The New York City Council has officially approved the transformational Willets Point Phase II Redevelopment Plan, which includes a new soccer-specific stadium for New York City Football Club designed by HOK.
The project was approved by an overwhelming 47-1 vote, marking a significant milestone for the revitalization of the area in Queens, New York.
The new 23-acre development at Willets Point, led by the Queens Development Group (QDG) comprising Related Companies and Sterling Equities, will feature New York City FC’s state-of-the-art stadium designed by HOK.
The project also includes the largest all-affordable housing development in 40 years, a new 650-seat public school, a brand-new hotel and more than 150,000 square feet of public open space. This is the first fully electric stadium in Major League Soccer, in addition to being the first fully electric professional sports stadium in New York City.
HOK’s design for the stadium creates a world-class venue for soccer fans and the community, catalyzing economic growth and job creation in the area. The stadium will also house New York City FC’s award-winning foundation, City in the Community (CITC), which will have a permanent home to continue its impactful initiatives.
“The approval of the Willets Point Redevelopment Plan is a significant step forward for this transformative project, and HOK is proud to be part of it with our design for New York City FC’s new stadium,” said Rashed Singaby, principal and senior project designer at HOK. “We look forward to helping bring the team’s vision for the project to life, creating a vibrant community and an iconic destination for soccer fans.”
“Housing is the goal—and with today’s City Council vote, I’m proud to say that we just scored the goal of the decade,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We’re bringing 2,500 affordable housing units, 150,000 square feet of public open space, thousands of good-paying jobs and the city’s first soccer-specific stadium to a neighborhood in Queens that used to be known for its junkyards. We’re building a brand-new community out of the ‘Valley of Ashes,’ and we couldn’t have done it without all our partners.”
“I am incredibly excited and proud to have joined my colleagues on the City Council vote in supporting the Willets Point Phase II Redevelopment Plan,” said Council Member Francisco Moya. “This once-in-a-generation project will create a community like no other in New York City, with access to all-affordable housing, a brand-new public school and New York City’s only soccer-specific stadium.”
“The approval by the New York City Council of New York City FC’s new world-class stadium is another historic step for Major League Soccer as we continue to build the sport in North America,” added MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
The Willets Point Revitalization Plan aligns with Mayor Adams’ vision for a thriving, inclusive and sustainable future for the area and the entire city. The project is estimated to generate $6.1 billion in economic activity and create 1,550 permanent jobs and 14,200 construction jobs.
With the City Council’s approval, the Willets Point Redevelopment project, including the stadium, will move forward. The project is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth and creating thriving communities.
The first phase of the Willets Point transformation broke ground in December 2023 when QDG began construction on the first 880 affordable housing units, expected to be completed by the end of 2026.