MANCHESTER NH – During a meeting on Thursday evening, the Manchester Planning Board expressed support for a proposal that aims to demolish and reconstruct a new Revo Casino complex located on South Willow Street.
Following the granting of variances from the Manchester Zoning Board of Adjustment last month, two requests were presented to the Planning Board as part of the final steps prior to the commencement of the building reconstruction.
One of the requests involved reviewing a site plan application for the redevelopment, which aims to consolidate three plots into a single new lot. The two lots on John E. Devine Drive, currently home to the Even Hotel and the former Harley Davidson dealership, will effectively merge with the adjacent Revo lot to the south.
In the initial phase of renovations, both the Harley Davidson dealership and the hotel would be demolished to make way for a new two-story casino building measuring 67,175 square feet, accompanied by 290 parking spaces. After this phase, the existing Revo building would be taken down and replaced with an additional 750 parking spots.
The second request pertains to a conditional use permit that would allow the casino to operate without the full complement of required parking spaces during the construction of the additional spaces, which is anticipated to take about 3-6 months. The nearby bank would also be permitted to utilize some of the site’s parking, as demand from the bank and the casino is not expected to coincide.
The redesigned parking area will feature green space and improved stormwater permeability to address flooding concerns, as well as an internal “avenue” to manage traffic flow on-site and prominent landmarks near the newly integrated lot’s frontage on South Willow Street, establishing a recognizable point in one of the key gateway areas of the city, just off I-293.
Upon completion, the facility is projected to accommodate 730 gaming seats, include two restaurants, and feature an events center with a capacity of 800 for concerts and 300 for seated events.
The developers of the project have committed to replanting 43 trees removed from the site in another location within the city.
While no formal decision was reached during Thursday’s meeting, feedback from board members was largely affirmative.
“This is a unique opportunity to revitalize an area that serves as a gateway to the city,” noted Planning Board chair Bryce Kaw-uh.
“I appreciate your commitment to the city; this is a valuable project that is greatly needed in that area,” added Planning Board Aldermanic Liaison Dan Goonan.
A determination regarding the two requests is anticipated at the board’s next limited business meeting later this month, with construction on the casino redevelopment expected to span 18 months.
The casino will also require approval from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the installation of signage along the city’s right of way on South Willow Street, near the casino entrance. Currently, the casino uses parking spaces within this right-of-way; those will be removed, and a complete redesign of the entrance on South Willow is proposed to enhance traffic flow between the casino and the adjacent gas station.