New York, NY – May 25, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in consultation with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the purchase and development of the Mart 125 site in Harlem. Mart 125, an approximately 10,000-square-foot parcel located at 260 West 125th Street, is located in the heart of the rezoned Special 125th Street District, created to support the growth of 125th Street as a premier arts, culture, and entertainment destination. The RFP seeks to find a developer to create a mixed-use development of up to 67,000 square feet for cultural and commercial uses.
“The future Mart 125 site will build on the momentum that we’re seeing across Harlem, particularly 125th Street,” said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky. “With up to 67,000 square feet of space, we look forward to prospective developers’ proposals to turn this site into a vibrant cultural and commercial center. The inclusion of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and ImageNation Sol Cinema will reinforce the area as one of the premier destinations for arts, culture, and entertainment in New York City.”
The RFP seeks proposals that demonstrate design excellence, reflecting the site’s prominent location and incorporating the following uses:
- 12,000 to 14,000 usable square feet of cultural space to be operated by the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and ImageNation Sol Cinema;
- A ground floor visitors center to be operated by NYC & Company;
- 2,500 gross square feet for a ground floor café and/or retail establishment(s), with a preference for local business operators; and
- Any additional commercial uses.
Mart 125 is located within the federally-designated Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone and is in a census tract eligible for New Markets Tax Credit investment. It is expected that the selected developer will contribute the core and shell of the cultural space and that the tenants will be responsible for constructing and financing their fit-out. Contingent on the selection of one or more local operators for the café and/or retail space, NYCEDC may contribute up to $40 per square foot, capped at $100,000 total, to the fit-out costs. Respondents are required to achieve a LEED rating of Silver or higher.
An approximately 17,400 square foot vacant building currently sits on the site and will require demolition prior to redevelopment. Approval for disposition of the site has already been obtained through the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP).
To ensure the prominence of arts and cultural uses in the project, and to expedite development, NYCEDC issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in 2008 seeking local cultural organizations to tenant the new development. The National Jazz Museum in Harlem and ImageNation Sol Cinema were selected, and have been included in the RFP.
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem produces performances, jazz events, and discussion panels, such as the Harlem Speaks series on the lives of Harlem’s unsung heroes. It also offers free educational programs, such as jazz courses, and sponsors a student jazz band. Its 10,000-12,000 square feet in the new project will contain performance, exhibition and office space, and a listening library.
ImageNation Sol Cinema is the organizer of the annual ImageNation Outdoor Film and Music Festival and has presented independent films in Harlem venues for the past 6 years. It plans to construct a 2,000-square-foot theater to showcase films by and about people of color.
“125th Street has been called one of America’s greatest avenues, recognizable by every segment of society in every corner of the world,” said Congressman Charles Rangel. “Thanks to the hard work of so many people — from city agencies like the EDC to local community leaders City Council member Inez Dickens and Community Board Chair Frank Perry — this project will help ensure that some of our finest cultural institutions are preserved as we add another jewel to electric lane that powers not just the village of Harlem, but the imagination of millions.”
“The City’s proposal to develop the historic Mart 125 site, once a center of economic activity in Northern Manhattan, is an important step to activating a critical portion of 125th Street and providing space for artistic and commercial activities in the Center of Harlem.,” said Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer. “Harlem has always been a cultural treasure for our city, and the City’s RFP appropriately envisions fostering the growth of the arts in Northern Manhattan. I encourage developers to examine the proposal and help us begin creating a space for the future generations of Harlem filmmakers and musicians.”
“I am pleased that the City is moving forward with the development of permanent, cultural space at Mart 125,” said Councilmember Inez Dickens. “These dynamic Harlem organizations embrace our community’s history and culture and their presence will be an exciting addition to my community and our famed 125th Street.”
“By placing culture at the heart of the Mart 125 development, this project is helping to reinforce Harlem’s identity as an extraordinary cultural center, and weaves that rich legacy into the community’s future,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin.
“UMEZ is delighted to have led the effort to transform MART 125 into a vital, physical presence linking Harlem’s historic identity to its continually growing influence on global culture,” said Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone President & CEO Kenneth Knuckles. “For decades, the world has watched with wonder as this community’s finest singers, dancers, writers, visual artists, and actors made their indelible mark on popular culture. The restoration of MART 125 to the local landscape promises to deepen Harlem’s artistic reputation and continue local economic revitalization.”
“Harlem is an iconic and historic neighborhood that will always play an integral part in the fabric of New York City. Through programs and initiatives such as Harlem for the Holidays, Restaurant Week and our existing Harlem Information Kiosk, we continue to see this neighborhood thrive. Mart 125 represents yet another opportunity to promote and develop Harlem while encouraging visitors from around the globe to explore the many attractions this stories community has to offer,” said NYC & Company’s CEO George Fertitta.
“We are proud to be a part of this historic project. Jazz is at the center of American culture, and now as it makes a new appearance on fabled 125th Street, across from the fabled Apollo Theater, we look forward to joining forces with all of our Harlem neighbors as Mart 125 blossoms,” said National Jazz Museum in Harlem Board Chairman Arthur H. Barnes, and Loren Schoenberg, Executive Director.
“The ImageNation Sol Cinema will be the nation’s first art-house cinema dedicated to promoting progressive images of Blacks and Latinos through independent film,” said ImageNation founder Moikgantsi Kgama. “We are extremely thankful that the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the NYC Department of Economic Development recognize the importance of this groundbreaking social venture; and we are thrilled to finally bring this vision to fruition!”
To obtain a copy of the complete RFP, please visit www.nycedc.com/rfp. Responses are due on July 30, 2010 at 4 p.m.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities. Find us on Facebook to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.
