Back HomeIn the Neighborhood: The Bronx
Mott Haven-Port Morris waterfront warehouse via The New York Times
Nov. 18
South Bronx Development
South Bronx experienced a summer housing boom this year, particularly within affordable housing. TRD reports that developers, attracted to the area’s low land prices and city initiatives for affordable housing, have submitted plans for over one million square feet of building space.
A particularly strong reference month for the affordable housing boom can be noted in July, when 40 percent of the 1,176, or 470 units, applied for affordable housing status.
Developers, including Nelson Management and Monadnock Construction, are building at La Central, Lafayette-Boynton Complex, and 491 Gerard Avenue.
Gilder Center mock up via Observer
American Museum of Natural History: Gilder Center
Earlier this month, the Observer’s Culture section reported that the American Museum of Natural History, in tandem with Studio Gang Architects, released its expansion plans for the proposed Gilder Center on the Upper West Side.
The Gilder Center would take up an estimated 218,000 square feet of space; three buildings would be renovated according to the center’s needs and 11,600 square feet, a quarter of an acre, would spill into the adjacent Theodore Roosevelt Park. According to Sig Gissler, president of the Defenders of Teddy Roosevelt Park, “[Gilder Center] is taking less park land than originally proposed, but the fact that they’re removing nine mature trees gives us continuing cause for concern.” Increased foot traffic doubles as an environmental concern.
Defenders board member Martha Dwyer’s raised the proposal to relocate plans to the Bronx, near The Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden. AMNH vice president of government relations Dan Slippen countered the idea by pointing to the disjointedness that visitors would experience should the museum be in separate locations. Instead, the center is meant to be a fluid continuation that connects its twin buildings.
The project’s environmental report will still need to pass through the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and Landmarks Preservation Committee.
Grand Concourse Plaza via Bronx Times
Grand Concourse Plaza
Feil Organization’s vice president of leasing Randall Briskin recently told the Bronx Times of its plans for the Bronx’s Grand Concourse Plaza, located between East 158th Street and 159th Street.
“This [Concourse Plaza] is part of the exciting Bronx revitalization,” Briskin voiced. “We had to pay close attention to the area’s shoppers, permanent residents, along with its employees, so we could remodel the plaza to properly serve everybody’s needs. We reinvested in this plaza, and it is clearly paying off as we add new retailers and services.”
Feil’s $18 million dollar renovation has attracted deals from four major retailers and two major fast food chains, Burger King and Popeye’s, to the premises.
Written by Alexandra Gámez New York
