More details of a proposed Wynn casino have emerged as part of a plan that “will help completed the Hudson Yards neighborhood and a decades-long revitalization of Manhattan’s West Side.”
Wynn and its partner Related Companies revealed renderings for Wynn New York City, which the group calls “a first-of-its-kind” resort.
The two parties have long targeted Hudson Yards as the setting for a downstate NY casino with the hopes of nabbing one of three available licenses, which could open the door to offer online casinos in New York once lawmakers legalize them.
“As the leading designer, developer, and operator of premium gaming resorts in the world, Wynn New York City will attract luxury and aspirational travelers to our destination resort in Hudson Yards,” Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, said in a statement.
“Wynn guests consistently spend more when they travel. That results in greater tax revenues for the City and State and more spend in the local community, all with less foot traffic than might be required at other resorts.”
Wynn New York City ‘a catalyst’ for Hudson Yards development
Related and Wynn called the proposed casino project “a catalyst for the development of the entire western half of Hudson Yards.”
According to Michael Weaver, chief communications and brand officer for Wynn Resorts, the total development cost for area could cost as much as $12 billion. Wynn New York City, built on a platform above the railyard between West 30th and West 33rd streets and 11th and 12th avenues, is estimated to cost $5.7 billion, excluding licensing fees and financing costs.
The proposal will create a number of jobs, including 35,000 for construction and 5,000 permanent spots in the resort. In addition, the project will feature publicly accessible open space, affordable housing and a school.
Wynn and Related promise that even more details will emerge once they submit an official application to the Gaming Facility Location Board, a date for which has yet to be set. Those details include “a substantial community benefits program, security program and traffic mitigation plan.”
“Hudson Yards has already proven to be an unparalleled catalyst for the New York economy, first through tens of thousands of construction jobs and now as home to the world’s leading companies, retail and housing,” Jeff Blau, CEO of Related Companies, said in the press release.
“Moving forward with the second phase of development presents an incredible opportunity to double the impact and provide generational benefits to the State, City, and especially our West Side neighbors. We look forward to completing our vision for Hudson Yards in partnership with Wynn Resorts and revealing full project plans as part of our application to New York State.”
More details of proposed Wynn casino
The most recent announcement included no shortage of details regarding Wynn New York City.
Related and Wynn highlighted a 5.6-acre park, part of the group’s vision for “seamless recreational space along the entire West Side” that integrates within the surrounding neighborhood. That space will also access to the Javits Center and other nearby parks.
Of course, the area will also boast a “world-class gaming resort” complete with luxurious hotel rooms and suites as well as restaurants, bars and lounges. Plus, Wynn New York City will feature a space and a concierge team committed to showing guests everything New York has to offer.
In addition, the project will include a residential building with affordable housing, a Class AA commercial office space, a public school with 750 seats, a community facility and a day care center.
All told, according to the release, the Wynn New York City project represents “the single largest investment ever to be made in the local communities of Chelsea, Hudson Yards, Hell’s Kitchen and the entire West Side,” all designed “to enhance the neighborhood and maximize benefit to residents and the surrounding community.”
A lot riding on proposal that is not guaranteed a license
Of course, nothing is a given that Wynn and Related will even earn one of the three available licenses. Over 10 proposals exist in that race, with two expected to go to existing racinos Resorts World NYC and Empire City Casino.
Not only does the Wynn New York City plans need city sign-off, they also need community approval before the GFLB considers awarding a casino license to Wynn and Related.
Should the group not receive a license, many believe that Related would scrap its development proposal.
