A new set of renderings has been revealed for The Avenir, Silverstein Properties and Parx Casino’s bid for a 1.8-million-square-foot hotel, gaming, entertainment, and residential complex at 514 Eleventh Avenue in Midtown, Manhattan. Designed by Steelman Partners and CetraRuddy, the 46-story two-tower complex will yield 1,000 guests rooms, more than 100 affordable housing units reserved for New Yorkers, 12 full-service restaurants, an elevated 1,000-seat performance hall, and an eight-story, 600,000-square-foot podium. The project aims to create 4,000 union construction jobs, over 5,500 permanent union jobs, and billions of dollars in economic development for the state and city. The property, owned by Silverstein since 1984 and alternatively addressed as 520 West 41st Street, spans a full block between West 40th and West 41st Streets and Eleventh and Galvin Avenues, just north of the Jacob K. Javits Center. The plot has sat vacant for the last eight years, and the development team expects the project to be shovel ready upon approval.
The renderings show the towers clad largely in glass with gold-hued vertical fins that run from the multi-story podium up to their parapets. The most prominent design feature is a 630-foot-high sky bridge connecting the towers’ 45th floors, where the performance hall will be housed. In addition to hosting concerts, this space will be made available to local community and school groups. A soaring glass atrium sits atop the podium between the towers, supported by a framework of broad arches that illuminate at nighttime. Vehicles will access the property through a porte-cochere tucked along West 41st Street adorned with chandeliers and surrounded by oversized artwork lining the sidewalks.
514 Eleventh Avenue. Rendering courtesy of Silverstein Properties.
514 Eleventh Avenue. Rendering courtesy of Silverstein Properties.
514 Eleventh Avenue. Rendering courtesy of Silverstein Properties.
514 Eleventh Avenue. Rendering courtesy of Silverstein Properties.
514 Eleventh Avenue. Rendering courtesy of Silverstein Properties.
514 Eleventh Avenue. Rendering courtesy of Silverstein Properties.
514 Eleventh Avenue. Rendering courtesy of Silverstein Properties.
514 Eleventh Avenue. Rendering courtesy of Silverstein Properties.
An example of an apartment is depicted in the rendering below.
An apartment at 514 Eleventh Avenue. Rendering courtesy of Silverstein Properties.
Below is an aerial image looking at the current conditions of the site. The old concrete foundations of the former structure remain partially in place.
Photo by Michael Young
“Our city and state face a confluence of historic challenges right now,” said Larry A. Silverstein, chairman of Silverstein Properties. “These include a housing crisis, public safety challenges, budget shortfalls, and a commercial real estate market in transition. We need to work with state and local leaders to do everything we can to make New York the best place to live, work, and visit. We’ve done it before, and I am confident we can do it again. I’ve always said you should never bet against New York; this city and state will come back bigger and better than ever before.”
To meet sustainability goals, The Avenir will be powered entirely by electricity and utilize energy-efficient building systems, high-recycled content and renewable construction materials, and technologies that reduce smog and carbon emissions from the cars and buses transiting the nearby Lincoln Tunnel.
“Our company has been part of the Hudson Yards/Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood for nearly 40 years,” said Lisa Silverstein, vice chair of Silverstein Properties. “We have already built 549 affordable homes on West 42nd Street and look forward to developing over a hundred more as part of this project. The Avenir is an opportunity to create much-needed affordable housing, jobs, and economic development, along with many neighborhood improvements in an isolated and often-overlooked part of the city.”
The Avenir will also house a public exhibition space for local artists and a food hall for local restaurants. A hotel operator has yet to be confirmed.
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This can’t be real, right? I don’t even know where to begin with my thoughts on this project other than it looks quite ridiculous.
I kind of hope it IS real. It is over-the-top for sure, but could be really fun and interesting. That site has been sad for years – would likely inject much needed life into that part of 11th Avenue.
Totally agree with SteveO. And if there’s going to be a casino with hotel, being next to the Javitt would be ideal. This could also help bridge the gap between Hudson Yards and Hells Kitchen.
And personally I like the whole look of this structure, over the top and all.
Looks great. Please build this.
Yes!!! This would be awesome, that vacant lot should not exist in midtown Manhattan – it’s one square block of 1970s-era ugliness in a otherwise booming area!
Only Larry Silverstein could imagine and pul this off. Bravo….maybe a few more affordable units please.
Just like Hudson Yards no soul
The weird design is just that. It will look dated the day after this place opens. There’s nothing iconic or interesting about it. It’s just weird.
Casinos have become the convention centers of this era and as every city and even small city gets one, there are fewer dummies to give away their money. But it’s inevitable as City “leaders” can never say no to billionaires looking to take more money.
A casino in NYC? Is gambling now legal there?
In certain locations, yes. There are already casinos in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Queens. New York City area was just approved for three casinos in the metro. Companies are vying for proposals
Build it…
All that’s missing are “bungee jumps” from the sky bridge between the towers, a “Mirage-like” volcano on the podium, and a rooftop revolving FERRIS WHEEL!
🤔🤣😂🤣
Pure excrescence.
Love this! Great location. Does not compete with the Times Square area. Acts as a great bridge between Hudson Yards and Hells Kitchen. The design certainly contains a little bit for all stakeholders. Seems like this one might be a winner. My only complaint is it should be higher!
There was that one very impressive with a large illuminated sign, and I viewed for a moment then I looked down properties. I stuck with its direction that no more bad expectations from design revealed, the project was full of locals on an equal footing: Thanks to Michael Young.
Baku
Skyscraper bridges are becoming the new trend, and they also have a functional component which is structurally securing the buildings against wind forces. I think it’s cool.
Another all electric building? Good luck getting a restaurant tenant to serve those casino customers.
Chris, lots of high-end restaurants are switching to induction for its many many benefits. The days are numbered for natural gas cooking.
That good the picture look good when open in 2026 or 2027 people will see the new building with casino,hotel,retail,affordable housing,it will be great for nyc for real 😊
this wont be built. hudson yards west or times square have a better chance, and rightly so, of getting a casino than larry does. the other two of the three total casino ok’s will go to aquaduct or coney and long island.