Rap Legend Nas is expanding his portfolio has joined forces with Resorts World New York City. They have announced a $5 billion redevelopment plan for the Queens-based casino. This expansion plan aims to transform the establishment into a full-fledged, Las Vegas-style casino
The vision detailed includes expanding the casino floor to 350,000 square feet, which would make it one of the largest in the world. It would also add 1,600 new hotel rooms to the 400 opened in 2021 at the adjoining Hyatt Regency JFK Airport. The plan also includes the creation of retail spaces, opportunities for food and beverage vendors, a 7,000-seat performance space, as well as 3,000 units of employee housing.
Furthermore, the redevelopment plan promises to reshape the southeast Queens neighborhood4. However, for this grand redevelopment plan to proceed, Resorts World will need to secure one of the three available downstate casino licenses, which comes with a price tag of $500 million.
This partnership between Nas and Resorts World is seen as a significant move that could potentially bring about a promising future for the Queens neighborhood.
“When we stood here more than a dozen years ago to break ground on Resorts World New York City, our vision extended well beyond that already-ambitious original plan — today, that vision can soon become a reality,” Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting America East, shared in a statement.
Queens-native hip-hop icon Nas attended the announcement of the expansion and showed enthusiasm for the project’s ability to create chances for families in the local area and draw talent to Queens.
Nas expressed his support for the inspiring initiative in a captivating Instagram video.
“This is an ambitious project that will give new opportunities to the hard-working families who call Queens home, attract top-tier talent and build up the next generation of leaders. Clearly, with this project, the world is ours,” captioned Nas.
