Wednesday, March 29, 2017
MGM Springfield today celebrated the topping off of the casino resort by placing the final curved steel beam atop what will be the hotel rotunda along Main Street. This significant construction milestone comes as the much-anticipated resort moves toward its opening in 2018. MGM Springfield is set to become a premier destination in New England for entertainment, dining, retail, gaming and much more.
Michael Mathis, President of MGM Springfield, said, "Our talented construction team has worked very hard to get to this point. This is a moment to celebrate how much we have accomplished together with our construction manager, AECOM Tishman; our subcontractors; and our friends in labor. It is also time to reaffirm we are ready to push forward with the hard work still ahead to bring this project to fruition."
Joining Mathis to mark the occasion was Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Massachusetts Gaming Commissioner Enrique Zuniga, local officials, AECOM Tishman representatives, project sub-contractors, workers and labor representatives from more than 20 building trades.
Before the final steel construction beam was hoisted, it was signed by construction workers and dignitaries and adorned with an American flag and a symbolic tree. The tree is a longstanding construction ritual signaling that a building has reached its final height, bringing good luck and prosperity to the building’s future occupants.
Mayor Sarno said, "Every day this site becomes more of a reality for the city. The footprint and future of our downtown is transforming, and our citizens are feeling the excitement. Today is a great day and we will build on this momentum with a cooperative spirit so MGM Springfield can open its doors in September 2018 and let the world know Springfield is open for business."
Randy Pitts, Vice President, AECOM Tishman, said, "I want to thank the hard working and talented men and women who have made today possible. Every worker has come on site with a collaborative spirit and can-do attitude. I am honored to be part of this team, MGM's vision and a true revitalization project."
Covering three city blocks, MGM Springfield will combine new construction and revived historic buildings to introduce a vibrant entertainment and tourism district to downtown Springfield. Touting a street-facing design, the property will open up to the heart of Western Massachusetts, and feature a 250-room boutique hotel, a world-class spa, diverse retail offerings, an expansive gaming floor and approximately 44,000 square feet of banquet and meetings space. Other amenities will include a luxury cinema, high-energy bowling complex, seasonal skating rink and an outdoor marketplace featuring local artisans and lively events.
As the largest Western Massachusetts private investment in history, MGM Springfield will employ 3,000 permanent employees, 90 percent of whom are expected to come from the region. Workforce development will continue to be a priority as the company looks toward mass hiring in summer 2018. In addition, through the Host Community Agreement, MGM Springfield has estimated it will spend approximately $50 million annually with local and regional vendors and suppliers.
Information courtesy of MGM Springfield.
