PLAINS TWP. - A crowd outside Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on Thursday counted down as a spruce pine tree was hoisted more than 80 feet to the top of a $50 million hotel and convention center being constructed.
The "topping-off" ceremony marked the end of the steel construction for the hotel, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2013, said Mike Bean, president and general manager of the casino. The tree symbolizes growth and marked a milestone in the "Project Sunlight" construction plan, he said.
"Over the next few months, crews will be installing the finishing touches," Mr. Bean said. "The construction process has been extremely smooth despite a rough winter and is on schedule."
Mr. Bean also announced plans for a spa and salon. Spa Sapphire, which also has locations in Pittston and the Shoppes at Montage in Moosic, will encompass more than 4,000 square feet of the seven-story hotel. Owners Angie and Larry Morgan will operate the spa.
Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, attended the ceremony. He said he was pleased to see the progress on the hotel and thanked those who have spent countless hours constructing it.
The hotel will be home to 238 guest rooms, including 218 standard rooms and 20 suites. In addition to the spa and salon, the hotel also will include a bistro, indoor pool and fitness center.
A 20,000-square-foot convention center will be added adjacent to the hotel. The space can host meetings ranging from small groups to larger ones of 1,600 people as well as banquets up to 800. The space also can be converted into an events center to host concerts for up to 1,500 people, Mohegan Sun officials said.
The hotel will create more than 500 jobs, including hotel positions and construction jobs, they said.
William Moore, CEO of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry and one of many officials who attended the ceremony, said the addition of the hotel, convention center and spa "brings a tremendous amount of additional recreational opportunities for folks to come and enjoy the area."
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