Chip Tuttle, chief operating officer of Suffolk Downs, unveiled a new three-dimensional model of the proposed $1 billion casino/resort development for the property located in East Boston.
Tuttle’s remarks and the showing of the large model came at a press conference held March 27 at the Topsider Room inside the Suffolk Downs clubhouse.
“We have a very nice model here that we’ve been working on for quite some time about the proposed development and we are actually going to take this model on the road,” said Tuttle.
The updated model, which was first unveiled in June, 2012, will be on display at Suffolk for viewing by area residents for two weeks. “The Caesars Resort at Suffolk Downs” model showcases a 161-acre project that will have a world-class 300-room Caesars hotel, a second hotel by a third-party developer, multi-use entertainment space, 200,000-square feet of gaming area for slot machines and table games, a series of restaurants, and a luxury spa.
Tuttle said there will be major improvements to the racetrack including a totally refurbished grandstand.
“We want to show people the scale and scope of what we’re talking about doing here,” said Tuttle. “Suffolk Downs has been here for 78 years. It’s been part of the community and this is an exciting future for Suffolk Downs. We’re working very hard to earn this [expanded gaming/casino] license and earn local support and this [model] is part of that.”
Tuttle said Suffolk Downs and its partner, Caesars Entertainment, want to make sure that neighbors and the host communities of Boston and Revere “have a full understanding of what it is we are proposing, how it impacts the community, what the economic benefits of that are: the thousands and thousands of jobs, the local business partnerships, the ability to spur tourism growth in the area, and the ability to keep one of Boston’s historic sporting landmarks, not only to preserve racing here but advance racing for the future.”
After his presentation, Tuttle took questions from the media. One reporter noted that earlier Wednesday (March 27) Wynn Resorts had unveiled its plans for a $1.3-$1.5 billion casino proposal on the Mystic River waterfront in Everett and then asked, “Why is this better than what’s being proposed in Everett?”
Tuttle responded, “We believe we have the best site, the best location, and the best proposal and on the merits of that proposal, we hope to earn this license. We are part of the cultural hub and the capital city of Boston. We’ve been here for a long time and we’ve been working at this for a long time. We think this proposal creates the most jobs and the most economic benefits for the area.”