[Chester] Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort

[seicer]

Mountaineer details plans for expansion

Mountaineer details plans for expansion, Herald Star, June 14, 2007

The Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort is "moving forward" on a master plan to develop more than 2,000 unused acres that it owns around the existing resort, while waiting on the table games vote on the June 30 election. The master plan includes a links-style golf course on a closed quarry south of the existing site, a 1,500 car parking garage, a 250-room addition to the existing Grande Hotel, and a renovation of a circa-1800s apple barn into a "historic" restaurant. Bike and equestrian trails, skeet shooting, archery fields, public fishing and boating docks, and the construction of upscale single-family homes, condos, and retail would also be included.

It is expected to create 700 new jobs along the 3 miles of undeveloped riverfront property.

For the gravel pit that is closed, Mountaineer has received a "letter of intent" for mining the land. Shelly and Sands Inc. would like to reopen the pit to supply road building aggregate, and in return, Mountaineer would receive royalties and return the land to its original contour in preparation for the golf course. Near the golf course would be two neighborhoods. One would contain 170 units at the river's edge, and 90 at the upper ridge site near WV 2.

The existing 8,000 sq. ft. apple barn would be renovated into a period restaurant brewery. It is located along the Ohio River, and would feature a wrap-around iron balcony for outdoor dining. Discussions are ongoing with a Columbus, Ohio company to open an "Irish Pub".

The 250-room hotel addition to the Grande Hotel will replace the 1960s lodge-style structure -- which was originally part of the Waterford Park Inn. The new building would follow the architecture of early 1900s Chicago. On the north side of the new hotel would be a multipurpose building that could host a variety of functions.

In the 'village' would be retail shops and a gas station, and offices and apartment complexes on the upper floors.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there will be 100 spaces for RVs and an adventure sports area. A 7,000 sq. ft. lodge would be the center hub and feature and outdoor gear and refreshment shop. Besides a skeet course, shooting range, and an archery field, it would feature an off-road course for 4x4.