Larry Silverstein Teams Up with Rush Street Gaming to Propel Manhattan Casino Project
Veteran developer Larry Silverstein, best known for leading the redevelopment of the World Trade Center, is making major strides in bringing a new casino and entertainment destination to Manhattan’s Far West Side.
Silverstein Properties has partnered with Rush Street Gaming, a prominent casino operator, to advance “The Avenir,” a bold new proposal to construct a 46-story mixed-use development. The project is expected to feature a luxury hotel, residential units, and a casino.
The proposed location for The Avenir lies at the intersection of 11th Avenue and 41st Street, encompassing roughly 92,000 square feet of unused land. Silverstein Properties owns the entire site and has stated the project is ready for construction pending regulatory approval.
This collaboration brings together three family-owned businesses: Silverstein Properties, Rush Street Gaming, and Greenwood Gaming. Silverstein emphasized the importance of this local connection, noting his company’s four-decade presence in the West Side neighborhood. He envisions The Avenir as a means to generate thousands of jobs, increase tax revenues for the city and state, and create affordable housing.
Rush Street Gaming, the operator behind Rivers Casino locations in Schenectady, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, is enthusiastic about entering the New York City market. CEO Tim Drehkoff praised Silverstein’s extensive experience in urban development and expressed excitement about playing a part in what could become Manhattan’s first major casino venue.
The Avenir Promises Thousands of Jobs as NYC Casino License Battle Intensifies
The Avenir project is projected to create more than 9,000 union jobs—4,000 during its construction phase and an estimated 5,000 permanent roles after opening. The development aims to attract a combination of tourists and locals, providing an economic lift to the surrounding area.
With New York State preparing to issue three coveted downstate casino licenses, competition is fierce. Nearly a dozen contenders, including industry giants like Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, and Hard Rock International, have submitted proposals for high-profile locations such as Hudson Yards, Times Square, Coney Island, and the vicinity of Citi Field in Queens.
Just last week, the New York City Planning Commission approved a casino project in Coney Island, further intensifying the race. All applicants, including those behind The Avenir, are required to submit their final bids by June 27.
If selected, The Avenir would mark a historic first for Manhattan—introducing a large-scale casino to the heart of the city and potentially reshaping its entertainment landscape.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com