Casino expected to bring new bloom to struggling Lilac Mall

A rendering of what the new gaming facility at the Lilac Mall could look like. (Courtesy image)

ROCHESTER - It looks like a charitable gaming facility is in the cards for Rochester's Lilac Mall.
Greg Carlin of Granite State Gaming & Hospitality is looking to use space at the former Lilac Mall movie theater and the rear of the former Kmart to construct the casino, which has not yet been named.
"Our plan is to build a 32,000-square-foot charitable gaming venue with a full-service restaurant and bar at the Lilac Mall in Rochester," said Granite State Gaming & Hospitality spokesperson Scott Tranchemontagne. "It would include traditional table games like poker, craps and roulette as well as historical horse racing machines and other games including pool tables and shuffle board."

The facility will also include a restaurant and bar.
Tranchemontagne said they anticipate the new charitable gaming venue will contribute $3 million to qualified nonprofits each year, and they will be targeting Rochester area nonprofits.
Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan spoke glowingly of the project at a City Chat with the Mayor held earlier this month, saying the casino will provide some 70 or 80 full- and part-time jobs with good wages and benefits.
Granite State Gaming & Hospitality has been working with the city as they solidify their plans.
If approved by the planning board in September, construction will begin soon after, and doors could be open around late spring or early summer, Tranchemontagne said.
All of the current mall tenants have been invited to stay, but one, an eye care office, has already moved.
Tranchemontagne said they will be upgrading the building where necessary to improve the experience for everybody.
One of the upgrades will be to provide a back door to the Seacoast Gymnastics Center, so children and parents will have their own door, The Rochester Voice has learned.
The minimum age to enter the casino will be 21.