SHAWNEE TRIBE SHARES PRELIMINARY DETAILS OF PLANNED
OKLAHOMA CITY RESORT, BEGINS FORMAL TRUST APPLICATION PROCESS
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Economic analyses show resort would bring major-league benefits to OKC, including 1,700-plus jobs,
millions more in revenue, increased tourism and other positives
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Initial plans call for $400 million project to include 400-room hotel,
multiple restaurants, casino, spa facilities, retail space, cinema, bowling and performance venue
OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 23, 2008) – The Shawnee Tribe today announced it has filed formal papers with the Bureau of Indian Affairs beginning the process of putting 104 acres of land in northeast Oklahoma City into federal trust for the development of a high-quality destination entertainment resort. Tribal leaders also unveiled concept drawings and shared preliminary details and economic benefits of the $400 million project, including an 18-story, 400-room upscale hotel; at least five branded restaurants; a casino; spa facilities; a 70,000-square-foot retail promenade; a 2,400-seat performance hall; a cinema; a bowling center; and other amenities.
Initial analyses by experts including Applied Economics, a national economic consulting firm that works closely with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, show the project would have a $354 million annual positive economic impact on Oklahoma City. It would draw approximately 2.4 million visitors a year and create nearly 1,900 permanent jobs with an annual payroll, including benefits, of more than $58 million. The resort will also have a major impact on Oklahoma City-area businesses, with millions of dollars in purchases of local goods and services annually.
“To be good for the Shawnee, this project must be good for Oklahoma City, and we believe it is on both counts,” said Greg Pitcher, chairman of Shawnee Development LLC, the Tribe’s economic development arm. “We are planning a full-scale destination resort that will complement other Adventure District attractions, create jobs, boost revenue to local government, make millions of dollars in purchases from local vendors and be an involved community partner. It will also help the Shawnee provide its members with health care, education, housing, career training and other important services. What we propose is much more than a casino – it’s a major-league project that will bring major-league economic benefits to Oklahoma City.”
Pitcher said as part of an agreement to be signed with leaders of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County, the Tribe would make multimillion-dollar payments to local government. The agreement would also ensure the Shawnee facility complies with all local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding operations, traffic and environmental standards.
OKC business leader praises project’s economic promise
Jerry Ennis, president of Boldt Construction’s Oklahoma City-based Southern Operations, said that, after reviewing initial economic data about the resort, he believes it will be a good addition to Oklahoma City.
“The numbers are quite positive – it’s clear that the resort will be a multimillion-dollar economic driver for Oklahoma City,” Ennis said. “The project will boost the local economy, help keep it strong, create jobs and generate more revenue for state and local government. It will also bring more visitors to Oklahoma City and provide another quality entertainment option for residents to enjoy.”
The Shawnee Tribe arranged for the purchase of 104 acres west of Interstate 35 between Britton Road and Wilshire Boulevard in November. The Tribe is in discussions with potential partners for the resort project, Pitcher said, including well-known development firms and a number of highly-respected brands.
“There’s a lot of excitement about this project and Oklahoma City in general, and we believe having recognizable brands in place will help continue to raise the area’s profile as a major-league tourism and entertainment destination,” Pitcher said. “The Shawnee have been part of Oklahoma for many generations – we care about this state, we care about Oklahoma City and we want to have a positive impact on its future. We have a strong proposal, and we’re building a world-class team to see it through. We look forward to working cooperatively with the Oklahoma City community to make our plans a reality.”
For more information, visit www.okcmajorleague.com or myspace.com/okcmajorleague. The project is also on Facebook.
About the Shawnee Tribe
The Shawnee Tribe originated in the Eastern Woodlands of North America. Various factors forced the Shawnee westward in the 18th and 19th centuries, first to Ohio, then to Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. In 1869, the Tribe signed a treaty granting it citizenship in the Cherokee Nation. The Shawnee remained citizens of the Cherokee Nation until they regained separate federal recognition in 2000.
The Tribe, which has about 1,800 enrolled members and estimates another 12,000 eligible members could enroll in the future, currently has no land base. |
