Richmond Resort & Casino

[Icetera]

It looks like Urban One may be trying to brand their casino proposal as "ONE RVA CASINO + RESORT, " "ONE DOMINION" or some form of "CASINO ONE"

[eandslee]

Dang it!  No renderings yet.  Can't wait to see what their design plan is and where they are looking to locate it.

[Wahoo 07]

City hires consultant to review proposals from casino developers - Richmond BizSense

Looks like the casino process is advancing.  I must admit that I have mixed feelings about this.  Casinos can be a crap-shoot for their host communities.  If done right, then it can be a positive, like National Harbor or Harrah's New Orleans.  However, the list of failures is pretty long.  Detroit's casino was among the most depressing places I've ever been.

[benstyree]

1 hour ago, Wahoo 07 said:

Casinos can be a crap-shoot for their host communities.

I see what you did there ;). I find myself personally excited at the prospect of having a casino nearby, but I do agree with you that it needs to be done correctly.  The upside can be very high, but the potential downside could be destructive to a neighborhood.  Although I definitely don’t want to lose the movie theater, that’s one reason I might lean slightly to favor that location over Manchester. The Scott’s Addition area, I think, is better able to support a successful casino because of all the other entertainment options nearby. I’d be concerned that a Manchester casino would be an island, and a depressing one after the newness wears off. 

[Hike]

Not really about the Richmond casino, but will have implications for a Richmond Casino.  The Portsmouth casino - linked here https://www.riverscasinoportsmouth.com/ is putting together a partner outreach.  These events reach out to businesses interested in becoming a partner, contractors, sub-contractors, etc., discuss the project, allow for pre-qualification to be a part of it.  Even though gambling is not approved yet, casinos, gambling in VA, it seems like a foregone conclusion with steps like these taking place.

[Icetera]

17 minutes ago, Hike said:

Even though gambling is not approved yet, casinos, gambling in VA, it seems like a foregone conclusion with steps like these taking place.

Perhaps I am misreading this, but casino gambling and associated vendors for Norfolk, Portsmouth, Danville and Bristol have been overwhelmingly approved via last November's referendums.  Only Richmond is still pending as we acquired approval to delay ours by a year.

[Hike]

10 minutes ago, Icetera said:

Perhaps I am misreading this, but casino gambling and associated vendors for Norfolk, Portsmouth, Danville and Bristol have been overwhelmingly approved via last November's referendums.  Only Richmond is still pending as we acquired approval to delay ours by a year.

Quick look on the world wide web and you're correct, it was approved, I took the Richmond pending as all of the state, so thank you for getting me up to speed.  I can't image Richmond would be left off at this point.

Someone mentioned casinos and how the they can be a mixed blessing.  They can be junk architecture, dull and sad, let's hope we don't get that. I got dragged to one in Indiana, outside of Indianapolis, that was about  the worst time I've had at a company event.  They had a separate "private" smoking section where you could gamble, as a non-smoker, the smell took over the entire place.  Didn't gamble/don't gamble walked around and looked at people, the horses were running, slots, etc. It's just not my cup of tea, went back into the bus and slept while other coworkers did there thing - I'm probably not typical.  Vegas was fun, again, never gambled, just was fun, a nice vibe, wondered around, a lot is underground, did that for hours, you can get lost, I end up about 4 blocks away at another hotel, didn't even know it.  I have spent a small amount on slots, just wanted to try it, you add $5, push a button, the computer spins like its an older traditional slot machine, BAR/CHERRY and then a split between a bar and cherry, thanks for the 5$.  I mean, it's a computer, you could just make me lose without having to do the "oh, shoot, it's between a bar and a cherry"  like the old ones that actually spin and could actually do that. 

[Icetera]

49 minutes ago, Hike said:

Quick look on the world wide web and you're correct, it was approved, I took the Richmond pending as all of the state, so thank you for getting me up to speed.  I can't image Richmond would be left off at this point.

Someone mentioned casinos and how the they can be a mixed blessing.  They can be junk architecture, dull and sad, let's hope we don't get that. I got dragged to one in Indiana, outside of Indianapolis, that was about  the worst time I've had at a company event.  They had a separate "private" smoking section where you could gamble, as a non-smoker, the smell took over the entire place.  Didn't gamble/don't gamble walked around and looked at people, the horses were running, slots, etc. It's just not my cup of tea, went back into the bus and slept while other coworkers did there thing - I'm probably not typical.  Vegas was fun, again, never gambled, just was fun, a nice vibe, wondered around, a lot is underground, did that for hours, you can get lost, I end up about 4 blocks away at another hotel, didn't even know it. 

I am definitely hoping for something closer to Foxwood's and Mohegan Sun (my former neck of the woods) which are great executions of entertainment resorts by Native American tribes.  Such places allow for a vast array of enjoyment aside from gambling.  Given the expectation of a minimum $350 million development it should never be anything like the Harrah's outpost you are likely referring to (though Portsmouth's looks similarly disappointing).  Colonial Downs / Rosie's Emporium and Cordish could create some disappointing projects but the RFP should eliminate them if they do.  The largest rival to Pamunkey is likely Urban ONE, as they seem to have a partnership with MGM.  MGM is the group that for years has been trying to prevent the Pamunkey from gaining Federal recognition out of fear of competition with the new National Harbor MGM, so I refuse to support them just as I have refused to even visit their DC casino.

I like to think of Vegas as Disney for adults.  It is such a beautiful place to explore and the execution of mimicked environments and architecture is exquisite!  Gambling not required.

[Hike]

On 2/9/2021 at 4:52 PM, Icetera said:

I am definitely hoping for something closer to Foxwood's and Mohegan Sun (my former neck of the woods) which are great executions of entertainment resorts by Native American tribes.  Such places allow for a vast array of enjoyment aside from gambling.  Given the expectation of a minimum $350 million development it should never be anything like the Harrah's outpost you are likely referring to (though Portsmouth's looks similarly disappointing).  Colonial Downs / Rosie's Emporium and Cordish could create some disappointing projects but the RFP should eliminate them if they do.  The largest rival to Pamunkey is likely Urban ONE, as they seem to have a partnership with MGM.  MGM is the group that for years has been trying to prevent the Pamunkey from gaining Federal recognition out of fear of competition with the new National Harbor MGM, so I refuse to support them just as I have refused to even visit their DC casino.

I like to think of Vegas as Disney for adults.  It is such a beautiful place to explore and the execution of mimicked environments and architecture is exquisite!  Gambling not required.

nice that you have knowledge on this type of development and experiences to share that help inform- thanks for sharing. 

[eandslee]

Another casino announcement will officially be made on Tuesday after the city’s deadline for development proposals ends on Monday.  This one involves a partnership between Urban One and Colonial Downs near the Bells Rd exit on land currently owned by Phillip Morris. This article mentions a lot of details to include a development price tag of $517M, only a 150 room hotel, 90,000 sq ft of casino space, a dozen restaurants/lounges, and a 3,000-seat music/entertainment hall (over 200 events/yr).  If this proposal is selected, this casino resort will be the first black majority-owned casino resort in the US, which could be very attractive to Richmond City leaders.  The Pamunky Tribe also plans to submit their proposal on Monday that involves a different piece of land from the Manchester plot we’ve heard so much about up to this point.  So looks like only two proposals (that we know about).  If that is the case, and the Pamunky Tribe’s proposal is not chosen by the city, it is conceivable that there could be two casinos in Richmond eventually because the Pamunky has priority by right and could still build their casino albeit through a different process involving the Federal Government (will take longer to get approvals and finally break ground).  This is getting interesting.  Check it out here:

https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/urban-one-teams-with-colonial-downs-owner-on-517-million-casino-resort-in-richmond/article_12f696b0-685c-5b7d-b8d4-d714aa7d1ba4.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Richmond_Times-Dispatch&fbclid=IwAR00xNMiKQESlAzYQC0gvQOc4modZZMJtziJqIBvfhvgaqzafMdy3uHYGe8

Edited February 21, 2021 by eandslee

[DowntownCoruscant]

Not excited by any casino, but I acknowledge it’s an inevitability. Also, you can’t watch or listen to sports without hearing about betting lines or prop bets.

Edited February 21, 2021 by DowntownCoruscant

[I miss RVA]

9 hours ago, eandslee said:

Another casino announcement will officially be made on Tuesday after the city’s deadline for development proposals ends on Monday.  This one involves a partnership between Urban One and Colonial Downs near the Bells Rd exit on land currently owned by Phillip Morris. This article mentions a lot of details to include a development price tag of $517M, only a 150 room hotel, 90,000 sq ft of casino space, a dozen restaurants/lounges, and a 3,000-seat music/entertainment hall (over 200 events/yr).  If this proposal is selected, this casino resort will be the first black majority-owned casino resort in the US, which could be very attractive to Richmond City leaders.  The Pamunky Tribe also plans to submit their proposal on Monday that involves a different piece of land from the Manchester plot we’ve heard so much about up to this point.  So looks like only two proposals (that we know about).  If that is the case, and the Pamunky Tribe’s proposal is not chosen by the city, it is conceivable that there could be two casinos in Richmond eventually because the Pamunky has priority by right and could still build their casino albeit through a different process involving the Federal Government (will take longer to get approvals and finally break ground).  This is getting interesting.  Check it out here:

https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/urban-one-teams-with-colonial-downs-owner-on-517-million-casino-resort-in-richmond/article_12f696b0-685c-5b7d-b8d4-d714aa7d1ba4.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Richmond_Times-Dispatch&fbclid=IwAR00xNMiKQESlAzYQC0gvQOc4modZZMJtziJqIBvfhvgaqzafMdy3uHYGe8

That struck me as well - and is disappointing, although in reality who knows how long it will take for travel and lodging industries to return to some semblance of normal relative to Covid. Of course, the Pamunky Tribe's proposal was for a 275-room hotel - so in either case, less than 300 rooms. If, in fact, it comes to pass that both projects end up being built via the process you outlined, would a competing 150-room hotel have any impact on the scale of what the Pamunky Tribe would ultimately build? (Meaning - post-Covid, would they scale back the size of the hotel in consideration that there might not be enough business to support both casinos, at least at first?)

Edited February 21, 2021 by I miss RVA

[vaceltic]

Is anyone else slightly uncomfortable with how the casino regulation is playing out in Richmond?

We now have a singular RFP pitting a Native American proposal against an African American proposal, versus some mystery third or fourth proposal.

While I would hope the objective merits of each would be the sole focus of the decision-making, this is doubtful with the politics in play. I can see whatever the resulting outcome being a win-lose situation with the optics/fallout of whichever proposal wins the casino project.

 

Edited February 22, 2021 by vaceltic

[wrldcoupe4]

Cordish is one of those parties I believe.

https://www.casinonewsdaily.com/2021/02/01/richmond-hires-consultant-to-help-selecting-casino-project/

 

[eandslee]

1 hour ago, wrldcoupe4 said:

Cordish is one of those parties I believe.

https://www.casinonewsdaily.com/2021/02/01/richmond-hires-consultant-to-help-selecting-casino-project/

 

Oh yeah!  Forgot about Cordish.  Anyway, like @vaceltic, I think this is going to get very political, very fast.  It could get ugly.  Brace yourselves.

[eandslee]

Whoa!  Cornish just upped the ante:

https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cordish-cos-pitches-600-million-richmond-casino-project-on-movieland-property/article_860fcd58-81d3-59e8-b742-8043f8f7897d.html#utm_source=richmond.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletter-templates%2Fbreaking&utm_medium=PostUp&utm_content=8af7d0eaf5bba42026bcbde39a6bd3b57d9ca904
 

I’m really liking what I’m reading!  This is more like it!  Contrary to many saying this is the wrong place for something like this, I fully disagree. SA is the latest up and coming entertainment district in Richmond - the perfect spot!!

Quote

The project would include a hotel with 300 rooms and 30 suites, a 4,000-person live entertainment venue and 250,000 square feet of gaming space...40,000 square feet of multi-use event space; and 18 restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

Edited February 22, 2021 by eandslee

[eandslee]

This is what could be coming to the SA neighborhood/entertainment district.  Here is what the Fourth Street Live! looks like in Louisville, KY:

https://cordish.com/portfolio/fourth-street-live

This is the Live!  Casino Resort in Maryland...about the same size they are proposing in Richmond:

https://cordish.com/portfolio/live-casino-hotel-maryland

Edited February 22, 2021 by eandslee

[rjp212]

18 minutes ago, eandslee said:

This is what could be coming to the SA neighborhood/entertainment district.  Here is what the Fourth Street Live! looks like in Louisville, KY:

https://cordish.com/portfolio/fourth-street-live

This is the Live!  Casino Resort in Maryland...about the same size they are proposing in Richmond:

https://cordish.com/portfolio/live-casino-hotel-maryland

What 300 hotel rooms looks like at their Maryland Casino.

[wrldcoupe4]

Here's another one from Bally's. $650M proposal for the about 60 acres at the intersection of Chippenham Parkway and Powhite Parkway... this is behind the Forest Hill Ave Target and Publix

https://www.insidenova.com/news/state/ballys-corporation-submits-proposal-to-develop-650-million-world-class-casino-and-resort-in-richmond/article_9a6e70ae-b6a2-5e5c-b725-59de23e9a1f7.html

[Wahoo 07]

Looking at all of these proposals -- I say do 'em all.  Make Richmond the casino capital of the South!

 

In all seriousness, something like the 4th Street Live in Louisville combined with a hotel could be interesting.

Edited February 22, 2021 by Wahoo 07

[eandslee]

So, according to the RTD, there are at least 4 proposals.  Interestingly enough, the original Pamunky Tribe proposal seems to be the most boring.  All the other proposals are extremely more exciting (almost no comparison).  Here are the proposals that we know about this far:

* a $600 million casino resort proposed on the 17-acre Movieland property by The Cordish Companies, a Maryland developer that already operates casinos under the Live! branch in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Tampa and Hollywood, Fla. One of its investors is NFL Hall of Fame player Bruce Smith, a Virginia Beach businessman.

- a $650 million investment by Bally's Corp. on a 61-acre property at the northeast quadrant of the Powhite and Chippenham parkways in South Richmond. The project's investors include former NFL stars Willie Lanier and Darrell Green.

- a $517 million project that will be formally announced on Tuesday by Urban One, a Washington media company with radio stations in Richmond, and Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, the Los Angeles-based owner of Colonial Downs racetrack and Rosie's Gaming emporiums. Their resort would be on property now owned by Philip Morris USA at Commerce Road and Walmsley Boulevard. Urban One would be the majority investor in what it says would be the only majority Black-owned casino in the country.

- a $350 million project proposed by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe on Commerce Road, about 4 miles south of the property it originally proposed 13 months ago, which is next to South Richmond neighborhoods that opposed the plan.

Edited February 22, 2021 by eandslee

[I miss RVA]

1 hour ago, eandslee said:

So, according to the RTD, there are at least 4 proposals.  Interestingly enough, the original Pamunky Tribe proposal seems to be the most boring.  All the other proposals are extremely more exciting (almost no comparison).  Here are the proposals that we know about this far:

* a $600 million casino resort proposed on the 17-acre Movieland property by The Cordish Companies, a Maryland developer that already operates casinos under the Live! branch in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Tampa and Hollywood, Fla. One of its investors is NFL Hall of Fame player Bruce Smith, a Virginia Beach businessman.

- a $650 million investment by Bally's Corp. on a 61-acre property at the northeast quadrant of the Powhite and Chippenham parkways in South Richmond. The project's investors include former NFL stars Willie Lanier and Darrell Green.

- a $517 million project that will be formally announced on Tuesday by Urban One, a Washington media company with radio stations in Richmond, and Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, the Los Angeles-based owner of Colonial Downs racetrack and Rosie's Gaming emporiums. Their resort would be on property now owned by Philip Morris USA at Commerce Road and Walmsley Boulevard. Urban One would be the majority investor in what it says would be the only majority Black-owned casino in the country.

- a $350 million project proposed by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe on Commerce Road, about 4 miles south of the property it originally proposed 13 months ago, which is next to South Richmond neighborhoods that opposed the plan.

Good summary of the proposals. Nice to see them all in once place so we can see how they stack up one against the other.

[eandslee]

Here is more information on Urban One’s proposal with a flashy video.  I don’t really like the location (not picturesque next to Phillip Morris, nor will it smell very good) and I’d like to see a larger concert venue (only 3k seat venue).   The design of it could be taller and look better - not really digging that part of this plan - seems too flat.  I do like the Richmond themed restaurants and the green space next door would be nice (but is that a destination?).  Anyway, take a look for yourself and tell us what you think:

https://onecasinoresort.com

I do look forward to what Cordish is offering in the way of design.  I like their amenity offerings and I like the location in SA (some of you may disagree, but that’s okay).

[wrldcoupe4]

Question for the group. Scott's Addition is evolving. It's not really just an entertainment district. It has hundreds of thousands of square feet of office space and thousands of residential units. Do people in other markets find it attractive to work or live adjacent to a casino project? Will a casino project make Scott's Addition less desirable or more desirable? My only real casino exposure is MGM National Harbor which really sits to itself and isn't super walkable to National Harbor.

[Icetera]

I am trying to collect all the details for comparison.  Here is what I have so far: