It is a unique moment in the history of New York City—and any plan for the development of Manhattan’s largest remaining open parcel of land must be bold, responding in a visionary way to the needs of the local community and the city as a whole. As owners of the 6.7-acre parcel stretching from 38th to 41st Street on First Avenue, the Soloviev Group is committed to working with the community to ensure a plan that harmoniously blends distinctive design, much-needed community amenities, environmental sustainability, cultural enhancements, and dynamic commercial activity that will contribute robustly to New York City’s revitalization.
Although an approved plan exists for this site which can be developed as-of-right, the needs of the East Side community and greater New York City have changed dramatically. From creating sustainable public green waterfront spaces to providing thousands of new, good jobs to building affordable residences amid a deepening housing crisis, the scale of this site offers vast potential for a forward-thinking mix of uses.
The name “Freedom Plaza” celebrates both the limitless creativity of New York City and the ideals of democracy embodied by its northern neighbor, the United Nations. It also underscores the democratic process that will inform the planning of the site, as public input will be welcomed, and community needs will be prioritized from concept to completion.
Socially and environmentally responsible, the Freedom Plaza proposal will feature approximately four-acres of sustainable green open space with walking paths; a world-class hotel and an array of shopping and dining options; two residential towers with a significant number of permanently affordable apartments; and robust waterfront access, connecting New Yorkers and visitors to the East River and maximizing coastal resiliency.
A proposed centerpiece of Freedom Plaza will be a first-of-its-kind museum dedicated to democracy itself. The museum will highlight human rights and the advancement of freedom of thought, speech, and expression. Its collection will feature artwork from acclaimed international artists, large scale experiential installations, and major historical artifacts. Pieces will include renowned masterpieces, as well as several slabs from the Berlin Wall, a timely symbol of hope, peace, and unity.
Instead of the large office building proposed in the earlier plan for the site, the new proposal contemplates securing a New York State gaming license to develop—beneath the project’s large public open space—a state-of-the-art venue for gaming, arts, and entertainment.
The gaming facility at Freedom Plaza will be developed in partnership with global entertainment venue leader Mohegan. An extension of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, Mohegan is a brand with a track record of integrity, community investment, and deep respect for the earth. Like the Soloviev Group, the organization lives its values through charitable giving, sustainability initiatives, funding infrastructure, utilizing local vendors, and providing local and state revenue generation. The revenue generated by the project’s proposed entertainment and hospitality component will allow Freedom Plaza to deliver the many benefits inherent in the project’s ambitious design.
“The strategic partnership with Mohegan will not only ensure that Freedom Plaza will be an ethically developed, world-class destination, but provide long-term benefits to the local community and a lasting positive impact on New York City for generations to come,” said Stefan Soloviev, Chairman, Soloviev Group.
The Soloviev Group and Mohegan are fundamentally invested in stimulating the local communities in which they operate. Local businesses are currently being offered the opportunity to participate in the Mohegan Momentum Partnership Program, which would provide millions of dollars annually in flexible gaming-based rewards, incentivizing its hotel and gaming venue guests to visit and support local, New York City and Greater New York City area restaurants, retail stores, and other businesses.
Participating Momentum Partnership Program businesses will have the choice of accepting either the cash equivalent of gaming and hospitality complex rewards via reimbursement or providing guests with special discounts and unique offers. Reimbursement will be provided by Mohegan and determined based on the partnership agreement. Unlike other programs, in which such rewards are only redeemable within the confines of an entertainment complex’s properties, the Mohegan Momentum Partnership Program for New York City will be a catalyst for independent local business patronage, creating additional revenue and exponentially expanding these establishments’ customer base.
“The Mohegan Momentum Partnership Program for New York City is an avant-garde approach to economic development. This program goes beyond traditional incentives and investments, bringing new energy and enthusiasm to the potential of socially responsible development. Local restaurants will have unprecedented access to a larger customer base, prosperous partnerships and brand awareness exceeding what many owners would be able to achieve independently. It must serve as an example for future ventures. I applaud Mohegan and the Soloviev Group for their commitment to social responsibility and championing this effort,” said Melissa Fleischut, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York State Restaurant Association.
The Soloviev Group is a pioneer and leader in socially responsible and environmentally sustainable development with success across community-focused verticals, including hospitality, commercial and residential development, agriculture, energy, logistics and philanthropy.
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