of the last untouched corners of Times Square... with an opportunity to secure the future of a synagogue that will serve the Jewish community for decades to come." In 2018, Soho Properties announced that this project would be the Margaritaville Resort Times Square. In May 2016, Soho Properties announced that it had secured $219 million in construction financing for 45 Park Place, a 43-story luxury condominium development. The financing structure, involving banks from the Middle East, Asia and Europe, is Sharia-compliant. El-Gamal said, "Essentially, it's the largest syndicated Sharia-compliant construction loan in New York City." Construction at 45 Park Place is currently underway. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site on June 2, 2016. The tower is expected to be completed in 2018. Adjacent to 45 Park Place at 49–51 Park Place, Soho Properties is constructing a three-story museum and sanctuary designed by architect Jean Nouvel. Park51 Shortly after the purchase of 45–47 Park Place, the property became an active overflow prayer space for the followers of a mosque located in TriBeCa. In May 2010, plans by El-Gamal to develop the property into a $100 million, 13 story Islamic community center and prayer space ignited national controversy given the building's proximity to Ground Zero. El-Gamal envisioned that the project, entitled Park51, as "a landmark, an iconic building that will have people come and visit it from around the world." He repeatedly refused calls to move or cancel the project, stating, "This looks like it is going to be the most famous community center in the world." In 2014, El-Gamal said that on that site he now intended to construct a smaller, three-story museum "dedicated to exploring the faith of Islam and its arts and culture" at the same location. Personal life El-Gamal is an observant Muslim. He is married to his wife, Rebekah, and they have three children. References Living people 1973 births People from Brooklyn American people of Egyptian descent American people of Polish descent American Muslims Real estate and property developers American real estate businesspeople