Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, and Hard Rock International have unveiled renderings of their $8 billion casino project called Metropolitan Park in Queens, NYC. The project aims to transform acres of parking lots in Queens, an area F. Scott Fitzgerald once described as “the valley of ashes” in “The Great Gatsby.”
Cohen acquired a majority stake in the Mets in 2020, shortly before initiating efforts to build the casino.
If the state approves the Metropolitan Park casino proposal, Cohen and Hard Rock will redevelop acres of surface parking lots surrounding Citi Field, home of Major League Baseball franchise the New York Mets since 2009.
“It’s time the world’s greatest city got the sports and entertainment park it deserves,” Cohen stated. “When I bought this team, fans and the community kept saying we needed to do better. Metropolitan Park delivers on the promise of a shared space that people will not only want to come to and enjoy, but can be truly proud of.”
Currently, 50 acres of asphalt surround Citi Field. Cohen views the casino as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to develop these lots. Developers project that the proposal will create 23,000 union jobs at Metropolitan Park.
Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, stated, “We take great pride and the utmost care in bringing forth something that will create much-needed jobs and memories that will live on for generations to come.”
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Metropolitan Park to feature 25 acres of new public park space
The development will feature 25-acres of new public park space, public transit and infrastructure improvements, space for live music, a food hall, and a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino with bars, restaurants and a sportsbook. The plan designates about five acres of the new park space for community athletic fields and playgrounds.
SHop Architects and Field Ops designed the park proposal for the casino-oriented development. The pair previously collaborated on the recently completed Domino Park in Williamsburg.
Cohen’s casino plans hit a snag when state Sen. Jessica Ramos refused to introduce state legislation to demap parts of Metropolitan Park to accommodate the new 78-acre development. As developers seek an alternative approach, they continue to work with New York City Planning Commission on local demapping and zoning issues.
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Metropolitan Park Casino in Queens, NYC Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Name: Metropolitan Park
Location: Queens, NYC
Site: Surrounding Citi Field, home of the New York Mets
Total Area: 78 acres
Estimated Cost: $8 billion
Key Stakeholders
Steve Cohen (New York Mets owner)
Hard Rock International
Designers:
Metropolitan Park Project Key Components
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Bars
Restaurants
Sportsbook
Public Park Space (25 acres)
5 acres reserved for community athletic fields and playgrounds
Live Music Venue
Food Hall
Public Transit and Infrastructure Improvements
Economic Impact
Projected to create 23,000 union jobs
Metropolitan Park Casino Project in NYC Current Status
Renderings revealed
Seeking approvals for:
- State casino license
- Local land use changes
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