Wynn Resorts has filed plans for a 1,800-seat events venue to be developed on 13 acres across from its Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett, Massachusetts. The project would be the first phase of other plans across the street from the casino.
The Vegas company had amassed parcels across Broadway from its casino property for a number of years now, according to the Boston Globe. But it is now that it has filed its first application with Everett’s planning department to build a project on the site: a 1,800-seat indoor events venue, along with a two-story restaurant and a 2,200-car parking garage.
The project aims to turn that land into an entertainment destination complementary to the casino. The event venue would be connected to the casino across Broadway by a 425-foot-long enclosed pedestrian bridge.
According to the previously cited news source, Wynn officials said they’re in talks with Big Night Entertainment Group, which already runs the Mystique restaurant and the Memoire nightclub at the Encore casino, to operate the venue and the restaurant. The new venue could accommodate from boxing matches to concerts and trade shows.
The project is now scheduled to be discussed at a public hearing held by the planning board, with a December 13 date. The operator aims to start construction sometime in 2022, while the project could be finished by 2024.
But the company allegedly has more plans for the tract of land. Other phases of development could see the construction of two hotel blocks, totaling 800 rooms, with restaurants and stores on the ground floor, and a mixed-use building.
The hotels would be likely built and operated by another company, and would provide alternatives to the luxury suites in the Encore tower. However, these other projects are still in their conceptual stage, further reports Globe.
The gaming giant has been seeking uses for the land as long as the summer of 2019, around the time the casino opened, while discussing possible developments with investors. However, this is the first time a formal plan has been submitted to City Hall.
“Business has been quite good at Encore Boston Harbor,” said Michael Weaver, Wynn’s chief communications officer. “We believe that now is the time to work on the expansion. It’s kind of the next phase of our company and how we think about growing our company footprint. The economy is at a point where it makes sense for us.”
Officials for the company have said the project would improve traffic flow and safety on Broadway, as it would reduce stops and starts to accommodate people across the street. But Wynn is also eyeing the Exelon power plant complex, next door to the new project: executives said they would like to see at least a portion of the site getting redeveloped.
While the property has been rumored as a possible spot for a sports venue, Wynn stated it “remains interested in having something there other than a power plant.” In August, the city of Everett received state approval to acquire a 40-acre section of the property by eminent domain, and city officials hope it would help spur a private sale instead of an eminent domain taking.
