Construction has commenced on a long-delayed hotel project at 1150 Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, marking renewed activity at a site that has remained vacant for over a decade. The property, located between West 44th and 45th streets, was cleared more than 12 years ago by Fortuna Realty, led by developer Morris Moinian, who initially planned to build a hotel but subsequently stalled the project.

Recent postings from the New York City Department of Buildings signal the arrival of construction equipment and outline plans for a new 41-story hotel aimed for completion by September 2029. The filing, submitted by Flintlock Construction, includes updated architectural renderings crafted by Stonehill Taylor, a departure from earlier designs created by Ismael Leyva. The site’s vacant status amid a bustling commercial corridor notable for near-full office occupancy had puzzled industry observers for years.

Moinian had leased the site to a “shopping court” tenant until shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, but that arrangement was ended as the developer appeared to prepare for hotel construction. The project was put on hold in 2020, with Moinian explaining that his company was occupied with other developments at the time.

The decision to revive the hotel development follows a July report from New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, which highlighted a strong local hotel market. According to the report, New York City currently leads the nation in hotel occupancy rates, average room rates, and revenue per available room, although these figures remain slightly below pre-pandemic peaks, mainly due to reduced international travel.

Attempts to reach representatives connected to the 1150 Sixth Avenue project for comment were unsuccessful. Additionally, no further detailed filings related to the development were available on the Department of Buildings’ public website beyond the notices displayed at the site.

Moinian acquired the property in 2011 for $39 million. In 2020, he engaged a JLL team, led by Bob Knakal, to explore selling the site, with potential values projected at up to $100 million, or over $600 per square foot, though no transaction was completed. Fortuna Realty, a firm specializing in hotel projects, counts among its portfolio properties such as the Dylan and Indigo hotels in Manhattan and the Garden City Hotel in Nassau County. It is distinct from the Moinian Group, run by Morris Moinian’s brother, Joseph Moinian, which focuses on office and residential development.