If the second act of New York’s casino drama was meant to rival the first, the Avenir proposal delivered five hours of impassioned testimony at the Javits Center today (Wednesday). Two weeks after Caesars Palace Times Square took its turn in the spotlight, Silverstein Properties and Rush Street Gaming pitched their $10 billion project, The Avenir — a mixed-use tower at W41st Street and 11th Avenue, anchored by a casino that, they argued, could finally bring a long-desired 7 train stop to Hell’s Kitchen.
Silverstein Properties CEO Lisa Silverstein opened their presentation with her family firm’s track record of reshaping neighborhoods, from rebuilding the World Trade Center to constructing thousands of apartments on the Far West Side. “This is a community we care deeply about,” she said, pointing to 70 tenants at River Place and Silver Towers who have stayed for more than 25 years. The Avenir, she argued, could extend that legacy — and unlock long-stalled infrastructure.
“The subway lines sit right beneath the pavement at 10th Avenue and 41st Street,” she said. “The MTA previously considered opening a station here, but due to lack of capital and demand, it was never opened. We believe the Avenir would present the best chance of getting the MTA to deliver a subway station in that location.”…