New Hampshire: Manchester Planning Board to review expanded Revo Casino project

The Manchester Planning Board will review a new site plan Thursday for a major expansion of Revo Casino on South Willow Street.

The new facility would combine five lots into a single lot and create an expanded 73,240-square-foot charitable gaming facility featuring two restaurants, a bar, entertainment stages, gaming areas, and a multipurpose event space, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported.

The proposal represents the latest phase of a redevelopment effort that previously secured all necessary approvals in late 2024, including variances, a conditional use permit, conditional site plan approval, and authorization from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Developers Granite State Poker Alliance and Dick Anagnost have since acquired additional neighboring properties to accommodate a revised site layout featuring a relocated gaming facility and expanded parking capacity.

The redevelopment includes the properties at 1279 South Willow Street, formerly home to a bingo hall and movie theater; 55 John E. Devine Drive, the former EVEN Hotel; 115 John E. Devine Drive, previously occupied by Manchester Harley-Davidson; 970 Gold Street, the former Taylor Rental site; and 1050 Gold Street, currently occupied by Enterprise Car Sales and Rentals.

Construction would take place in three phases. The former EVEN Hotel at 55 John E. Devine Drive would be demolished first. The former Manchester Harley-Davidson building, part of the existing casino parking lot, and the Enterprise Car Sales/Rentals property would then be demolished to make room for the new facility and parking areas.

After the new building is completed, casino operations would move from the current location at 1279 S. Willow St. The existing building would then be demolished, allowing construction of additional parking, road improvements, drainage infrastructure, utilities, landscaping, and other site features.

“The applicant respectfully thanks the Board in advance for its flexibility in allowing this phased approach, which is intended to minimize business disruption while redevelopment occurs,” the application states.

The building would be constructed largely on the site currently occupied by the former Harley-Davidson dealership and adjacent parking areas.

The site is designed to accommodate 1,086 parking spaces, including 22 ADA-accessible spaces. While city regulations require 398 parking spaces, project planners say peak demand could require nearly the full parking supply.

Proposed off-site improvements include adding a left-turn lane on John E. Devine Drive and reconfiguring the South Willow Street, South Porter Street, and site driveway intersection to improve traffic flow.

The Planning Board is scheduled to consider the application at its meeting on Thursday.