Redeveloping the Hancock County property as a state-of-the-art, 1920's-style complex is one phase of a multi-faceted plan to transform the Mountaineer into a destination resort and will ultimately include a 60-seat steakhouse, a retail shopping area, and the relocation of the MTR's spa to the hotel.

"The addition of this capacity greatly enhances our ability to increase our customer base," MTR president and CEO Edison R. Arneault says. "Our Group Sales Department has already booked a number of corporate/association/educational conferences in anticipation of the hotel opening. Meeting planners have responded enthusiastically to our convention and conference facility, diverse entertainment venues and amenities and proximity to a major airport." Arneault continues, adding, "Our market radius has traditionally been 150 miles, or a day trip. With the addition of the new hotel, we will try to stretch that market radius to 300 miles as more customers can opt to stay overnight or spend a few days."

The project's first phase was realized in February of this year. It included the 74,000-sf theater and event center, a 32,000-sf casino and an 11,000-sf fitness center. And recent approval from the West Virginia Lottery Commission for an additional 500 slot machines this July at Mountaineer's seven-year old Speakeasy Gaming Saloon, a 20% increase. The entire renovation project will cost MTR about $60 million.