A trio of gleaming glass and concrete buildings hugged by lush trees, grassy knolls, and public art take center stage in a slick new animation promoting Wynn Resorts’ and Related Companies’ proposal for a $12 billion casino resort in Hudson Yards.
Per the media release, the video and architectural renderings aim to show “how the development will fit into the context of the overall neighborhood.” Critics have argued the proposal is overly intrusive and would obstruct views from the High Line and Hudson River parks.
“The next phase of Hudson Yards is a $12B total project investment in New York’s future,” said Related CEO Jeff T. Blau.
If approved, Blau added, the project will create thousands of jobs, hundreds of affordable apartments, and billions in tax revenue. At the center of the proposal is Hudson Green, a 5+ acre “rolling green park” featuring river vistas, gardens, a playground, a dog park, and hundreds of trees.
We truly believe it will be an oasis that becomes the new calling card of the neighborhood. In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing more details of the extensive, long-term economic and community benefits our vision for Hudson Yards and Wynn New York City will bring to New York.
Proposal Prioritizes Community Benefits
In addition to Hudson Green, the proposal transforms the western rail yards with Wynn New York City. The gleaming centerpiece would house an 80-story, 1700-room hotel tower featuring street-level shops and restaurants. The casino itself occupies the building’s second and third floors. Plans also include a pool deck and additional green space.
Wynn NYC’s sister buildings, nestled among Hudson Green, would house office, community, and daycare space, a 750-seat K-8 school, and 1500 apartments—including 324 affordable units.
Further, if Wynn NYC gets the go-ahead, constructing all this will create 35,000 temporary union construction jobs and 5,000 permanent unionized casino jobs.
Notably, despite occupying only 3.6% of the project’s total footage, the casino is the economic driver making the rest possible.
Bruce A. Beal Jr., Related’s president, spoke to the development’s wider benefits in the release.
It’s easy for leaders to talk about wanting to create jobs and invest in the economy and infrastructure, but our proposal to develop Hudson Yards West would actually do it, which is why it continues to garner important support from unions, trade organizations, and small businesses.
Finishing the undeveloped yards will not only create 35,000 unionized construction jobs during development, but 5,000 permanent union careers in the resort, which is the economic engine that supports all of these wonderful community benefits, including the affordable housing, public park and transportation improvements.
Licensing Decision More Than a Year Away
The Hudson Yards proposal is vying for one of three coveted New York downstate casino licenses up for grabs. Winning bidders must pay a $500 million license fee for the privilege.
To achieve this, officials must review the Wynn New York City proposal according to NYC’s Uniformed Land Use Review Procedure. Some local officials and community boards have already registered their opposition to the proposal.
Councilmember Erik Bottcher, Assemblymember Tony Simone, and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal have cited concerns about the potential for increased traffic and congestion.
After conferring with local and statewide officials, the New York State Gaming Commission expects to award licenses by Dec. 31, 2025.
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