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South End transforms as $950 million MGM Springfield casino taking shape

A rainy April and a cooler-than-average May hasn't slowed the progress at the MGM Springfield casino site in the city's South End.

Much of the winter wrapping has come down, exposing web-like walls of scaffolding along much of the $950 million project's exterior.

The MGM Springfield website lists many of the activities that are ongoing, such as spray-on fireproofing, concrete masonry wall construction, roofing, and many other items.

According to the entertainment giant's website, the interior fit out is underway at 95 State St., "along with interior demolition work and cleanup, and floor leveling. Installation of a swing stage systems for facade restoration work is anticipated to take place in the coming weeks."

One of the more obvious signs of progress is the near-completion of the seven level, 3,400 space parking structure's precast concrete erection. Only the northwest corner remains just short of its final height.

According to MGM, construction crews typically work on the site from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. each working day- a pace that is setting the casino on track for a late 2018 grand opening as the Interstate 91 reconstruction concludes.

The MGM project has been promised to create a minimum of 2,000 construction jobs and once open, hire at least 3,000 workers, of which at least 2,200 will be employed on a full-time equivalent basis with benefits.

Part of MGM's long-term employment pledge calls for the company to "use its best efforts" to ensure at least 35 percent of employees are Springfield residents, with no more than 10 percent of the workforce coming from outside the city limits to achieve labor participation goals regarding women, minorities and veterans.

MGM has begun recruiting and interviewing for several positions within the facility. To see what's available, visit their online job portals here and here.

MGM Resorts International, the parent company of the MGM Springfield development, reported in late April that earnings per share for the first quarter of 2017 increased 200 percent to 36 cents, compared with 12 cents a share in the first quarter of 2016.

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