Silverstein Properties: A Bid for a Casino License Amid Community Sentiment
Silverstein Properties, renowned for its pivotal role in revitalizing the World Trade Center site, now faces a critical test: will its local goodwill translate into a coveted casino license?
Recently, the New York State Gaming Commission conducted a virtual public hearing regarding Silverstein’s ambitious Avenir project in Manhattan. This marks the second consecutive day of hearings addressing downstate casino proposals.
In this initiative, Silverstein has teamed up with Greenwood Gaming and Rush Street Gaming, with Greenwood being the initial partner and Rush Street joining the team on May 15. Greenwood operates the Parx Casino brand, while Rush Street manages the Rivers Casino, aiming to create a vast casino-resort on a 93,000-square-foot plot at the intersection of 41st Street and 11th Avenue—aptly named "Avenir," which means "future" in French.
This meeting’s essence mirrored the previous session for the Caesars Palace Times Square proposal, focusing on gathering community insights early in the environmental review process. The New York State Gaming Commission classified Avenir as a “Type I action,” indicating it requires substantial environmental reviews and approvals.
A follow-up virtual community meeting is scheduled for May 29 at 5 PM, with formal applications for the three available downstate casino licenses due by June 27. Successful applicants are expected to be announced by year’s end.
Building on a Legacy
The Avenir presentation, steered by Silverstein’s Chief Marketing Officer Dara McQuillan and Nancy Ruddy from CetraRuddy Architecture, lasted significantly longer than that of Caesars. McQuillan emphasized the firm’s deep-rooted relationship with New York City, cultivated through their post-9/11 rebuilding efforts.
“This experience and our commitment to collaboration distinguish us in the real estate development landscape,” he noted.
He also articulated the unique challenges of the site’s previous limitations for residential projects, framing the casino license as an optimal solution for commercial development.
Art and the contributions of local creatives were central themes in the proposal. Silverstein has been proactive in offering free studio space in its buildings, while the fence around the lot showcases murals from local artists. A proposed feature of Avenir includes a public gallery stretching along 11th Avenue, further promoting community engagement.
A Vision for New York
Ruddy detailed the architectural vision for Avenir, a multi-use structure spanning over 1.6 million square feet, with the casino occupying 200,000 square feet and the hotel comprising 1,000 rooms. She expressed hopes that the design would embody the essence of New York and harmonize with the local West Side.
Highlighting the site’s walkability to various attractions—from the Theatre District to Hell’s Kitchen—Ruddy echoed the sentiments of connectivity espoused in other proposals.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
Though the Avenir hearing attracted fewer speakers than the Caesars session, most feedback leaned positive, especially from creatives who value Silverstein’s commitment to the arts. Filmmakers who had worked at the WTC expressed respect for the developer.
Conversely, opposition emerged from local residents wary of a casino’s proximity. One tenant raised concerns over their experiences with Silverstein, questioning the firm’s motives for the arts initiatives, insinuating they were merely tools to secure a casino license rather than genuine community support.
In essence, the journey of Avenir illustrates the complexities of urban development in New York, balancing community sentiment, creative involvement, and the lure of economic opportunities.