Mohegan Key Cog in New 6.3-Acre Freedom Plaza Manhattan Project
Posted on: March 21, 2025, 04:37h.
Last updated on: March 21, 2025, 04:38h.
- New 6.3-acre civic and cultural hub in Manhattan will have gaming component pending licensing
- Mohegan one of two hotel developers; renderings released today
- Project set to transform Manhattan’s east side
Mohegan, the owner, developer and manager of entertainment resorts in the U.S., Canada and South Korea, is a key cog in a new civic and cultural hub along Manhattan’s East River, south of the United Nations headquarters.
Gaming Component Pending License
Called Freedom Plaza, the development will be over a 4.77-acre public waterfront open space urban park with plans for an in-park Museum of Freedom and Democracy, affordable housing, two hotels, retail and restaurants. In a statement today was new video and renderings of the site.
A below-grade gaming area operated by Mohegan will be connected to the hotels. Mohegan and Banyan Tree Group will develop the two hotels. Freedom Plaza is vying for a downstate gaming license in and around New York City. The casino floor would measure 280K square feet, with 1,251 hotel guestrooms, 56K square feet of conference space, a wellness and spa retreat from Banyan Tree, and a roof deck infinity pool.
Developed by Soloviev Group and designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, Freedom Plaza will encompass 6.3 acres from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue.
At Mohegan, we’re committed to creating destinations that go beyond entertainment to enrich the lives of our guests and the communities we serve,” said Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan. “With Freedom Plaza, we look forward to bringing our legacy of world-class hospitality, cultural authenticity and innovative experiences to Manhattan, offering a destination that redefines what it means to gather, explore, and celebrate.”
18,000-Square-Foot Central Lawn
Those who live or have travelled to Manhattan know about the love people there have for green spaces. Central Park and The High Line (the former elevated railway line transformed into green space) come to mind. As soon as people walk into Freedom Plaza’s entrance off First Avenue, they will be welcomed by the park’s lush landscaping, led by 350 trees across eight species and a curated selection of plants designed to promote biodiversity and stormwater absorption.
The 18,000-square-foot central lawn for picnics, community gatherings or chill time will have unobstructed views of the East River and city skyline. There will be a 6,000-square-foot water garden with seating areas and cascading water features, and a 7,000-square-foot children’s play area.
New Project Renderings Released Today
Parkgoers can explore 1.2 miles of pathways, and a 700-foot East River Promenade offering sweeping views over the FDR to the East River.
Soloviev Group will finance and guarantee the long-term maintenance, security and programming of the park, according to a statement today.
Mohegan’s U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, with Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara. The tribal casino giant also owns and operates INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in Incheon, South Korea.
No comments yet