Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker speaks during the announcement of Cherokee Springs Plaza. September 2, 2014. Photo from Cherokee Nation
Cherokee Nation Nation Bill John Baker touts plans for a $170 million casino, hotel and retail development in Tahlequah, the tribe's capital:
I am proud to report Cherokee Nation is developing its own ‘field of dreams’ in Tahlequah, as we recently announced plans for the largest single economic development investment in the history of our capital city. Like the movie, right now the future Cherokee Springs Plaza is just a 150-acre field. But on the horizon is a $170 million, five-year project. It will be a destination attraction with fine dining, entertainment and shopping. These shops and eateries will be a mix of national and local options that are not currently found in Tahlequah. This project allows us to enhance the tourism footprint of the Cherokee Nation and Tahlequah, grow our local economy and create hundreds of new jobs for Cherokee people. Those income dollars will bring in more sales tax and more disposable income for everyone. The prosperity of this project will ripple across northeast Oklahoma.
Artist's rendering of the Cherokee Springs Plaza in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Image from Cherokee Nation
As a lifelong businessman, I can tell you investment opportunities like these are rare, indeed. We now have a chance to build something that will create a positive change for our tribe, our people and our community for years to come. To me, that is real hope for a better future. Cherokee Springs Plaza, designed to be more than 1.3 million square feet of mixed use space, will adjoin the 18-hole Cherokee Springs Golf Course, which the tribe also owns. The eventual relocation of Cherokee Casino Tahlequah and the addition of a hotel and convention center will allow more events to be hosted right here in our backyard, rather than having to drive to other areas for banquets and receptions. It will be an ideal site for conferences and meetings. The amenities will be second to none and will attract people and tourism dollars. It cements our place as the entertainment leader in northeast Oklahoma.Get the Story:
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker: If You Build it… (The Native American Times 9/8) Related Stories:
Editorial: Cherokee Nation boosts economy with new casino plans (9/5)
Cherokee Nation eyes trust status for new casino and hotel resort (9/3)
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