Oneida Indian Nation announces Turning Stone expansion project

VERONA, N.Y. — A new 250-room hotel is part of an extensive multi-year expansion project at Turning Stone Resort Casino expected to break ground next year, the Oneida Indian Nation announced Tuesday.

The project will double the existing convention and meeting space at the resort and add new dining options, outdoor spaces, and other additional amenities.

The Oneida Indian Nation has selected Syracuse–based Hayner Hoyt as general contractor and plans to utilize area trade unions. It expects the project will create hundreds of local jobs. The organization did not release an estimated project cost.

“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,” Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter said in a press announcement. “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.”

Architecture and design firm Gensler serves as development partner for the expansion project. Gensler, with 50 worldwide locations, serves more than 3,500 clients in numerous industries. The company was the lead designer for destination projects including City Center in Las Vegas; Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center near Washington, D.C.; and the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, near Orlando, Florida.

Turning Stone Resort Casino currently features gaming, five hotels with 788 guest rooms and suites, and 12 dining venues. It also has a spa; a sportsplex for golf, tennis, and racquetball; multiple golf courses; 125,000 square feet of meeting space; a 5,000-seat event center; and a 650-square-foot showroom. The entire complex spans 3,400 acres.

“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,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said. “This latest investment at Turning Stone Resort Casino — the largest in 20 years — expands on this partnership and, along with the Nexus Center, continues our shared goal for the revitalization of Oneida County.”

Verona Town Supervisor Scott Musacchio noted the town’s partnership with the Oneida Indian Nation will continue through this new project. Recently, the partnership helped provide water and sewer infrastructure to the new employee housing for Turning Stone.

Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steven DiMeo said, “We see this large-scale development as a positive for area businesses who are looking for meeting and convention venues, as well as for those in search of world-class recreational activity.”

The federally recognized Oneida Indian Nation consists of about 1,000 enrolled members, most living in Central New York. Its enterprises employ more than 4,750 people and include Turning Stone, YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino, The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, The Cove at Sylvan Beach, Maple Leaf Markets, SavOn Convenience stores, the Salmon Acres hunting preserve, an RV park, and two marinas.

The Oneida Indian Nation uses proceeds from the enterprises to build its economic base and provide essential services including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs to members.