The announcement comes after Northeast Realty's announcement earlier this week also regarding retail development for the site off Thorndike Street.
An artist's rendering of the proposed Mohegan Sun Massachusetts casino resort that would be built in Palmer off Massachusetts Turnpike Exit 8. PALMER -- Mohegan Sun Massachusetts today announced a partnership with Boston-based Finard Properties, a commercial real estate investment company, for retail development at its proposed resort casino off Thorndike Street (Route 32).
“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,” Mitchell Etess, chief executive officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, said in a media release. “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.”
According to information provided by Mohegan Sun, Finard Properties was founded in the 1950s and is known as an early pioneer of the modern shopping center. Its portfolio includes the Natick Shopping Center and University Mall in South Burlington, Vt.
“We are proud to ally ourselves with Mohegan Sun Massachusetts . . . Finard Properties 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," Todd Finard, chief executive officer of Finard Properties, said in the release.
Finard Properties has developed and managed retail properties ranging from urban retail projects to lifestyle centers and large-scale enclosed regional shopping malls.
Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will include a 300,000 square foot Finard Properties retail development, in addition to casino gaming, a hotel, premier dining and other amenities.
The deal with Finard Properties follows Mohegan Sun’s strategic partnership with Brigade Capital Management.
“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," Etess said.
This announcement follows news earlier in the week from Northeast Realty, which is leasing the 152 acres across from the Massachusetts Turnpike exit 8 to Mohegan Sun for the proposed casino.
Northeast announced plans with Cardinals's View LLC to develop 130 acres near the casino -- a $125 million project. Two parcels of land next to the casino (one 80 acres, the other, 30) would be developed into a "lifestyle center" with indoor and outdoor amenities, as well as retail shops, an outdoor skating rink and more. Across the street, on 20 acres off Shearer Street, would be a medical office building, banks and restaurant.
Northeast Realty manager Leon Dragone likened the project to "Downtown Disney."