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Freedom Plaza Mixed-Use Gaming Campus Plan Revealed For Midtown East, Manhattan

Soloviev Group has joined the race to win one of three pending licenses to construct a casino in downstate New York. In collaboration with Mohegan, an extension of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, which owns a global portfolio of gaming resorts, the developers have revealed Freedom Plaza, a 6.7-acre waterfront gaming and residential campus near the United Nations complex in Midtown East, Manhattan.

In approved, Freedom Plaza would include a 1,000-key hotel, two high-rise residential towers, a waterfront ferris Wheel, and a below-grade casino with a large entertainment venue. Solovieiv Group already owns the development site, which is currently zoned for commercial construction.

“As a leader in socially responsible development, we will honor, complement, and advance Mohegan’s principles through sustainable and carbon-neutral property development,” said Stefan Soloviev, chairman at Soloviev Group. “This strategic partnership will not only ensure that Freedom Plaza will be ethically developed, but provide long-term economic prosperity for the local community, a positive impression on regional and international tourism, and a lasting impact on New York City for generations to come.”

Renderings of the campus show three towers standing at least 25 stories tall, all with reflective glass façades and a series of arched voids that will likely serve as amenity spaces or entertainment venues for residents and guests. The surrounding grounds will feature a mix of grasses, trees, walking paths, sports fields, and open space for communal recreation.

If the bid is not accepted by the New York State Gaming Commission, Soloviev Group will move forward with its original plan to build a 1.2-million-square-foot office building. Stefan Soloviev, chairman of the development company, said that the group had considered a bioscience-focused project, but decided to allow the property to sit vacant given post-pandemic economic conditions.

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NYY