Published on: January 6, 2026, at 10:12 AM.
Updated on: January 6, 2026, at 10:12 AM.
- Encore Boston Harbor plans to add more hotel accommodations
- The casino will contribute funding for a commuter rail stop in Everett
Encore Boston Harbor has been contemplating an expansion across the Mystic River in Everett for several years, and those plans are now advancing.
After extensive negotiations between the casino’s parent company, Wynn Resorts, and the City of Everett, Mayor Carlo DeMaria announces that an agreement has been reached.
According to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), Wynn Resorts is authorized to build up to two new hotels on land it owns along Lower Broadway. However, no new gaming facilities will be included.
In return for the new hotel development, Encore Boston Harbor will invest up to $25 million towards the study and development of a commuter rail stop in collaboration with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
“This agreement showcases years of effort to ensure that upcoming developments genuinely benefit the residents of Everett,” stated DeMaria. “It not only provides new tax revenue, fosters job creation, and moves forward with a long-awaited commuter rail stop, but also guarantees the cleanup of additional contaminated land, making it available for productive use by our community.”
Wynn Resorts has yet to comment on the MOA or specify the number of hotel rooms planned for construction.
Expansion Plans for Encore Boston
Wynn Resorts initially invested $2.6 billion to establish the premier integrated resort, which opened in June 2019. The company faced a $35 million fine prior to its opening related to a misconduct investigation involving Steve Wynn. The casino, originally named Wynn Boston Harbor, was ultimately renamed Encore Boston Harbor.
Encore has quickly risen to be the leading casino among the three in Massachusetts, prompting Wynn to pursue an expansion of the venue.
In 2022, Encore proposed plans for two new hotels featuring a total of 800 guest rooms, several dining options, a 200-seat comedy venue, a rooftop day club, a theater capable of seating nearly 1,000 guests, along with an indoor nightclub. Additionally, a stand-alone poker room and sportsbook was proposed across Alford Street, with access via a pedestrian skybridge.
The initial proposal aimed for around 1.8 million square feet of indoor expansion. However, concerns were raised about whether Wynn’s gaming license permitted activities on the opposite side of Alford Street, along with local opposition from theater groups and nightlife establishments voicing their discontent.
Following years of discussions, DeMaria and Wynn have reached a mutually beneficial arrangement.
“A vital aspect of this agreement includes a commitment to facilitate a full-service, year-round commuter rail stop next to Encore Boston Harbor, which is an essential transportation enhancement for the Lower Broadway area. Wynn has agreed to allocate up to $25 million towards the studies and construction of the commuter rail stop, pending approvals from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the agreed project parameters,” DeMaria added.
“Additionally, the anticipated hotel developments are expected to generate job opportunities, including positions for union workers, ultimately benefiting long-term economic growth along the Lower Broadway corridor,” he stated.
High Room Rates
Encore Boston Harbor boasts 671 guest rooms, which frequently reach maximum occupancy. This high demand allows Wynn to command premium rates for stays at their Boston hotel.
Room rates often start at $350 per night, with weekend rates frequently exceeding $700.