HOCHATOWN, Okla. -- Choctaw Nation will host a groundbreaking Tuesday for its newest gaming property, Choctaw Landing.
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma announced recently that its entertainment and resort development on Highway 259 in Hochatown, Oklahoma, will be named Choctaw Landing. Choctaw's newest gaming property will be built in southeastern Oklahoma near popular vacation destinations Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park.
"We are excited to get started on bringing to life what promises to be an amazing entertainment destination for Oklahomans and our friends and neighbors in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana," said Janie Dillard, senior executive officer for Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, in a news release. "In addition to the gaming, hotel and entertainment amenities, we plan to offer our guests an opportunity to learn more about our history, our culture and what it means to be Choctaw."
The name Choctaw Landing signifies that guests have arrived at a place that feels like home, according to the Nation. It aims to be a special spot for visitors "to touch base and recharge for their next adventure," as well as to serve as an overlook into the natural beauty of the surrounding area and as a guide into the history of the Choctaw people.
Hochatown is the site of an historical Choctaw village and many Choctaw still live in the area, making it the perfect location for Choctaw Landing, Dillard said. The design of the mercantile and the resort will reflect the tribe's culture, and the property will include historical information about the tribe and feature Choctaw art created by tribal members.
The four-story, 200,000 square-foot Choctaw Landing will cost $165 million to construct and will include 100 hotel rooms, 600 slot machines, eight table games, several restaurants and bars, a pool, an outdoor venue with an amphitheater, a beer garden and a family-friendly game zone.
In addition to the new resort, a 12,000 square-foot mercantile will adjoin Choctaw Landing, offering a small grocery store and market, three dining options and a fuel station with 24 pumps.
The Nation predicts construction of the multi-use property will create more than 2,000 new jobs and the project will have an economic impact of more than $211 million. Choctaw Nation is also working with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to prepare for the increased traffic coming to the area.
Manhattan Construction Company and JCJ Architecture are the lead partners for this project. Both have worked with Choctaw Nation on several other projects, including the Choctaw Cultural Center and Choctaw Wellness Center. JCJ Architecture has worked most recently on the Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant expansion and ongoing property improvements.
Choctaw Landing is scheduled to open in late 2023.