Soloviev Group and Mohegan reveal new interior renderings for central Manhattan's largest residential development in over a decade, prioritizing affordable housing, union jobs, and inclusive growth.
NEW YORK, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Freedom Plaza, the visionary new civic and cultural plan for Midtown Manhattan's East Side, has unveiled updated renderings and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering 1,049 new residential units, including 513 units of housing that working people can afford. Among these, more than 20 will be offered as affordable condominiums to promote home ownership. Building on an earlier approved plan for the site, Freedom Plaza will bring the largest number of newly constructed residential units to central Manhattan in over a decade, ranking among the city's most significant inclusionary housing initiatives.
Developed by Soloviev Group and designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, Freedom Plaza spans 6.3-acres from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue. The mixed-use development, which will be built only with union labor, will feature approximately 5 acres of public open space designed by OJB Landscape Architecture, along with locally oriented retail and a wide range of shopping and dining options. Additional amenities will include a daycare center, food market, a museum dedicated to democracy and community center. Two world-class hotels from global resort leaders Mohegan and the owners of the Banyan Tree hotels and resorts will feature retail, dining, and entertainment, including the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over.
"Freedom Plaza represents a transformative vision for Manhattan's East Side, blending residential, cultural, and commercial spaces to create a thriving community that supports both working-class families and the region's continued economic growth," said Michael Hershman, CEO, Soloviev Group.
"This visionary initiative is poised to redefine Manhattan's landscape with the delivery of essential affordable housing while also establishing an elevated benchmark for community-focused development. We are pleased to see Freedom Plaza champion inclusivity and sustainability and lay the foundation for lasting prosperity that will benefit generations to come," said Reverend Brian D. Scott, Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church of Harlem.
"As a NYCHA tenant leader, I've seen firsthand the impact that thoughtful development can have on our neighborhoods. Freedom Plaza's commitment to creating over 500 affordable housing units is desperately needed and a significant step towards addressing the housing needs of working families in our city. I commend Soloviev Group and Mohegan for their dedication to inclusive development that benefits all New Yorkers," said Melanie Aucello, President of 344 East 28th Street Tenant Association.
"Freedom Plaza aligns perfectly with our mission to create equitable housing opportunities. By including affordable housing alongside high-quality amenities, this development will provide vital resources for the East Side's working families, helping to address New York City's housing crisis," said Jamie A. Smarr, President of the NYC Housing Partnership.
"Freedom Plaza embodies our commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable communities that drive economic growth and enrich local cultures. By partnering with Soloviev Group, we are excited to bring world-class hospitality, inclusive housing, and transformative economic opportunities to Manhattan's East Side," said Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan.
Soloviev Group and Mohegan are mission-driven organizations focused on job creation, supporting local vendors, stimulating both local and state economic growth, and funding infrastructure improvements.
Most recently, 26 key New York labor organizations and workforce development partners announced their support for Freedom Plaza through signed Memorandums of Understanding. Among the endorsing organizations are The Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, SEIU 32BJ, The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, District Council 9 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 30. Labor and workforce development leaders praised the project for creating 17,000 high-quality full- and part-time union construction jobs and permanent positions, in addition to producing billions in economic impact that will promote financial vitality across the region.
To further bolster local employment, the Mohegan Momentum Partnership Program for New York City will provide millions of dollars annually in flexible gaming-based rewards that will incentivize hotel and gaming venue guests to visit and support local, New York City, and Greater New York City area restaurants, retail stores, and businesses. Applauded by The New York State Restaurant Association, the program will create additional revenue and further expand each establishment's customer base.
About Soloviev Group
Unwavering in its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, the Soloviev Group brings four generations of successful development across community-focused verticals, including hospitality, residential and commercial development, agriculture, energy, logistics and philanthropy. The firm's most recent project, Freedom Plaza, will encompass more than six-acres on Manhattan's East Side from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue and is committed to helping New York City thrive. The mixed-use development will feature 4.7 acres of publicly accessible green space; two world-class hotels by global resort leaders Mohegan and Banyan Tree Group, featuring the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over; locally oriented retail and an array of shopping and dining options; a museum dedicated to democracy and community center; and two residential towers with housing that working people can afford. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.
About Mohegan
Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada. Mohegan's U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The brand's iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan's loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit mohegangaming.com.
SOURCE The Soloviev Group
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