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New Renderings Of Hudson Yards’ Potential $12 Billion Casino Complex Have Been Released

If Related Companies and Wynn Resorts have their way a showy $12 billion mixed-use gaming complex will be heading to NYC’s Hudson Yards neighborhood, and new renderings have just been released. If constructed, the complex will consist of multiple skyscrapers, a luscious 5.6-acre park the size of Bryant Park, and more.

The proposal is a first-of-its-kind resort that would help complete the decades-long revitalization of Manhattan’s West Side. It would be developed on a platform built above the railyard between West 30th and West 33rd Streets and 11th and 12th Avenues. It would include:

  • 5.6-acres of publicly accessible open space with access to the Javits Center and nearby parks
  • A world-class gaming resort with luxurious hotel rooms and suites, restaurants, bars, lounges, and a spa
  • A residential building including affordable housing
  • Class AA commercial office space
  • A public K-8 school with a community facility and a daycare center
Rendering of Hudson Yards Casino Complex
Source / Related Companies and Wynn Resorts

The proposal also includes three supertall skyscrapers, each with a distinct design and different massings, façades, and crowns. Lush greenery would fill the areas between the towers and feature public walkways that face the High Line. Renderings also show a dog run, rock-climbing wall at the base of one of the skyscrapers.

Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, stated:

As the leading designer, developer, and operator of premium gaming resorts in the world, Wynn New York City will attract luxury and aspirational travelers to our destination resort in Hudson Yards. Wynn guests consistently spend more when they travel.  That results in greater tax revenues for the City and State and more spend in the local community.

Rendering of Hudson Yards Casino Complex
Source / Related Companies and Wynn Resorts

Related Companies and Wynn Resorts are hoping that the renderings will show how the complex would blend in with the High Line, opposing critics’ claims that it would be too intrusive and obstruct views.

There are currently three downstate casino licenses up for grabs. If this one is approved Jeff Blau, CEO of Related Companies, stated that it would “create tens of thousands of jobs…and billions in much-needed revenue for the City and State.” A proposal for a Coney Island casino is also in the works.

Rendering of Hudson Yards Casino Complex
Source / Related Companies and Wynn Resorts

The state Gaming Commission isn’t expected to award licenses until December 31, 2025. See more about the proposal here.

The post New Renderings Of Hudson Yards’ Potential $12 Billion Casino Complex Have Been Released appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Unarthodox: Experience Creativity With Immersive Art

Unarthodox is a space where your creativity can flourish using distinctive, interactive, and immersive experiences. Unarthodox founders believe that art is a powerful agent for change. It doesn’t matter where we come from or who we are. Art is a universal language that has no boundaries. It allows us to connect deeply with ourselves in profound ways. Participants can explore their artistic potential using unique mediums like resin, paint, and clay. The experimental art classes use traditional and non-traditional art forms to stimulate the senses while bringing out the fun aspects of self-expression. 

Background on Unarthodox

Unarthodox Art Studio is the brainchild of co-founders Al Montagna and Maria Kordova. The idea, which started in 2016, arose from their shared belief in the transformative power of art. Their respective journeys with art and self-discovery were the spark of inspiration to create this unique experimental art space. The co-founders hope to give people a place to explore their creativity, thus allowing them to unleash their true essence.

Popular experiences include:

  • A Night with Picasso for Picasso-inspired paintings
  • A Night with Basquiat for an immersive mixed-media painting experience
  • Sensory Intuitive Art
  • Paint and Sip
  • Sculpture Without Sight
  • Brunch with Monet
  • Picture This: a word-guessing game show
An image of a woman kneading clay
Pexels

Where is Unarthodox and how do you get there? 

Unarthodox is located at 547 West 27th Street, Suite 300, New York. 

To get to 547 West 27th Street, you can use the following subway lines:

  • 23 Street (A, C, E Line) (A – New York MTA)
  • 28 Street (1, 2 Line) (1 – New York MTA)
  • 34 Street-Penn Station (A, C, E Line)
  • 23 Street (1, 2 Line) (1 – New York MTA)
  • The closest station is Hudson Blvd East

If you prefer the bus, take M12 to 11 Av/W 26 Street. 

What to expect when you visit

Unarthodox provides a vibrant, unforgettable experience. The Chelsea neighborhood is quite popular and art is integral to its identity. So, expect plenty of visitors, especially during the weekends. 

The venue also hosts private parties, corporate outings, and special events, making it a versatile space for any occasion. It has modern facilities like surround sound systems, projectors, and elegant lighting to make every event memorable. Depending on the group sizes, it can get quite busy. To avoid being left out, book your tickets in advance. 

Choose an outfit that is comfortable as the venue provides smocks for some experiences so you won’t get dirty. 

An image of people painting
Unarthodox website

What else can you do when you visit?

The experience takes about an hour and a half. So, there’s plenty of time to explore the nearby events and venues, including:

  • Chelsea Speed Dating for Gay Men 25 and over
  • Hudson Yards, Highline Tour
  • Champagne and Cheese Pairing Cruise
  • Empire State Building
  • The Wilson
  • The Edge Observation Deck

FAQs 

Is it appropriate for children?

The art studio experience is only open to 18+.

Can I bring my own drinks?

No, but non-alcoholic drinks are available within the art studio.

What happens if I arrive late?

The doors close 10 minutes after the event starts, so we recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time. Late arrivals mean you will have to purchase tickets again as there are no refunds for the tickets you purchased.

Unarthodox provides a unique experience to art lovers. You can explore your creativity without focusing on the final product. What is important is that you enjoy the experience that goes into the final creation. 

Get inspired by Picasso and sculpt without sight for a full sensory experience, or indulge in the traditional sip and paint. The art studio also organizes corporate outings, private parties, virtual, mobile, and public events.


Sculpture Without Sight Experience

The post Unarthodox: Experience Creativity With Immersive Art appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

This popular members-only restaurant from Miami is opening in NYC

This popular members-only restaurant from Miami is opening in NYC

A brand-new restaurant that has already proven its worth elsewhere around the country will soon join New York’s roster of members-only dining clubs: Casa Tua, which debuted in Miami Beach back in 2001 and is considered one of the best Italian restaurants in town, is gearing up for the debut of its Upper East Side location inside the which debuted in Miami Beach back in 2001, is gearing up for the debut of its Upper East Side location inside The Surrey at 20 East 76th Street.

“Everybody asked me, ‘Why did you open on the Upper East Side? Why didn’t you go downtown?” Casa Tua’s owner Miky Grendene said to WWD. “I never follow a trend. I never look at what other people do; I do what I feel is right for us and for the brand and for my customer. I think that the Upper East Side needs — more than downtown — new blood, new things, new energy. And I think that Casa Tua hopefully will bring that to the Upper East Side.”

According to Casa Tua’s official website, the new space will feature a restaurant and a lounge on the ground floor of the hotel and a members-only club on the second floor. Members of the Casa Tua family in Miami, Aspen and Paris will have access to the New York space as well.

Although the aura of luxury and exclusivity certainly adds excitement to the project, Casa Tua’s food offerings are sure to add to the city’s already great culinary scene. 

From a seemingly simple plate of fettuccine pomodoro e basilico to a variety of fish dishes, salads and pizza, Casa Tua’s menu fuses Italian and French cuisines in both expected and more creative ways.

We’re not sure why it took so long for Casa Tua to finally open in New York, but we’re certainly here for it.

* This article was originally published here

NYC’s Biggest Pest Problem Isn’t What You Think It Is, Study Says

Roaches, and rats, and bed bugs, oh my! Apparently, NYC’s biggest pest problem isn’t part of this notorious trio. It isn’t even the newly-loathed spotted lanternfly or “ManhattANT,” believe it or not. So, which critter holds the honors?

What’s NYC’s biggest pest problem?

Excel Pest Services did some digging to uncover which creepy crawlers send shivers down our spines and revealed pretty eye-opening findings. Although we are not the dirtiest city in America, Excel says we do rank pretty high on the list and earned the fourth-worst state in the US for pest infestations.

While bed bugs are the pest New Yorkers search the most, this year has seen an alarming uptick in stink bugs. Ick! These unwelcome guests had the highest increase in searches verses last year, with an 85% surge over the past 12 months, according to the study.

Pest removal expert and CEO of Excel Pest Services, Ryan Fowley, said, “New York’s dense population and booming tourism make it a hotspot for stink bugs. These little pests love crowded places and can easily hitch a ride on your clothes or luggage.”

Further findings from Excel indicate that stink bugs enjoy munching on fruits, plants, and plant-eating bugs, and they will gravitate toward a place where there’s sun exposure. It’s likely that they’re out and about during the summer, but they will try to venture your way in the winter in search of shelter through cracks in the wall, piping systems, and so forth. (Can’t say we blame ’em, right? Plus, we’re due for rapid-fire storms of rain and snow this winter.)

To avoid these unwanted visitors, make sure you seal any gaps, cracks and window openings — you can clean your window screen with a dryer sheet to help prevent friends from arriving — keep an eye on greenery, and make sure stones and firewood find a location away from your foundation. But hey, if pests are the sort of thing that don’t bother you, why not check out one of NYC’s late-night rat tours. Who needs The Met?!

The post NYC’s Biggest Pest Problem Isn’t What You Think It Is, Study Says appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

5 College Football Towns Near NYC That Bring The Boom

College football is officially back in action, and if you’re looking to catch some live sport beyond one of NYC’s sports bars, we’ve got you covered! If you’re a true sports person you know how much excitement comes with college football…from the crazy tailgates to the passionate fans. And while the Northeast and NYC are a little smaller on the scale of crazy football towns, there are a few that are worth a game day visit! Check out these electric college football towns near NYC that are worth a day or weekend trip.

1. Rutgers University – Piscataway, NJ

Flickr / West Point – The U.S. Military Academy, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

New Brunswick, New Jersey is unapologetically red, and the Scarlet Knights are a huge part of the fiber of the college town. The growing football culture in Rutger’s hometown has been bubbling for awhile, and has drastically risen since joining the Big 10 in 2014. They have a super dedicated fan base, a historic SHI Stadium, and tons of traditions (like tailgating, the Scarlet Walk, and more) that make it a great football watch. It’s one of our college football towns on the rise, if you will.

Distance from NYC: 1 hour

2. Penn State University – State College, PA

Flickr / Ben Stanfield, CC BY-SA 2.0

There’s a reason their chant is “WE ARE…PENN STATE” and that’s because it’s more than a culture…it’s a family. State College, the town the school is based in, is rightfully nicknamed “Happy Valley” quite literally because of how much the football team means to the college town. Every game day over 100,000 fans pack out Beaver Stadium to create an electric atmosphere that is rarely replicated in the Northeast.

Plus, there’s insane tailgates, local businesses decked out in Penn State colors, and so much more…everyone gets in on the action. They also have an incredible “White Out” tradition where all Nittany Lion fans dress in white to highlight the community’s deep connection to the team. This college town is the closest atmosphere you’ll find to those in the South.

Distance from NYC: 5 hours

3. Army – West Point, NY

Army battles Navy in the 124th Army Navy Game presented by USAA on Dec. 9, 2023. Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts. (U.S. Army photo by Cadet Noah Murray)
Source / Cadet Noah Murray & West Point – The U.S. Military Academy

Just a short ride up the Metro-North to West Point, NY is Army…a town who LOVES their football team. They have one of the most tradition-rich and patriotic college football programs in the country, winning multiple national championships and producing several Heisman Trophy winners over the years. Michie Stadium, home of the Army Black Knights, is one of the noisiest college football venues in the Northeast…complete with the stunning backdrop of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains.

Its town is centered around United States Military Academy, which means its communal military culture and spirit runs into the football program too. From cadet parades to tailgating, it’s one of the atmospheres you definitely need to check out.

Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 30 minutes

4. Syracuse University – Syracuse, NY

Flickr / MattCC716, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

With plenty of professional football alums, The Syracuse Orange football team is a heartbeat of the passionate Central New York city. Their athletics program across all sports is one of the best in the state, and their facilities (like the iconic JMA Wireless Dome [formerly known as the Carrier Dome]) are some of the best in the Northeast. Having one of the largest domed stadiums on a college campus and passionate fans tailgating through all hours of the day makes it one of the rowdiest towns and stadiums to watch college football.

Distance from NYC: 5 hours

5. Cornell University – Ithaca, NY

Cornell football players enter Yale Bowl before the Yale/Cornell game on September 28, 2019.
Kenneth Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cornell University is about 4 hours from the city, and the Ivy League’s juggernaut is one of the better college football towns in Upstate New York. While Cornell’s football program doesn’t have the college-town vibe is prominent as ever, offering a more intimate and laidback experience when there’s a game at Schoellkopf Field. Be sure to take in all of Ithaca, NY’s stunning natural beauty too while you’re in town…there’s waterfalls and hikes to be explored everywhere.

Distance from NYC: 4 hours

The post 5 College Football Towns Near NYC That Bring The Boom appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here