Showing their cards – Suffolk Downs unveils design plans for casino and hotel

If the legislature finishes the expanded gambling bill and sends it on to the governor for his signature – and if the governor signs it – Suffolk Downs is ready to jump into the future with a resort style gaming and entertainment complex.

Suffolk Downs’ ownership is prepared to begin immediately with dramatic renovations of the grandstand and new construction of a hotel-restaurant-retail complex.

Suffolk officials assert that 1,500-2,000 construction jobs would be immediately created while an additional 2,250 permanent jobs would also be created and in place when the casino complex opens.

Suffolk’s horse racing venue would remain as a major component of the casino complex, preserving 1,500 existing jobs.

Track officials have begun the process of developing and implementing a comprehensive local transportation and infrastructure improvement plan for the area.

The phased development plan as it now exists begins with the renovation of the sprawling, 800,000 square foot track facility in East Boston.

The grandstand will be redone. The track will remain untouched.

The grandstand will be transformed into an entertainment venue, with upscale restaurants, shops and expanded gaming along with a vastly enhanced live racing and simulcast operation.

At the same time the grandstand is being renovated Suffolk Downs officials are proposing to begin construction of a low rise luxury hotel, spa and fitness facility and additional restaurants, nightclubs and gaming space in a traditional New England resort style complex that evokes turn of the century architecture of the era..

In fact, renderings appearing with this article show a remarkable likeness to some of the structures lining Revere Beach during the early 1920’s.

“Given the opportunity, we intend for the next phase of Suffolk Downs to be a world class gaming complex that boosts tourism, creates jobs and meets the community’s need for local infrastructure improvements.,” said Chip Tuttle, Suffolk Downs’ chief operating officer.

“We’ve been the state’s premier gaming destination for 75 years and we’d like to continue being a good neighbor to East Boston, Revere, Winthrop, Chelsea and surrounding communities for another 75 years,” Tuttle added.