$300M Hard Rock plan includes riverwalk, pool

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marc Schultz

State gaming employees move and check in boxes of licence applications in the NYS Lottery Building in Schenectady in this June photo.

Hard Rock International released details of its proposed casino project in the city of Rensselaer on Monday after dropping off its application with the state Gaming Commission.

Hard Rock is partnering with Global Gaming Solutions of the Chickasaw Nation for a $300 million casino — Hard Rock Hotel & Casino — with 1,500 slot machines and 50 table games. David Flaum of Flaum Management and Capital District Off-Track Betting Corp. are also involved in the project.

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The project will feature a 100-room hotel including Rock Star Suites, a Rock Spa and a Body Rock fitness center. There will also be several restaurants along with the popular Hard Rock Cafe.

Plans for the casino at de Laet’s Landing across from downtown Albany also include a “pedestrian riverwalk” with outdoor dining, a pool and cabanas, according to a news release from the operator.

“This one-of-a-kind entertainment destination will be built to attract visitors from throughout the region, state of New York and local community,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock. “The result will positively impact the economy and greatly enhance the entertainment and tourism options in the Capital Region.”

Flaum, of Rochester-based Flaum Management, is pursuing the Rensselaer site after his previous plans for a casino across the river in Albany fell apart.

Rensselaer Mayor Dan Dwyer said Monday that he is confident the Hard Rock name will attract visitors to Rensselaer and the region.

“We are in full support of the project and look forward to working together to offer a premier destination resort casino for visitors and area residents,” Dwyer said.