Proposed Freedom Plaza casino complex next to U.N. reveals waterfront public park
Renderings courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Newly released renderings offer a closer look at a public waterfront park planned alongside a proposed casino complex near the United Nations. Unveiled on Thursday, the new video and imagery showcase the nearly 5-acre public park planned as part of Soloviev Group’s proposed Freedom Plaza casino project. Designed by OJB Landscape Architects, the green space would feature an 18,000-square-foot central lawn, 1.2 miles of accessible pathways, a children’s play area, an amphitheater, scenic overlooks, and more.
The waterfront park is part of Soloviev Group’s broader bid for one of the state’s coveted downstate casino licenses, set to be awarded by the end of the year. First unveiled in February 2023, the Bjarke Ingels-designed Freedom Plaza proposal includes two residential towers with 1,325 apartments, two hotel towers, a museum, and a partially subterranean casino operated by Mohegan.
The proposal calls for a 4.77-acre park by OJB that will be home to the spiral-shaped Museum of Freedom and Democracy. As 6sqft previously noted, the museum will have artwork from international artists, large-scale experiential installations, and historical artifacts. Slabs from the Berlin Wall will be on permanent display.
When arriving at the park, visitors will enter through a lush plaza framed by 350 trees from eight species and a curated selection of plants designed to promote biodiversity, enhance stormwater absorption, and provide seasonal interest year-round.
The expansive central lawn will serve as a flexible green space ideal for picnics or community gatherings and offer unobstructed views of the East River.
Parkgoers can explore 1.2 miles of accessible pathways leading to unique “garden rooms” and scenic overlooks, with a highlight being the 700-foot East River Promenade, offering sweeping views over the FDR to the East River and beyond.
A 6,000-square-foot water garden, inspired by the region’s geologic and ecological history, provides a tranquil retreat from the cityscape with cascading water features, shady seating areas, and six nearby food kiosks.
The 7,000-square-foot children’s play area will include natural materials, climbing structures, and dedicated spaces for toddlers to pre-teens.
At the park’s northern end, there will be the museum, a community center, and an outdoor amphitheater for educational programs and community events, all with scenic views.
“As fourth-generation residents and neighbors of this community, Soloviev understands the immense value that green spaces bring to urban life,” Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group, said. “Freedom Plaza is a commitment to creating an inspiring place where memories are made in this wonderful part of the city, with an accessible, and sustainable park for everyone to enjoy.”
“We appreciate the feedback that we have received from our neighbors, community organizations, and civic leaders and look forward to our continued collaboration and delivering an experience that will enrich the lives of our neighbors and the city as a whole.”
Freedom Plaza is proposed for a six-acre stretch of vacant land next to the U.N. headquarters. As part of the casino proposal, the project would have two residential towers with 1,325 total apartments, with roughly 500 of them made permanently affordable.
The state is expected to award three downstate casino licenses by the end of the year.
Other contenders include Mets owner Steve Cohen’s $8 billion casino and park proposal next to Citi Field, a Jay-Z-backed Caesars Palace casino in Times Square, a casino atop Saks Fifth Avenue, “The Avenir” complex across from the Javits Center, a proposed casino in Coney Island, and a plan from Related Companies to build a mixed-use development anchored by a casino on the undeveloped portion of Hudson Yards.
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