Hyatt Joins Manhattan Avenir Casino Bid Near Hudson Yards

A new casino and hotel project called The Avenir has added Hyatt Hotels to its team as developers continue to push for one of New York City’s few available casino licenses. The plan is backed by Silverstein Properties, Rush Street Gaming, and Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, and would be located near Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s Far West Side.

Good to know

• The project includes 1,000 hotel rooms under Hyatt’s Destination brand.
• Developers say it could create 5,000 permanent casino and hospitality jobs.
• The plan has support from the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council union.

The Avenir would include not only a casino and hotel but also a 1,000-seat venue and 100 permanently affordable apartments. Developers are targeting convention visitors and business travelers given the site’s close location to the Javits Center.

Hyatt has committed to operating the hotel portion of the development, with Dan Hansen, head of Americas development, stating, “This mixed-use project, which will include a casino, luxury hotel, and more, would represent a significant milestone in our strategic expansion in key travel destinations.”

Tal Kerret, president of Silverstein Properties, added, “We are very pleased to be working with Hyatt on this exciting development and tap into World of Hyatt’s 56 million members to help drive new business to Manhattan’s Far West Side.”

Hyatt joins a lineup that already includes a food and beverage team and a partnership with Union Square Hospitality HQ to support job training and staff development. As part of its workforce plan, the developers will work with Hyatt to deliver employment programs if the project moves forward.

Competition for a New York downstate casino license remains strong. Other proposals include a Times Square site backed by SL Green and Caesars, a Citi Field area bid led by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock, and a Bronx project from Bally’s. Wynn Resorts and Related Companies had previously pursued a Hudson Yards plan but withdrew their proposal.

The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council has thrown its support behind The Avenir. Rich Maroko, the union’s president, said, “The Avenir is an extremely impressive proposal that would bring 5,000 casino and hospitality jobs to the Far West Side of Manhattan and would boost the city and state’s economy. We know from experience that casinos create thousands of permanent, high-quality jobs.”

However, not all reactions across the city have been positive. Several casino proposals have faced opposition from local groups who cite concerns about traffic, noise, and changes to their neighborhoods.

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