New Yorkers finally got a look at the much-anticipated plans to build a casino at Hudson Yards, after the developer behind the idea submitted their gambling plans to the city.
Related Companies, known for spearheading the Hudson Yards development, submitted on Tuesday a rezoning application to the Department of City Planning, unveiled their quest to construct three new skyscrapers along the Hudson River, along with 5 acres of public space, that would collectively center around the casino — if they can get the much-sought-after gambling license.
The entire proposal is part of an escalating competition among developers vying for permission to establish one of three casinos in the New York City area, with at least 10 others in serious consideration for the limited licenses.
Should Related successfully obtain the necessary state gaming license, their vision entails transforming the 13-acre expanse above the MTA’s West Side Yard, nestled between 11th and 12th Avenues, into a multifaceted space that would fundamentally transform the area.
Related, in collaboration with Wynn Resorts, was among the first to publicly express interest in the casino in 2022 when the race kicked off, but they have not said much about the specifics of their plans.
Instead, they’ve been comparable to an elephant in the room, while other developers have taken the curtains off of their proposals around the city.
Now, though, New Yorkers get to see what they’ve been cooking up.
“We are excited to continue engaging with stakeholders across the local community as part of the city land-use process for the undeveloped railyards,” said Jon Weinstein, a spokesman for Related, in a statement.
Related’s $12 billion plan, which would live atop the Western Rail Yards on the far side of Manhattan, would see the three skyscrapers built on a 13-acre plot of land — and would be home to a casino, hotel accommodations, over 2 million square feet of office space, more than 1,500 residential units, a public school, and expansive green areas accessible by the public.
According to their plans, the casino would live inside nearly 3 million square feet, which would be located in one of the 3 proposed towers — an 80-story building with a hotel, ballroom, meeting space, commercial retail, and more above it.
The two other towers would collectively house the 750-person school, along with housing units and office space.
Of the 1,507 apartment units that Related is proposing, 324 would be earmarked as “affordable” and be offered for below-market-rate rents.
Their proposal now joins around a dozen others from around the Big Apple, with city and state regulators likely to spend the next several months deciding on which will be the lucky jackpot winners.
