Hyatt announced as hospitality partner for Rush Street’s Manhattan casino proposal
The Avenir is a proposed casino complex for Manhattan’s Far West Side.
US.- Silverstein Properties, Rush Street Gaming, and Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment have announced Hyatt as the hospitality partner for their New York casino bid. If they win one of New York City’s casino licences, The Avenir, a proposed mixed-use casino and entertainment project on Manhattan’s Far West Side, would have a hotel under Hyatt’s Destination brand.
The development would feature 1,000 hotel rooms and suites and would be expected to provide 4,000 union construction jobs and nearly 5,000 permanent jobs. The Avenir recently announced a deal with Union Square Hospitality HQ as a workforce training and development partner.
Tal Kerret, president of Silverstein Properties, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Hyatt on this exciting development and tap into World of Hyatt’s 56 million members to help drive new business to Manhattan’s Far West Side. New York City is competing globally for exhibitions, conventions and meetings. We’ve assembled an extraordinary team of food and beverage partners, and now a leading hotel brand that will help support and add to New York’s vital tourism and convention industries.”
Dan Hansen, head of Americas Development at Hyatt, added: “The Avenir hotel will brilliantly reflect the essence of the Destination by Hyatt brand by honoring and celebrating the unique spirit and magic of the most vibrant city in the world. This mixed-use project, which will include a casino, luxury hotel and more, would represent a significant milestone in our strategic expansion in key travel destinations, reinforcing our commitment to offering authentic, immersive experiences in the places that resonate most with our guests and members.”
Rich Maroko, president of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC), commented: “We know from experience that casinos create thousands of permanent, high-quality jobs. The Avenir is an extremely impressive proposal that would bring 5,000 casino and hospitality jobs to the Far West Side of Manhattan and would boost the city and state’s economy. We’re thrilled to see this project enter the bidding process.”
New York State Gaming Commission confirms licence fee and timeline for downstate casino licences
The New York State Gaming Commission’s Facility Location Board has confirmed two key financial requirements for downstate casino licences: a $500m licensing fee and a $500m minimum capital investment.
The board also confirmed that New York casino licence applications must be submitted by a week on Friday (June 27). Zoning approvals and environmental assessments must be complete by September 30. Up to three winning bids will be chosen by December 1.
Some have suggested that the steep licence fee could favour New York’s two existing racinos, including MGM’s Empire City in Yonkers since they would be able to generate revenue straight away.
