adjoin Choctaw Landing, offering a small grocery store/market, in addition to three dining options and a fuel station with 24 pumps. The venue was first announced earlier this year, on January 14, and was described at the time as a modern venue set to offer “something for everyone in the family.”
“We are excited to get started on bringing to life what promises to be an amazing entertainment destination for Oklahomans and our friends and neighbors in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana,” said Janie Dillard, senior executive officer for Choctaw Nation. “In addition to the gaming, hotel and entertainment amenities, we plan to offer our guests an opportunity to learn more about our history, our culture and what it means to be Choctaw.”
The tribe describes the upcoming resort destination as “a special spot for visitors to touch base and recharge for their next adventure.” In addition to its hospitality and entertainment offerings, the resort will serve as an overlook into the natural beauty of the surrounding area and “as a guide into the history of the Choctaw people.”
Hochatown is the site of a historical Choctaw Village and many Choctaw still live in the area, which the tribe says makes it “the perfect location for Choctaw Landing.” The design of the mercantile and the resort are set to reflect the tribe’s culture, and the property will include historical information about the tribe and feature Choctaw art created by tribal members.
Construction of the multi-use property is expected to create more than 2,000 new jobs and the project will have an estimated economic impact of more than $211 million. Choctaw Nation also announced it is working with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to prepare for the increased traffic coming to the area.
“This development will be an economic driver not only for southeastern Oklahoma but the entire state,” said Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton back in January. “We are proud to be a part of this project and look forward to providing more opportunities and financial success for our tribal members, our state, and all Oklahomans.”
Manhattan Construction Company and JCJ Architecture were chosen as the lead partners for the project, building upon what the tribe describes as “a history of successful collaboration.” Both parties have worked with Choctaw Nation on several other projects, including the Choctaw Cultural Center and Choctaw Wellness Center; while JCJ Architecture has worked most recently on the Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant expansion and ongoing property improvements.
