CetraRuddy and Silverstein Properties' redesigned casino development on the far west side
Friday, June 27 at 4:00 p.m. marks the deadline to submit a bid for a downstate New York casino license. The day before, developer Silverstein Properties ("Silverstein") announced that if its bid on the West Side, The Avenir, is awarded the license, they would partner with MetroLoft to develop over 2,000 new housing units, including more than 500 permamently affordable units, through office-to-residential conversions. The two have previously partnered on conversions like 55 Broad Street and 180 Water Street in the Financial District, as well as the former Pfizer headquarters on East 42nd Street.
It was the latest announcement in a flurry of news related to The Avenir, a project that calls for a 1,000-room hotel, new restaurants, a food hall, and a gaming facility. Hyatt was announced as The Avenir's hospitality partner, and the food roster includes restaurants by Union Square Hospitality Group and a food hall of Hell's Kitchen favorites.
Rendering of The Avenir (Silverstein Properties / Binyan Studios)
Silverstein notes that the project is both free of complex logistical hurdles and "shovel-ready" upon approval. Moreover, now that Wynn Casinos has withdrawn its bid for a casino in the Western Rail Yard section of Hudson Yards, Silverstein may be feeling more optimistic about its prospects.
It must be noted that all this is contingent on Silverstein getting the casino license, and that it is unclear what will become of the Eleventh Avenue site if the license is awarded to someone else. However, it is still a busy time for hotel development in New York City. Several Midtown hotels are in the process of being revamped or constructed. Below, we look at three forthcoming projects, including one down the street from The Avenir's site.
Three recently restarted hotel projects in Midtown West
255 West 34th Street
Developed by Maverick Real Estate Partners | Design by Stonehill Taylor
33 stories | 330 rooms
Completion estimated for 2026
Developed by Maverick Real Estate Partners | Design by Stonehill Taylor
33 stories | 330 rooms
Completion estimated for 2026
A new hotel down the street from Penn Station and Hudson Yards has been in the works since 2014, but it has been slow going since then. The pandemic stalled construction, and Maverick Real Estate Partners took control from the Chetrit Group in March 2023. However, construction has resumed in earnest and topped out in June 2025.
When construction is complete, the rooms will start on the fourth floor of the hotel. There will be a maximum of 14 rooms per floor, and only six units per floor on the top two floors. Amenities will include a first-floor bar and dining room, second-story ballrooms, and function rooms, and third-story fitness center and accessory terrace. IHG Hotels & Resorts was tapped to operate the hotel before the pandemic, and there is no indication that that has changed.
When construction is complete, the rooms will start on the fourth floor of the hotel. There will be a maximum of 14 rooms per floor, and only six units per floor on the top two floors. Amenities will include a first-floor bar and dining room, second-story ballrooms, and function rooms, and third-story fitness center and accessory terrace. IHG Hotels & Resorts was tapped to operate the hotel before the pandemic, and there is no indication that that has changed.
255 West 34th Street, June 2025 (CityRealty)
The Torch, 740 Eighth Avenue
Developed by Extell Development | Design by ODA Architecture with SLCE Architects
52 stories | 825 rooms
Completion TBD
Developed by Extell Development | Design by ODA Architecture with SLCE Architects
52 stories | 825 rooms
Completion TBD
The Torch on the Midtown skyline (ODA Architecture)
At this early stage, it is hard to say which aspect of The Torch has attracted the most attention: its eye-catching design inspired by the Statue of Liberty (hence the name) or the "drop ride" planned from an observation deck on the upper levels. Some community members are not enthusiastic about the drop ride, but it passed muster with the borough commissioner's office in 2022. More recently, permits were renewed in May 2025 and a site visit saw foundation work underway.
The hotel rooms will be located in the lower half of the building, but still high enough to enjoy city views. In addition to the drop ride and observation deck, the building will feature lower-level retail and hotel amenities like a VIP lounge, a pool deck, and a restaurant on two of the uppermost floors. It is located in the heart of the Theater District and in close proximity to Hell's Kitchen dining and nightlife.
The hotel rooms will be located in the lower half of the building, but still high enough to enjoy city views. In addition to the drop ride and observation deck, the building will feature lower-level retail and hotel amenities like a VIP lounge, a pool deck, and a restaurant on two of the uppermost floors. It is located in the heart of the Theater District and in close proximity to Hell's Kitchen dining and nightlife.
The Torch site, June 2025 (CityRealty)
Hotel Meta, 450 Eleventh Avenue
Developed by Marx Development Group | Design by DSM Design Group
51 stories | 379 rooms
Completion estimated for 2027
Developed by Marx Development Group | Design by DSM Design Group
51 stories | 379 rooms
Completion estimated for 2027
450 Eleventh Avenue (Marx Development)
Not to worry—this hotel near Hudson Yards and across the street from the Javits Center has no connection to a certain technology company. Rather, it will be operated by Marriott and offer such amenities as a business center, banquet and conference space, a ballroom, a spa, a fitness center, and a multi-level restaurant with bar and outdoor terrace.
Hotel Meta is one of the taller hotels in the city, and distinguished in the local skyline by its angled window panels. The glassy facade is nearly all the way up, but there is still much interior work to be done.
Hotel Meta is one of the taller hotels in the city, and distinguished in the local skyline by its angled window panels. The glassy facade is nearly all the way up, but there is still much interior work to be done.
Hotel Meta, June 2025 (CityRealty)
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