City officials in Portsmouth commemorated the milestone topping-off of the $65 million Landing Hotel adjacent to Rivers Casino Portsmouth, signifying the completion of the eight-story steel structure.

The ceremony took place during Mayor Shannon Glover’s State of the City address, where he confirmed that the hotel is slated to open by early 2027.

“They’ve continually exceeded expectations,” Glover remarked. “Remember when we unveiled this facility in 2023? We are currently ahead of schedule by two years.”

The Landing Hotel aims to foster Portsmouth’s economic development by generating 200 temporary construction jobs and 60 permanent roles upon completion. The establishment will comprise 106 guest rooms, including 32 suites, an inviting lobby bar, executive boardrooms, and various additional amenities.

Antonio Perez, General Manager of Rivers Casino Portsmouth, lauded the city’s ongoing growth initiatives during the event. “As we acknowledge the incredible economic advancement in Portsmouth, we showcase another symbol of our continuing victory—this one already stands eight stories tall,” Perez stated.

Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rush Street Gaming and Rivers Casino Portsmouth, emphasized the hotel’s luxurious offerings and design team. “Our sophisticated lobby bar, two new executive boardrooms, and various amenities will enhance the guest experience,” he explained. “We are excited to collaborate with the award-winning Architecture and Interiors team on this design venture.”

The project is being executed by S.B. Ballard Construction Company. Steve Ballard, head of the company, noted that the building process is ahead of schedule while maintaining an impressive safety record. “This represents Portsmouth, a city built by hardworking individuals,” he declared. “We have several hundred people on-site daily, and they have remained safe. We are slightly ahead in our timeline.”

The event culminated with the ceremonial lifting of a steel beam, symbolizing the nearing completion of the hotel’s structural framework as it was positioned atop the building.

“It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen an eight-story structure rise in Portsmouth,” remarked Brian Donahue, Portsmouth’s director of economic development. “It’s been decades, but rest assured, many more are on the horizon.”