MGM Resorts detail design changes of $950 million Springfield project - 14.5 acres development slated to open September 2018

Springfield, MA MGM Resorts recently detailed how and why the MGM Springfield design has evolved over the last four months. In a public presentation at CityStage in downtown, MGM executives led by president Bill Hornbuckle walked hundreds of attendees through the enhanced design plan of the 14.5 acres project, highlighting changes that allow for both design and operational efficiencies. The late afternoon forum was hosted by mayor Domenic Sarno and his economic development team, led by chief development officer Kevin Kennedy.

Hornbuckle said, “We are very proud of MGM Springfield’s improved design. Our commitment to the city of Springfield, the region, and the Commonwealth has never wavered. Today, I am hopeful that people will see it has only gotten stronger. We are as ready as we have ever been to help return downtown Springfield to its glory days.”

The MGM team  presented a detailed comparison of commitments in the May 2013 Host Community Agreement (HCA) and the new design plan with an improved amenity layout resulting in a less than one percent adjustment in square footage to be experienced by customers. While some amenities such as the child care facility and retail have grown in size, other operational and back-of-the-house spaces were reduced through design efficiencies.

A redesign was made public earlier this Fall when MGM Springfield announced it was moving the 250 room hotel along Main St. and market-rate apartments off-site. With the changes, MGM hopes to further engage Main St. while promoting ancillary development opportunities with off-site market-rate apartments. MGM is currently negotiating the purchase of 195 State St., the former Springfield School Department headquarters to move forward with a housing redevelopment at that property.

Brian Packer, vice president of construction and development, joined Hornbuckle on stage, giving a robust construction update. Packer said that the company already has spent more than $23 million on MGM Springfield construction and employed 675 construction workers. Many of those workers were involved in the renovation of the new Mission on Mill Street, providing an updated, secure facility that will house a rehabilitation program, give-away center and business offices. Additionally, Packer laid out a sequence of construction events that will lead up to the September 2018 opening. The company estimates it will now cost more than $950 million to open MGM Springfield.

Original estimates were expected to exceed $860 million, including capitalized interest and land related costs. The new dollar figure was discussed early in the presentation, which included slides comparing MGM’s investment with some of the most talked about development projects in Boston and Cambridge. 

Michael Mathis, MGM Springfield president said, “MGM Springfield is not only the largest development project Western Massachusetts has ever seen, it is starting to rival the investment of the most talked about development projects in the Commonwealth.

Mathis said, “We developed this presentation to provide transparency on our process. The people of Western Massachusetts want to be excited about the once in a lifetime opportunity that is MGM Springfield. We know maintaining a level of positive energy is our responsibility. Major demolition, large contract awards and exciting opportunities to get involved are all part of the next phase, which will start very soon.”    

Others participants in MGM’s presentation included: MGM Resorts chief operating officer of regional operations Anton Nikodemus, Friedmutter Group founder Brad Friedmutter, as well as Friedmutter Art and Design director Albie Colotto. The Friedmutter Group is an award winning, internationally-recognized architecture, interior design and master planning firm.

MGM was scheduled to present a comprehensive cost and design analysis to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Dec. 3. The mayor and city council must still approve the updated site plans before MGM can go forward with its design approval process.   

MGM Springfield is slated for 14.5 acres of land between Union and State Sts., and Columbus Ave. and Main St.

MGM Resorts International is one of the world’s leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The company is in the process of developing MGM National Harbor in Maryland and MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. The company also owns 51% of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50% of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA Resort & Casino.