Encore Boston Harbor Expansion Picks Up Speed with Major New Additions

Encore Boston Harbor is about to get a big facelift, and Everett’s skyline will soon look a little different because of it. After delays and some pandemic-era uncertainty, the casino resort’s long-discussed expansion is officially back on track.

According to recent reports from Casino.org, construction on the new development is expected to begin this year, following final approvals from Everett city leaders and state gaming officials. The project sits across Broadway from the existing resort and aims to turn the area into a broader entertainment destination — not just a casino.

The upcoming expansion includes a new entertainment venue with about 999 seats, a second hotel tower, and a large parking garage with more than 2,000 spaces. It’s a big step toward transforming the neighborhood into a mini entertainment district. For guests, that means more reasons to stay, play, and enjoy the resort for extended visits. For Everett, it means more construction jobs and ongoing economic growth as the once-industrial waterfront continues its makeover.

Encore officials explained that the new complex is designed to complement the existing hotel, not duplicate it. The planned hotel tower will feature more traditional rooms rather than luxury suites, providing more options at a lower price point. The theater is expected to host concerts, comedy shows, and other live performances, boosting the resort’s draw beyond gaming.

The expansion had been in the works for several years, but it hit a pause in 2020 as the pandemic upended tourism and live entertainment industries. Now, with travel and hospitality rebounding, Encore’s move to resume construction fits into a larger regional trend — Greater Boston’s hospitality industry is gearing up for strong demand in the coming years.

Local officials have expressed optimism that the project will help keep Everett’s economic momentum going. The city has benefitted from the resort’s first wave of development since Encore opened in 2019, with increased local spending and a steady boost to the area’s tax base. The expansion could bring similar benefits while keeping the focus on sustainable growth.

While the exact opening date hasn’t been confirmed, construction activity is expected to ramp up quickly once permits are finalized. When complete, the new Encore facilities will add another layer of entertainment and lodging options just minutes from downtown Boston — giving locals and visitors alike one more reason to cross the Mystic River.

With shovels ready and plans approved, Everett’s next big chapter in hospitality and recreation is ready to unfold — and it promises to be just as lavish as the resort that started it all.