Mohegan Sun Massachusetts has partnered with Finard Properties, a Boston-based commercial real estate investment and development company with a nearly 60-year track record of creating premier retail environments and shopping centers.
The deal adds Finard as the latest strategic partner in Mohegan Sun's plans for a nearly $800 million destination resort casino.
"There isn't a better, more experienced and more successful retail developer than Finard Properties, and we are thrilled to be adding them to the Mohegan Sun Massachusetts team," said Mitchell Etess, chief executive officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority. "The portfolio of hugely successful Finard Properties' developments is spread literally throughout every corner of New England and beyond. Their creativity and expertise will be a huge asset to our application for the Western Massachusetts gaming license."
An early pioneer of the now familiar modern shopping center, Finard was founded in the 1950s and has evolved over nearly six decades to become a regional market leader with a presence throughout New England, in the mid-south, and western United States. Today, the company commands a diverse portfolio of assets in the retail, office and hospitality sectors.
Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will include a 300,000 s/f Finard retail development, in addition to world-class casino gaming, a hotel, premier dining and other amenities.
The deal with Finard follows Mohegan Sun's strategic partnership with Brigade Capital Management, a $12 billion New York investment advisor that gives Mohegan Sun Massachusetts the strongest financial platform of any bidder pursuing the Western Massachusetts gaming license.
"We are proud to ally ourselves with Mohegan Sun Massachusetts, an established New England brand with 16 successful years in casino gaming," said Todd Finard, chief executive officer of Finard. "The Mohegan Sun site in Palmer with its 152 acres and easy access to the region's major markets is the best location in Mass. for a destination resort casino. Finard is eager to complement this economic development project by creating a dynamic and thriving first-class retail component comprised of restaurants, entertainment, and international fashion brands."
Finard Properties has developed and managed retail properties ranging from transformative urban retail projects to lifestyle centers and large-scale enclosed regional shopping malls.
"Mohegan Sun has been entertaining gaming patrons from Massachusetts and New England and offering a premier visitor experience for 16 years," said Etess. "Our marketing advantage is one of the key strengths of our license application, and the additional creativity and excitement that Finard Properties brings to the Mohegan Sun Massachusetts team stands to enhance that even further."