Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING | August 2013 38 FEATURES Genting’s vision to repurpose Aqueduct transformed 64 acres of site development, converted 736,000 square feet to gaming and associated amenities, and created more than 2,000 construction jobs and 1,350 permanent positions. The entire project, Aqueduct and Resorts World, was a multi-phased $550 million construction project that included extensive site work on 64 acres; a five-story, 2,365-space parking garage with a bus drop-off area and lobby; and a 7,200 square-foot, climate-controlled bridge that links the Aqueduct subway station to Manhattan and the AirTrain transit system. Without a doubt, among the most challenging elements of designing and constructing Resorts World was its adaptive reuse of Aqueduct’s grandstand. The design and construction team collaborated on ideas to preserve the building’s existing structural integrity to incorporate new structural columns in the overall geometry of the space. While there is always an inherent challenge in restoring obsolete, decaying properties, in general the repurposing of existing buildings can create reductions in cost and time, since much of the initial construction is already in place. For the surrounding neighborhoods and communities, reviving existing structures generates revenue as well as employment, including construction jobs in the short term and long term employment opportunities in the revitalized facilities. Repurposed buildings also produce substantial environmental benefits. They reduce impact on landfills, and limit waste disposal and construction materials transportation. Repurposing promotes hazardous materials remediation and energy conservation through replacement of existing infrastructure with more efficient energy systems. What’s more, restoring properties, especially those that have historical significance, creates an alluring mix that blends the nostalgia of a bygone era with the vitality of updated entertainment offerings. The pros for repurposing the 119-year old Aqueduct far exceeded the cons, although there were obstacles along the way. The structure required significant abatement work. Construction was complicated by its close proximity to other project activities. A large workforce of 2,000 craftspeople—all in full swing working three shifts seven-days- a-week to meet an aggressive 12-month schedule—had to work around a functioning racetrack. During racing season, construction crews had to be mindful of not disrupting the horses and their training schedules. Compounding the challenge was the intense public scrutiny of building New York’s first casino. The pressure of delivering a quality project on time, and the desire to see it succeed, affected everyone involved. Built to Attract Were the challenges and pressure of building New York’s first casino worth it? Most emphatically, yes. Resorts World has proven to be an economic racehorse for New York City. In one year, it has generated gross gaming revenues of more than $650 million, with $445 million allocated to New York State in tax revenue. In the blink of an eye, Resorts World has become one of the largest slot revenue properties in the United States. Surrounding communities have also benefited. To celebrate its first anniversary, Resorts World donated an additional $500,000 to local community organizations, surpassing the company’s original commitment of donating one percent of its yearly profits. ResortsWorld’s 2013 anniversary inOctobermay be evengrander. Business is tipped to increase with the addition of Table Games Square and Roulette Sports Bar with 500 table game machines, including the first single-zero European Roulette machines in the country. Plans were also unveiled to double the casino’s bus shuttles from parts of New York City and Long Island. Aqueduct has also prospered. Attendance and revenue is up due to the mass of people visiting the casino. There are seveal factors behind Resorts World’s economic success, including the enormous population base of its surrounding area, the timing of the development and the quality of the finished product. “Build it and they will come” only rings true if a business offers what people want. With 10 million people annually passing through Resorts World’s doors, the casino appears to deliver. The transformation from grandstand to casino required design approaches specifically tailored to meet the rigorous requirements and demands of these complex programs. The existing building became a canvas for the project team to create a new and energizing experience. JCJ Architecture began by abandoning the traditional notion of a casino as a windowless and dark place; creating an aesthetic that was much brighter, more vibrant and uplifting. Every detail from the vaulted ceilings to the 60-foot chandelier in the lobby Genting Palace dim sum restaurant Electronic table games are among the offerings at Resort World New York’s three distinct casinos.