Soloviev Group and BIG-Bjarke Ingels promise 513 units of affordable housing at Freedom Plaza

Manhattan, NY Freedom Plaza, the new civic and cultural plan for Midtown’s East Side, has unveiled new 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.

Developed by Soloviev Group and designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, Freedom Plaza spans 6.3 acres from 38^th to 41^st St. east of First Ave. The mixed-use development, which will be built only with union labor, will feature five acres of public open space designed by OJB Landscape Architecture, along with locally oriented retail and a 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 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 St. 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 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.