Pocono Progress

MARSHALLS CREEK, Pa. -- Matzel Development, a New Jersey- and Pennsylvania-based real estate development company, has unveiled its plans to create a world-class gaming resort to the Poconos.

Matzel's $3 billion development plan for the Pocono Manor Inn & Golf Resort includes construction of a one-million-square-foot hotel and casino complex housing 5,000 slot machines and 750 rooms, along with two golf courses, retail shopping, a spa and other amenities.

Pocono Manor Inn & Golf Resort currently resides on more than 3,000 acres (5.5 square miles) in Tobyhanna and Pocono Townships as well as the Borough of Mt. Pocono. Residing in its own zip code, the existing resort consists of a 257-room hotel and conference center, a golf facility with two 18-hole golf courses, equestrian center, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, skeet shooting range, and miles of trails used for hiking, cross country skiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling.

Matzel's development plans include a resort and casino, full-service spa, fitness center and world-class dining and retail space. Initial plans also include a 300,000-square-foot retail village, a 100,000-square-foot village green for outdoor events, a 12-acre lake in front of the hotel and casino and two 18-hole championship golf courses.

In addition to plans for building a new resort and casino on the property, Matzel's plans include restoring and renovating the existing manor inn as well as many old buildings currently housed on the site. In the interest of maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape, Matzel is committed to keeping about a third of the property undeveloped.

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