New Hampshire: Manchester Planning Board signals support for Revo Casino redevelopment

The Manchester Planning Board has reviewed a proposal to demolish and rebuild the Revo Casino complex on South Willow Street. Presented Thursday evening, the plan outlines an extensive redevelopment project that will modernize the casino and add substantial new amenities.

The plan, which received zoning variances from the Manchester Zoning Board of Adjustment last month, was submitted to the Planning Board for approval. It includes a request to merge three lots into a single property and secure a conditional use permit to temporarily operate with reduced parking during the construction phases.

The proposed project would take place in two major phases. In the first phase, the existing Even Hotel and a former Harley Davidson dealership on John E. Devine Drive would be demolished, making way for a new two-story, 67,175-square-foot casino building on that site. This phase also includes the addition of 290 parking spaces.

Once the initial casino structure is completed, the current Revo Casino building will be demolished as part of the second phase. In its place, 750 additional parking spaces would be built to meet the final requirements, with the construction period expected to last between three to six months. The casino will also enter a shared parking arrangement with an adjacent bank, as peak hours for both businesses do not overlap.

The redesigned parking area will include green space and enhanced stormwater management to reduce flood risk. Plans also call for an internal “avenue” to improve onsite traffic flow and structural enhancements at the site’s entrance on South Willow Street, intended to serve as a prominent landmark for those entering the city from I-293.

The finished complex is expected to offer 730 gaming seats, two restaurants, and an events center with capacity for 800 people at concerts or 300 guests at table-seating events. In response to concerns over environmental impact, representatives for the project have committed to replanting 43 trees removed during construction at alternative sites across the city.

Though no decision was reached at the meeting, Planning Board members responded positively to the project. “It’s a kind of a unique opportunity to transform an area near what’s considered a gateway to the city,” said Planning Board Chair Bryce Kaw-uh.

Aldermanic Liaison Dan Goonan echoed these sentiments, thanking the developers for their commitment to the area and calling the proposal “a great project and really needed in that area.”

The board is expected to issue a decision on the site plan and conditional use permit later this month, with construction anticipated to last 18 months. The project also awaits approval from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen regarding signage in the South Willow Street right-of-way near the casino’s entrance, as well as modifications to the entrance’s configuration to optimize traffic flow with a neighboring gas station.