New Hampshire Casino Project Adds Major Amenities
The proposed Hampton Beach Casino redevelopment in New Hampshire features a redesigned, New England-inspired aesthetic with expanded amenities and entertainment options.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:According to the Portsmouth Herald, developers Sal Lupoli and Fred Schaake presented the updated plan to the Hampton Planning Board on October 1. The project represents the first formal submission for approval after several conceptual presentations in prior meetings.
Related: The Cordish Companies Planning New Casino in MassachusettsAccompanied by engineers from TEC, the developers outlined an extensive mixed-use complex. The development would include a 208-room hotel, 38,500 square feet of retail and dining space, a 52,000-square-foot gaming casino, a 3,500-seat music and entertainment venue and 99 high-end condominiums.
Town planner Jason Bachand recommended continuing the application to the board's meeting in November to allow additional review. The project has already received zoning variances and approval to expand its charitable gaming operations. If finalized, the complex would operate year-round, replacing structures that developers described as outdated and no longer viable for modern tourism.
The new plans replace the previous Miami-inspired architectural style with one described as more consistent with New England traditions. TEC President and CEO Rick Friberg said the updated design adopts rectangular shapes and deeper set structures that create a tiered or "wedding cake" appearance. The building would be set farther back from the road, providing greater pedestrian access and an aesthetic more aligned with the character of Hampton Beach.
The redesigned complex aims to serve as a major destination for entertainment, hospitality, and charitable gaming. Developers described it as a catalyst for year-round economic activity in Hampton Beach, a community that typically sees seasonal fluctuations.
They said the redevelopment reflects the local belief that the beach's fortunes mirror those of the Casino property. During the meeting, animated renderings showed how the new facility might look, featuring visitors walking along shops, attending concerts, and participating in events within the new Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom and convention facilities.
More Business News
A Long-Standing Icon in New Hampshire
The original Casino, originally constructed in 1899, has hosted generations of visitors and world-famous artists. Lupoli said he intends to incorporate historical elements of the landmark into the new project, ensuring its legacy is preserved. He emphasized the goal of creating a destination that can sustain local interest and tourism for another century while honoring the property's storied past.
The condominium units, each valued at around $1.1 million, are designed as luxury residences. Lupoli said there are no plans to restrict short-term rentals, but he believes most buyers will use their units as private vacation homes rather than investment properties. He described the residences as high-end and unlikely to attract speculative purchasers.
The developers have positioned the project as a cornerstone in Hampton's economic revitalization. Lupoli stated that the facility would help attract families and enhance safety by drawing visitors to the beach during the off-season. He said the complex could host theatrical productions, concerts, and community events even during winter months, transforming the beach into a year-round destination.
However, some officials expressed caution. Planning Board member and Select Board representative Amy Hansen questioned whether the project's focus on a casino and luxury amenities aligns with its stated family-friendly vision. Local law enforcement also raised potential concerns about traffic and gambling-related impacts in a letter submitted to the board.
Despite these issues, developers maintained that family entertainment is integral to the project, pointing to the return of arcade operators and family-oriented businesses currently housed in the casino.
Local businesses have shown their support for the redevelopment. Hampton Selectman Chuck Rage, who also chairs the Hampton Beach Village District commissioners, said the plan is a "revitalizing force" for the area's economy. He noted that the Casino has historically been central to the community's success and said the proposed design continues that legacy of improvement.
RELATED TOPICS: Business
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for New Hampshire Casino Project Adds Major Amenities