Verona, N.Y. — The latest phase of a $370 million expansion at the Turning Stone Resort Casino — the largest since it opened in 1993 — is now underway.

Some 73 tons of steel arrived at the Oneida Indian Nation-owned casino in recent days. The nation and its business arm, Turning Stone Enterprises, also announced this week they have signed contracts with 26 different contractors, all based in Upstate New York, to handle mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other work on the project.

The plan is to make Turning Stone the largest resort convention destination in the state. The project, dubbed by the Oneidas as “The Next 30″ or ”Evolution,” began in 2023, around the 30th anniversary of the casino’s opening.

The Evolution project is focused on convention and conference capabilities, which are currently operating at nearly full capacity. This expansion does not include any additions to the gaming operations at the full-service casino.

The work now getting underway will include:

● The Grand Expo, a 165,000-square-foot conference facility. It will double Turning Stone’s existing events space and add new outdoor spaces.

● The Crescent Hotel, which will have 258 guest rooms and suites

● Salt Seafood & Raw Bar, a new fine-dining restaurant

● A 1,500-space parking garage that will double currently available parking

These projects are expected to be completed by 2027.

They will join the already completed phases of the expansion which include the NY Rec & Social Club, a nightlife venue in Turning Stones’ Exit 33 wing; a Sportsplex with 36 golf bays and indoor pickleball courts; and an expanded retail area.

“As the Turning Stone Evolution continues to transform the resort, it is also transforming our role as an economic engine for Upstate New York,” Ray Halbritter, the nation representaive and CEO of Turning Stone Enterprises, said in a news release.

The expansion is expected create 3,600 construction and related jobs, generate more than $600 million in economic impact and provide $22 million in state and local taxes.

Despite the construction, Turning Stone has worked to minimize any disruption for guests coming to the resort, said Joel Barkin, the nation’s vice president for communications. Guests can still enter from the main entrance on Patrick Road and follow signs for parking areas and venues.

Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at [email protected], or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.