Just Wynn, baby!
Related Companies revealed a revised plan — exclusively to the Post — for its proposed Hudson Yards casino mega-complex that rolls the dice on two gleaming skyscrapers when the two appear to be top contenders.
Related CEO Jeff Blau said a proposed $10 billion development plan for the entire western half of The Yards would be kick-started by a 3 million-square-foot, Vine-branded “resort” tower — which would also house a 1,700-room hotel. Struggling Javits Serve Center – As the developer wants to hold onto the valuable gaming license.
“This will be one of the most incredible tall buildings in New York City,” Blau said Friday.
Table games such as blackjack, craps, poker and roulette will take up 250,000 square feet in the new skyscraper – along with high-end restaurants and shops Blau hopes will attract both whales and guppies to try their luck farther west . ,
The executive also announced a surprise increase for an undeveloped 6.5-acre portion of Hudson Yards between 11th and 12th Aves. – A 2 million square foot office tower.
Associated, led by founder Stephen M. Ross, plans to maintain a previously announced 5.5-acre public green park connected to the High Line, a much-needed public school for the area, and a 1 million-square-foot rental apartment tower . This will include 329 “affordable” units.
“For these reasons we feel we are well positioned to have the best offer,” Blau said. “We’re looking to win.”
This then increased Blau’s chances of winning the casino sweepstakes. Steve Cohen’s proposal for a proposed precursor to the gambling and entertainment complex Last week a Queens politician was shot on state-owned land near Citi Field.
Casino operator Bally also appears to be out of the running with it. Bid to set up gambling den on Donald Trump’s golf course Due to conflicts with the city over lease issues for land in the Bronx.
Bally, with an offer on private land at Willetts Point, may be making a last-ditch effort for a casino in Cohen’s backyard.
Other major contenders who want to place a casino in Coney Island, Times Square, above Saks Fifth Avenue and near the United Nations also face stiff resistance from local officials.
Blau’s main competition now comes from Long Island, where Sands’ bid to build a casino on the Nassau Coliseum grounds won local approval last week.
But one skeptic said its proximity to Hofstra University could scupper those plans.
“While there are still hurdles to overcome, the overwhelming bipartisan approval of the lease transfer to The Sands brings Nassau County one step closer to opening one of the world’s finest resorts, entertainment centers and casinos,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said on Sunday. told The Post.
Related and partner Oxford Properties faces its own political hurdles, namely from State Sen. Brad Hoylman, whose district includes Hudson Yards. Hoylman is part of a six-member site review board that will vote on whether the proposal moves forward for one of three downstate casino licenses. (Two are expected to go to Aqueduct and “racinos” in Yonkers.)
Others on the board are Governor Cathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, City Councilman Eric Baucher, Assemblyman Tony Simone and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levin.
Hoylman was not impressed with Blau’s vision after hearing about the revised description.
“It’s a steep hill to climb,” Hoylman told The Post on Friday, adding that the community was promised open space, a public school and affordable housing.
Blau hopes that his ace in the hole—bringing the Javits much-needed hotel rooms—will break down Hoylman’s objections and a potential “no” vote.
Related may also benefit from Ross being one of Hochul’s largest donors.
“The Javits Center has just expanded, but continues to lose business to other cities because it doesn’t have a hotel,” Blau said, adding that Wynn’s experience in booking conventions and luring events from other cities will be a big help. Can
A source close to the project said, “At some point the Javits have to have a convention hotel and it will.”
Blau also said that the new office tower would address the current difficulties facing the city’s commercial real estate market.
four offices related The eastern side of the site is almost full of skyscrapersBlau said.
He noted that 30 Hudson Yards has been fully sold to companies including KKR, while 10 and 55 Hudson Yards are 100% leased, and 50 Hudson Yards has already seen more than 90% bidding before it expires.
“We can start building another office tower right now,” Blau said. “We’re out of room” for tenants willing to pay $200 per square foot for the space.
Blau cited other factors that should make the odds-on favorite, such as access to the expanded No. 7 subway line and other mass transit, and the fact that no buildings or people will be obstructed because the western yard is empty.
The next round of the casino selection process is expected to take place in July, when proponents will meet with the state before making their final proposals in the fall. The state gaming commission controlled by Hochul is expected to announce the winners by the end of the year.
The three licenses would add $1.5 billion to the state’s cash-strapped budget.