In New York, the federally-recognized Oneida Indian Nation has announced a $20 million redevelopment of its Turning Stone Resort Casino that is set to involve the majority of its gaming floor turning smoke free from next week.

Turning Stone Resort Casino opened 23 years ago in the small town of Verona some 34 miles east of Syracuse and the revamp will see most of its 125,000 sq ft gaming floor become smoke-free from November 16 with smokers encouraged to enjoy the adjoining glass-enclosed Casino Blu.

Joel Barkin from the Oneida Indian Nation told the Syracuse Media Group news service that a state-of-the-art air filtration system is to be exploited in order to improve air quality inside Casino Blu with the smoker-friendly zone also offering its own bar while featuring the same gambling options as the main casino floor.

The Oneida Indian Nation revealed that the facelift will additionally involve new carpeting, chairs, furnishings and ceilings for the existing gaming floor with work due to take place in stages and expected to be complete early next year.

“Turning Stone [Resort Casino] is one of the leading tourist destinations in the region,” said Ray Halbritter from the Oneida Indian Nation. “We are deeply committed to world-class service and being responsive to our guests and then matching that commitment with guest-driven investments. This new project reflects that legacy; it shows our dedication to offering superior amenities and consistently evolving and elevating the guest experience at Turning Stone [Resort Casino]. We have always been committed to the economic development and stability of our region and will continue to reinvest locally, work with our local trades and provide thousands of jobs for central New Yorkers.”

As if this wasn’t enough, the Oneida Indian Nation declared that the redevelopment project will moreover include $8 million to fully renovate every one of the 285 rooms inside Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 19-story Tower Hotel. Set to be finished in 2018, this project will incorporate the installation of hardwood floors, Stickley furniture, Native American artwork and photographs featuring rustic New York landscapes.

“This industry-leading design is just one of the latest examples of Turning Stone [Resort Casino’s] dedication and commitment to providing guests the ultimate experience and innovative amenities,” read a statement from the Oneida Indian Nation. “Turning Stone [Resort Casino] has a legacy of continually innovating and enhancing the guest experience. In the past, this has led to the creation of Exit 33, the resort’s entertainment and dining complex, top-notch nationally televised sporting events and championship-level golf courses, award-winning lodging and spas and the introduction of several world-class restaurants.”

When it comes to the food offering at Turning Stone Resort Casino, the Oneida Indian Nation finally explained that the revamp is to likewise see the addition of six new fast-casual restaurants in a refreshed food hall from December encompassing Bun Heaven, The Funky Chicken and Sam’s Delicatessen franchises as well as Wicked Good Pizza, Hong Kong Kitchen and Bad Burro Taco Shop outlets.

For anyone interested in working in any of the new food outlets, Turning Stone Resort Casino will be hosting a jobs fair on November 14 for the anticipated 80 full and part-time positions, which are to include several supervisory roles.

“Turning Stone [Resort Casino’s] all-new gaming floor and building of the new food hall has created 75 high-quality jobs for local trade workers and a continued reinvestment in the area by generating business for area companies,” read the statement from the Oneida Indian Nation.