The Oneida Indian Nation has unveiled a $370 million investment plan to transform Turning Stone Resort Casino in Central New York, marking the resort’s most extensive expansion to date. Over the course of two years, the project will encompass the creation of a conference center, outdoor event spaces, a new hotel, and more.
The endeavor is projected to yield a one-time economic impact of $616 million, generate 3,600 one-time jobs, and contribute $22.1 million in state and local tax revenues. The Nation has partnered with architecture and design firm Gensler for the project and will break ground on the project “early next year.”
Central to the Turning Stone Evolution is the doubling of the current conference space, introducing new indoor and outdoor event areas. The planned features include eight new meeting rooms, several of which will offer inviting outdoor patios, and two new ballrooms, including a 30,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom with a terrace overlooking the Shenendoah Golf Course and The Lodge’s Great Lawn.
Additionally, an outdoor courtyard with three new event spaces and a new indoor parking garage with 2,000 spaces, providing easy access to the conference center, will also enhance the resort’s amenities.
These facilities will make Turning Stone the “largest convention center” in Upstate New York and one of just three venues of the same size and caliber in the state, says the Oneida Nation. Moreover, the new conference center is expected to extend the resort’s and the region’s marketing reach throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions.
To accommodate an expected surge in conference and event guests, the project includes the development of The Crescent, a Four-Diamond hotel. The Crescent will boast 258 rooms, including 23 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites.
The Crescent's lobby
Its welcoming lobby will feature a fireplace with lounge seating, a quick-service cafe, and a VIP lounge. Salt Seafood & Raw Bar, the latest fine dining addition to Turning Stone’s culinary options, will feature five private dining rooms with outdoor patios.
Concurrently, the resort’s existing lodging will undergo renovations “to maintain the Forbes Four Star award-winning standards of The Lodge.” Furthermore, The Hotel will be rebranded as The Brook, a name inspired by the region’s picturesque waterways, and undergo extensive modern updates.
In December 2023, The Lounge with Caesars Sportsbook will move to the latest “nightlife destination” at Turning Stone’s Exit 33, NY Rec & Social Club. Formerly Lava Nightclub, the new entertainment destination will offer modern amenities including more than 60 high-definition screens, entertainment options, and an outdoor patio with fire pits.
A 5,000-square-foot onsite medical center will also be built at Turning Stone. Developed in partnership with Rome Health, this medical facility will be accessible to all team members, their families, and resort guests, providing urgent, primary, convenience, and cardiology care.
NY Rec & Social Club
The transformation of Turning Stone also includes a golf practice area designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., featuring a driving range and a short game area to support the resort’s championship golf courses. Additionally, the resort’s sustainability efforts will see the installation of over 120 electric vehicle chargers, including 36 Tesla Superchargers, across Nation lands in partnership with Tesla.
In acknowledgment of the ongoing evolution, Oneida Nation Enterprises, the parent organization for Oneidas’ business operations, will undergo a name change on October 1st. It will be rebranded as Turning Stone Enterprises, a recognition of Turning Stone’s pivotal role “in setting the standard for all of the Nation’s enterprises.”
The current $370 million investment in Turning Stone’s evolution is projected to generate thousands of construction jobs and millions of dollars in revenue, significantly boosting regional tourism, according to the Oneida Nation.
According to Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO: “The Turning Stone Evolution is much more than just an expansion. It is nothing less than a full evolution of the region’s premier destination and its role as an economic leader.”
“Together with our existing facilities and partnerships, the new conference center will make Turning Stone and Central New York an even more desirable destination for larger and more prestigious events.”
