The owner of the former Mount Airy Lodge in Pennsylvania, Louis DeNaples, is set to redevelop the property into a new US$360m (£197m, 286m euro) gaming resort called Mount Airy Resort & Casino.

The first phase of the project, which will cost around US$300m (£164m, 238m euro) will include a 200-room hotel, a gaming and entertainment area housing 3,000 slot machines and two live entertainment lounges, an 18-hole championship golf course (already in operation), an indoor pool and a spa as well as four restaurants and retail outlets.

The second phase will expand the development to accommodate 2,000 more slot machines, an additional 200 hotel rooms and further conference and entertainment facilities.

The resort and casino will be the centerpiece of the 890-acre (360-hectare) site, which will feature 550 acres (223 hectares) of permanently preserved open space.

New York-based construction management firm LPCiminelli will oversee the building work. The resort is scheduled to open in late 2007.

DeNaples, said: “This firm has a proven track record of meeting deadlines and completing projects on time. Its expertise will help Mount Airy become the first standalone casino to open its doors in Pennsylvania.

“The resort and casino will be built to reflect the architectural heritage of the Poconos, which is a symbol of our larger commitment, to ensure that our facility benefits the entire Pocono community.”

Spending during the resort’s first year of operation is estimated at US$57m (£31m, 45m euro), which is anticipated to generate around US$69m (£38m, 55m euro) in additional economic activity. Spending is expected to grow to US$104m (£57m, 83m euro) in the fifth year, which would potentially generate US$134m (£73m, 106m euro) in economic output. Details: www.lpciminelli.com