Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) cut the ribbon on its new Experience Center, an innovative pavilion designed to showcase its transformative $5 billion redevelopment vision.
Located within RWNYC’s grand lobby, the center invites local residents, stakeholders and guests to immerse themselves in the once-in-a-generation proposal built upon more than 13 years of community collaboration that promises to redefine the future of Queens.
The state-of-the-art center features 3D models and video walls, offering visitors the chance to step into the future site and see for themselves how this multibillion-dollar investment will create 350,000 square feet of meeting, conference, and entertainment space; one of the largest gaming floors in the world; and approximately 30 new food and beverage options, all while generating more than 10,000 new jobs and spurring economic development around the Aqueduct site. The campus will also quadruple its hotel capacity for a total 2,000 rooms just minutes away from JFK International Airport.
“Today marks a big step closer to realizing the potential of Southeast Queens and the entire borough as we open the doors to the Resorts World New York City Experience Center,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East. “For over a decade, we’ve been proud to grow alongside the Southeast Queens community. Now, this portal into the future will cement Queens’ status as a global destination when our community sees a world-class entertainment venue, new meeting and conference space, and acres of additional greenspace come to life.”
The Experience Center was designed by Perkins Eastman, in collaboration with RWNYC and the community in mind, to provide a venue for residents to see firsthand the scale of the plan and learn about upcoming workforce and procurement opportunities. The two models on display were built by Arch Box, under the guidance of master modelmaker Richard Tenguerian.
“We’re proud to have partnered with Resorts World New York City to bring their vision for the future of Queens to life,” said Alberto Cavallero, AIA, Principal of Perkins Eastman. “The Experience Center is designed to be welcoming and interactive, giving the community a chance to physically see the massive scope of this project. We cannot wait to see Queens residents step into this center and truly understand how it will deliver on the things they have always wanted.”
The unveiling of the Experience Center is the latest milestone in RWNYC’s efforts to secure a commercial gaming license from the New York State Gaming Commission. If awarded, RWNYC will be able to activate a $5 billion plan that includes Las Vegas-style gaming, state-of-the-art entertainment, and the creation of new greenspace. The project has already garnered support from local leaders, organized labor and community organizations eager to see the transformative impact this investment will bring.
“No one should ever have to leave The World’s Borough in order to enjoy fine dining, A-list entertainment, shopping and more. And certainly no one should ever have to leave in order to find a good-paying union job. Resorts World’s imaginative expansion plan ensures that Southeast Queens residents will have all that and more right in their own community,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “From creating thousands of jobs to investing billions of dollars into opportunities for our borough, Resorts World has been a friend to Queens for more than a decade now, and I look forward to our continued work together to make Queens a true live, work and play community.”
“The new Experience Center at RWNYC gives local residents an opportunity to see for themselves the tremendous investments on the table,” said State Senator James Sanders, Jr. “This project is a game-changer for Queens. Thousands of new jobs and procurement opportunities for local businesses will uplift families and strengthen our neighborhoods. I look forward to working with RWNYC to ensure our communities reap the full benefits.”
“Resorts World stands ready to deliver on a promise of historic investment in the Aqueduct site,” said State Senator Joe Addabbo, Jr. “Now, New Yorkers will be able to physically see how real, impactful, and transformative this project is. This isn’t a pipe dream – it’s a tangible development that will make a positive impact. Let’s not put it off any longer.”
“Resorts World has worked with us in lockstep for nearly 15 years, making sure that our local small businesses, nonprofits, places of worship, schools and much more have the resources they need to be successful,” said State Senator Leroy Comrie. “This project is so much more than new buildings and amenities for our community – it’s about continuing their work of creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for the residents of Southeast Queens and the entire borough.”
“The opening of the Experience Center is an exciting step forward for the RWNYC project and the future of our community,” said Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato. “RWNYC’s proposed expansion reflects what is possible when the voices and the needs of the community are incorporated into development plans.”
“This Experience Center at Resorts World will provide local residents an opportunity to see what’s coming to our community,” said Council Member Joann Ariola. “RWNYC’s vision is about creating real benefits for the community – from workforce housing to cutting edge spaces for families and people of all ages to come together to enjoy. I’m excited to see this project come to life in the new space.”
“Resorts World has been a tremendous community partner since they first came into our community more than 13 years ago,” said Betty Braton, Chair of Queens Community Board 10. “They’ve stood by us, offering opportunity, assistance and support to local residents and small businesses in good times and bad. With the unveiling of the Experience Center, we’re getting a better glimpse at how this partnership will flourish in the years to come.”
“Because entrepreneurs are the bedrock of our borough’s economy and helping small business owners is a main facet of our mission, we are extremely happy to see Resorts World’s expansion bid brought to life through the Experience Center,” said Seth Bornstein, Executive Director of the Queens Economic Development Corporation. “As a proven partner to small business owners in Queens for over 13 years, Resorts World has been proactive in its efforts to save the Queens Business Plan Competition as a lead sponsor and in their principal participation in our Queens Taste annual gala. The Experience Center represents a clear continuation of this work and is something I’m proud to support.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Experience Center, located at RWNYC, starting today. To learn more about RWNYC’s Next Chapter, visit https://rwnewyork.com/about/rws-next-chapter/.
A New $5 Billion Plan for Queens
RWNYC’s proposed expansion will build upon the facility’s record as an economic generator for Queens, New York City, and New York State. The latter would immediately benefit from $500 million if RWNYC is granted a full casino license, as well as hundreds of millions more in new, incremental revenue. RWNYC would expand to a total 3 million square feet — effectively tripling its size — as it creates 1,600 new hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, and large-scale meeting and conference space. If granted a license, RWNYC can begin table game operations within six months as it continues to build out its full $5 billion resort-destination.
A Transformative Vision for Aqueduct Park
The future consolidation of horse racing at Belmont Park will allow the State to open a process to re-envision the remaining Aqueduct parcel. RWNYC welcomes that process and envisions a joint engagement with the community to create a new Aqueduct Park to honor the legacy of the historic site while serving the needs of today. Aqueduct Park represents an additional $5 billion investment, answering community demands for union-built and labor-financed housing. The creation of 3,000 homes will prioritize families in need of quality, workforce housing; approximately 50 acres of new green space; and transportation improvements to JFK International Airport would enhance mass transit connectivity in Southeast Queens. As the catalyst for Aqueduct Park, RWNYC is committed to working with the top development professionals and a variety of world class funding partners to bring this vision to life.
About Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) is the Big Apple’s only casino-hotel and has generated more than $4.5 billion for the State’s public education system since 2011. RWNYC fulfills the decades-long mission to turn the historic Aqueduct Racetrack into a gaming destination with approximately 6,500 slot machines and electronic table gaming. An average 5 million guests pass through RWNYC’s doors annually, where they enjoy an extraordinary gaming, entertainment, and dining experience. In 2021, the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport hotel at Resorts World New York City opened its doors — bringing the total investment at the site to $1.1 billion. Guests can choose from several dining options including RW Prime and Good Friends Noodle House. RWNYC is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, with destination resorts in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 50 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 47,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide.
