Caesars Palace Times Square Partners with Rev. Al Sharpton and Ryan Williams, Founder of Cadre, on Historic Inclusive Ownership Opportunities for U.S. Gaming
'Thanks to the leadership and vision of JAY-Z, we believe that for the very first time our community will not only have a seat at the table but also the opportunity to have a stake in the ownership of Caesars Palace Times Square,' said Rev. Al Sharpton. 'A New York casino belongs in Times Square and it should be designed to benefit all New Yorkers. That's why I'm a supporter of Caesars Palace Times Square.'
This effort will enable local households to participate in this transformative project with accessible investment opportunities starting at $500. Williams, who has previously raised billions of dollars through innovative platforms he founded, including Cadre, is committed to removing barriers that have historically prevented low-income New Yorkers from accessing large-scale real estate investments. By coupling Rev. Sharpton's deep community ties with Williams' proven experience using technology to raise and invest capital over the course of more than 20 years, the partnership has the potential to transform equitable ownership from an aspiration into an actionable, measurable reality.
'This initiative overcomes longstanding barriers,' said Ryan Williams, founder of Cadre. 'Through the Rev's extensive network and our shared dedication to economic inclusion, we will move from promises to real progress, delivering tangible investor education and meaningful equity investment opportunities for everyday New Yorkers. More than a decade ago, I introduced a model that expanded real estate investment opportunities to a broader audience. Now, we are applying this approach to one of the most ambitious developments of our generation, with the goal of opening doors to financial opportunity for more New Yorkers than ever before.'
'We are honored to partner with Rev. Al Sharpton and Ryan Williams to democratize our investment, providing access to families normally left out of investment opportunities,' said SL Green Chairman and CEO Marc Holliday. 'In every aspect, Caesars Palace Times Square is being designed to ensure its benefit is shared with communities across New York City.'
This partnership builds upon Caesars Entertainment's more than 25 years of commitment to supporting the wellbeing of people and the communities in which they operate. Caesars Entertainment adds considerable economic value wherever they are—boosting city and state economies through the taxes, wages, and benefits they pay and the contribution to local tourism. In 2024, Caesars Entertainment created $10 billion in economic value distributed to its stakeholders with its total community investment reaching more than $71 million.
Caesars Palace Times Square is the only gaming proposal designed the New York way. The proposal would re-use an existing office building at 1515 Broadway, located in the heart of New York City's iconic entertainment district, and will be designed with a limited number of restaurants and hotel rooms to create excess demand for dozens of existing establishments in neighboring communities. The coalition supporting the bid now includes more than 200 organizations and businesses including local restaurants, hotels, residents, unions and Broadway stakeholders who stand to benefit from—rather than compete with—this exciting new project.
About Caesars Palace Times Square
New York City has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in Times Square and New York City with significant commitments to public security, sanitation, and live performances as well as partnerships with neighboring theaters, restaurants, hotels, and landlords. Caesars Palace Times Square will revitalize and reenergize New York's economic engine and cultural capital. SL Green Realty, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation are partnered on a bid to win one of three new gaming licenses and convert the existing office building at 1515 Broadway into a state with a world-class gaming and entertainment destination.
About Reverend Al Sharpton
Internationally renowned civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton has dedicated his life to the fight for justice and equality. He has been a tireless advocate for everything from police reform and accountability to protection of voting rights and education equality. Connecting the dots between domestic challenges in a global context, Rev. Sharpton often addresses international audiences and issues impacting people around the globe. Rev. Sharpton often says, 'We have progressed tremendously as a nation since the days of slavery, but discrimination and inequality saturate society in modern ways.' Rev. Sharpton does precisely that in all aspects of his life. From anchoring the weekly MSNBC show 'Politics Nation,' to hosting the national radio shows 'Keepin' it Real' and 'The Hour of Power,' as well as a weekly Saturday rally broadcast, he utilizes his multiple platforms to highlight issues and stories that would otherwise fall under the radar.
About Ryan Williams, Founder of Cadre
Ryan Williams is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Cadre, an innovative real estate investment platform dedicated to democratizing access to large-scale investment opportunities. Leveraging technology and his extensive network, Ryan has successfully raised billions of dollars in capital, facilitating transformative investments nationwide and empowering underserved communities to build generational wealth.
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