Local artists show love to Silverstein casino bid

Silverstein Properties: A Casino License in the Balance

Silverstein Properties has garnered significant goodwill among New Yorkers, particularly for its instrumental role in the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site. As it positions itself for potential casino licensing, the pivotal question arises: will this goodwill translate into approval for its latest venture?

On the heels of a recent virtual public comment hearing hosted by the New York State Gaming Commission, Silverstein’s Avenir proposal in Manhattan, crafted in collaboration with Greenwood Gaming and Rush Street Gaming, took center stage. While Greenwood was the original partner, Rush Street joined the project on May 15, further bolstering the initiative’s appeal.

Greenwood oversees the well-regarded Parx Casino brand, and Rush Street is known for operating the Rivers Casino. Together, they envisage a sprawling casino-resort on a strategically located 93,000-square-foot lot owned by Silverstein, situated at the intersection of 41st Street and 11th Avenue. Notably, the moniker “Avenir,” translating to “future” in French, reflects the project’s forward-thinking ethos.

The meeting’s objective mirrored that of the prior day’s session concerning the Caesars Palace Times Square proposal: to gather community feedback as part of the environmental review process. Like Caesars, the NYSGC classifies Avenir as a “Type I action,” necessitating extensive environmental assessments and approvals.

A follow-up virtual community input meeting is scheduled for May 29 at 5 PM local time. Official bids for the three available downstate casino licenses must be submitted by June 27, with awards anticipated by year-end.

A Longstanding Relationship with the Community

Unlike the succinct presentation by Caesars, Avenir’s proposal featured a more extensive presentation led by Silverstein Chief Marketing Officer Dara McQuillan and Nancy Ruddy, founding principal of CetraRuddy Architecture. McQuillan highlighted Silverstein’s deep-rooted relationship with New York City, cultivated through its post-9/11 rebuilding efforts at the World Trade Center.

“Our commitment to collaboration and community partnership distinguishes us as a real estate development firm,” McQuillan asserted.

Importantly, as all three partners are privately owned enterprises, McQuillan emphasized their capacity to prioritize long-term project sustainability over quarterly financial pressures. This positions them uniquely to ensure that the venture aligns with community values and expectations.

Moreover, McQuillan addressed the complexities of the proposed site, noting its unsuitability for residential development—a niche in which Silverstein typically excels. However, securing a casino license would transform it into a viable commercial development opportunity.

The presentation also showcased Silverstein’s commitment to the arts and local artists. McQuillan noted the provision of free studio space for creatives in existing buildings and highlighted the community-focused aesthetic of the project, which includes a block-long public gallery along 11th Avenue featuring local artwork.

‘Quintessentially New York’ Design

Architectural lead Nancy Ruddy detailed the ambitious plans for Avenir, which will encompass over 1.6 million square feet of mixed-use development, including a 200,000-square-foot casino and a hotel boasting 1,000 rooms. A comprehensive diagram illustrated the proposed layout, emphasizing functionality and modernity.

“Our vision is to create a building that embodies the spirit of New York while harmonizing with the vibrant context of the West Side,” Ruddy explained.

Like Caesars in Times Square, Avenir’s location is strategically walkable, providing easy access to nearby neighborhoods and attractions such as the Theatre District, the Garment District, Hell’s Kitchen, and the Javits Center.

Community Reaction: Support and Skepticism

The public hearing for Avenir attracted fewer speakers than that of Caesars, yet a significant majority expressed support, particularly from creatives who valued Silverstein’s ongoing artist initiatives. Filmmakers shared their positive experiences collaborating with the developer at the WTC, reinforcing community ties.

However, dissenting voices emerged: local residents voiced concerns regarding the proximity of a casino to their homes. One disgruntled tenant from a Silverstein-managed property articulated skepticism about the developer’s genuine commitment to community welfare. “If Silverstein truly valued the arts, it would construct a gallery independently, rather than as a means to secure a casino license,” she remarked.

As Silverstein Properties moves forward with the Avenir proposal, the balance between community trust and commercial ambition remains delicate. The outcome of the June licensing process will reveal whether goodwill can convert into tangible progress for New York’s gaming landscape.