UNCASVILLE, CT—Mohegan Sun executives have unveiled details on a second hotel being added to the flagship property here. The seven-story, 400-room Earth Hotel will allow for an opportunity to recapture the almost 500,000 room nights turned away in 2014 and will give even more guests the opportunity to enjoy the one-of-a-kind Mohegan Sun experience, according to the company.
Kevin “Red Eagle” Brown, chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, remarked on the tribe’s commitment to the state: “Many can remember when the Mohegan Tribal Nation first entertained the notion of developing a casino and entertainment complex in Uncasville. Since that time, we have invested well over a billion dollars that has made the tourism industry sit up and take notice. We take very seriously our role in Connecticut’s tourism industry and economic welfare.”
Mitchell Etess, CEO for the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA), added, “The Earth Hotel could not come at a better time as we position ourselves for the increased regional competition, and ensure that we continue to be the premier entertainment and gaming destination on the East Coast. Many team members here have been working tirelessly on this project for a long time. It’s exciting to see their efforts come to fruition.”
More than 1,000 construction and permanent jobs are anticipated to be created or retained because of the $120-million hotel project, which will be modeled after the existing Sky Hotel. Roughly an additional 1,200 indirect jobs will be created and/or retained for suppliers helping to service the project.
Kohn Pederson Fox (KPF) out of New York is the architectural firm of record. KPF was also the master architect for Mohegan Sun’s existing 1,200-room Sky Hotel, which opened in 2002. A/Z Corporation, with headquarters in North Stonington, CT, has been hired as general contractor for the project.
The Earth Hotel is anticipated to open in fall of 2016.