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SPRINGFIELD — The new MGM Springfield resort casino eschews the glitz and glamour of a traditional Las Vegas casino, instead opting for a literary theme, locally purchased antiques in the hotel rooms and a layout meant to encourage guests to go beyond the casino floor.
“This one is truly groundbreaking for MGM Resorts and for the industry,” said Mike Mathis, chief executive of MGM Springfield. “You can get in off of Main Street, you can get in through the casino, and it’s a really beautiful complement to the downtown. If we don’t have our MGM sign on the building you wouldn’t know it’s a casino resort.”
The design of the hotel and casino is remarkably unlike a typical casino, featuring far more books and literary references than neon signs. In the main lobby, guests and customers are greeted by a room full of vintage books, comfortable chairs and couches. The elevator lobby includes giant mock books coming out of the wall. Instead of bright red carpets and colorful displays, the lobby goes for a brick and hardwood floor look.
Jim Murren, chief executive of MGM Resorts International, said many of the decorations and tchotchkes already existed in Springfield, or were bought from local antiques markets.
“Was it difficult? Yes, but it was not impossible,” he said. “Was it worth the effort? Absolutely.”
Encouraged by history buff and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, the MGM designers put in many references to Springfield’s history and scoured the area for antiques to put in guests’ rooms.
“It’s creative, it’s incredibly Springfield-centric,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “There are so many elements of this place that are subtle but speak loudly about the commitment everybody made to honor the history and all that makes this part of Massachusetts special.”
On some rugs in the hotel, MGM included references to Emily Dickinson poems and designed wall lighting fixtures that were inspired by Springfield native Dr. Seuss’s glasses.
“It has always been our goal to honor, reflect and inspire the spirit of Springfield,” Mathis said.
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