【drake stake com】Soloviev Group Offers Closer Look at Freedom Plaza

Soloviev Group recently unveiled new renderings of its multi-billion casino proposal for Midtown East, New York City. If the company gets the nod for a casino licence, the Freedom Plaza project would include a vast waterfront park, outdoor amphitheatre, museum, and more.

Some time ago, Soloviev disclosed its plans to transform the currently vacant green space between First Avenue and the waterfront into a billion-pound complex, including a casino. With Freedom Plaza, the developer intends to incorporate an outdoor amphitheatre, a river promenade, a playground, and a museum into this destination.

However, for Soloviev to realise its plans, the company must secure one of the state's three available commercial gaming licences. The New York Gaming Commission is set to award them to the three most suitable candidates, with a decision expected by the end of this year.

Offering a Closer Look at Freedom Plaza

Last week, OJB Landscape Architecture unveiled new renderings showcasing Soloviev's vision to transform the former Con Ed power plant into a green oasis featuring an 18,000-square-foot central lawn.

The project will also include 1.2 miles of pathways, a picturesque garden room overlooking the space, and a 700-foot East River Promenade located east of First Avenue between 38th and 41st.

Under the project’s key points, the company will also incorporate a 7,000-square-foot children's playground, a 6,000-square-foot retreat featuring a cascading water garden, a community centre, an outdoor amphitheatre, and six dining venues. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the developer will fund the park's long-term maintenance, security, and cultural programming.

Soloviev Group CEO Michael Hershman said the following on the Freedom Plaza initiative:

“As fourth-generation residents and neighbours of this community, Soloviev understands the immense value that green spaces bring to urban life. Freedom Plaza is a commitment to creating an inspiring place where memories are made in this wonderful part of the city, with an accessible and sustainable park for everyone to enjoy.”

Declaring their Support

Supporters of the waterfront site, including the Manhattan East Community Association, have expressed their support for the project.

The organisation's president, Kevin O’Keef, labelled the park a “forward-thinking approach that can provide the public with safe and inviting experiences, from family-friendly lawn activities to connections with nature.”

Meanwhile, Sherrill Kazan, president of the World Council of Peoples for the United Nations and public space advocate, has also voiced her support. She said, “The open spaces in our unique, international neighbourhood are essential to support sustainability and wellbeing, enhance the quality of life, and enable our community to gather across generations and cultures.”

All Part of a Major Casino Bid

As mentioned, the abundant greenery of the proposed 6.3-acre Freedom Plaza bid would accommodate numerous businesses. The project includes two residential towers comprising 1,325 units, of which approximately 500 are affordable, locally oriented retail and dining amenities, a daycare centre, and two hotels from Mohegan and Banyan Tree.

Finally, the project will also encompass a casino featuring modern gaming operated by Mohegan. Soloviev announced that it had chosen Mohegan as its gambling partner for the bid at the beginning of 2023.

Founded in 1995, Mohegan is part of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut and operates eight premier casino properties across the U.S., Canada, and Northern Asia.

Back then, Ray Pineault, CEO and President of Mohegan, shared a few words on the tribe’s involvement in Freedom Plaza:

“Our rich Mohegan heritage provides the foundation for how we operate our business and guides our commitment to our employees, our approach to guest services and our relationship with partners and the communities in which we operate and serve. We look forward to infusing our “Spirit of Aquai,” our guiding philosophy, into NYS.”

The recently released renderings from OJB Landscape Architecture also confirmed that the complex would include a museum. The proposed Museum of Freedom and Democracy would be just a few minutes from the United Nations building and feature international artists and slabs from the Berlin Wall.

Soloviev also reported that a local steering committee will be established, tasked with engaging community groups to fully utilise the project's proposed green spaces.

Far from a Done Deal

Despite its ambitious plans and community support, Soloviev’s and Mohegan’s casino bid is still a long way from becoming a reality. To realise its proposals, the developer must first gain approval from the New York State Gaming Commission, which is responsible for issuing the three downstate casino licences.

However, there is considerable competition, with approximately a dozen other casino bids in NYC and the surrounding area. Many believe that the existing racinos, Resorts World New York City in Queens and Empire City Casino in Yonkers, are likely to secure two of those full commercial gaming permits.

Thor Equities and Saratoga Casino Holdings, which joined efforts to bring a casino to Coney Island, are also making a bid. Bally’s Corporation is in the running as well and has acquired Ferry Point Park in the Bronx for its proposal. Meanwhile, Caesars Entertainment, Roc Nation, and SL Green have also entered the competition for a casino in Times Square.

Nevertheless, experts anticipate that the Las Vegas Sands and RXR Realty project ranks as the third favourite alongside the proposal for Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Nassau County. The New York State Gaming Commission will assess these bids based on various criteria and is expected to announce its winners by the end of this year.