Resorts World Catskills

Owner: Empire Resorts, Inc.

Project Value: $500 million

Completed: February 2018

Architect: JCJ Architecture

Stat: 18-story Casino & Hotel

With the desire to expand and upgrade its 40,000 sq. ft. casino and racetrack, Empire Resorts (now Resorts World) began master planning efforts. A location less than 5 miles away was selected for the new facility. Nestled within acres of a region rich with a legacy of tourism, the redevelopment of this Catskills property envisions a new multi-faceted destination resort.

To begin, our team was hired as construction manager for the 55-acre racino and hotel components of the project. Sitework began in the spring of 2014 and was anticipated for completion in March 2018.

Challenges on the site included wetland mitigation and working within the rolling hills topography of the Catskills. In fact, the parking facility, while built on the significantly sloped site, is mostly below grade. The podium-style parking facility supports the steel-framed casino gaming floor above it.

During construction, the owner requested that this massive facility be completed early to attract customers for the Lunar New Year. Our team members on-the-ground worked with contractors to accelerate the already fast-track schedule.

The facility opened February 8, 2018, showcasing a high-end hotel, casino and amenities. To begin, the facility includes an 18-story hotel tower with 332 hotel suites, including 12 penthouse suites, 8 garden suites and 7 two-story villas. The hotel was designed to meet 5-star standards with amenities such as a pool, high-end spa and fitness center.

It also features a 100,000 sq. ft. casino floor with 2,150 slots and 130 table games. There are several dining choices including: fine-dining, Italian-infused steakhouse, a 24-hour cafe, Asian market, Asian fine dining, food court, pool bar and grill, sports and entertainment restaurant and bar, two casino entertainment bars, an exclusive VIP restaurant and two exclusive VIP lounges. To support visitors, a four-level podium parking structure was built to accommodate 1,565 cars.

With a very high-end look and feel, this facility truly brings Las Vegas appeal combined with Catskills nature to the Adellar entertainment and lifestyle complex.