Parx has OK to build hotel in Bensalem. Is the project stalled?
A year ago Parx Casino proposed building a grand, 13-story hotel with lavish amenities near its casino and horse race track on Street Road in Bensalem.
Groundbreaking was set for late 2023 and officials said at the time it would be opened in 2025.
However, there's been no vidible project on the property.
Why is the Parx hotel project stalled from original timeline?
It's unclear, and even Bensalem Mayor Joe DiGirolamo is scratching his head over it.
“I really don’t know the answer," the mayor said. "If I was guessing, it's the economy because of financing and inflation. Anyway, they (Parx) haven’t expressed that they aren’t going to build it.”
Parx moved one of its casino restaurants to make way for the hotel. The space where it was remains empty, the mayor said.
Debut Parx Casino Hotel is finally coming to Bensalem with 300 rooms, rooftop restaurant and more
Any idea when Parx will proceed with hotel plan?
A message left with Tom Bonner, Parx's lawyer and local contact, was not returned. DiGirolamo said he's heard nothing since company reps presented renderings and explained its plans to the township in March 2023.
“I have decent relationships with them, but with the hotel they give no reason. It’s just where it's at. They got the zoning, and they got permission to build it. They never came in with final plans, as far as I know," he said.
The township zoning office said no permits have been pulled for the project, so far.
It's not uncommon for development projects to stall after receiving approvals.
What are the approved plans for the Parx hotel?
Ten years in planning, the hotel will be 13 stories tall and based on Marriott hotels, according to company representatives who presented plans to the Bensalem Township Council last year.
It is to include 11 floors of guest space and 300 regular-stay rooms. A walkway would connect the planned hotel with the casino. A show kitchen will feature notable chefs demonstrating their culinary techniques in special presentations. Top floors feature "presidential suites" and a rooftop restaurant with a view of the Phladelpphia skyline, officials said.
During the presentation last year, Parx Chief Operating Officer John Dixon said a 14,000-square-foot banquet hall will have a capacity of 800, making it suitable for weddings, business conferences and small exhibits.
JD Mullane can be reached at 215-949-5745 or at jmullane@couriertimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Parx hotel has approval, but Bensalem casino has yet to pull permits