New York, NY – December 28, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the disposition and development of a vacant 1.1 million-square-foot warehouse building, known as Federal Building #2, in the vibrant industrial waterfront area of Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The development site also includes an adjacent 100,000-square-foot parcel of vacant land. The approximately 240,000-square-foot development site is bounded by 30th Street on the north, Third Avenue to the east, 32nd Street on the south, and Second Avenue on the west. NYCEDC is requesting proposals from qualified developers or end users to redevelop the property for light industrial uses. To see the building, please visit the NYCEDC press images gallery.
“Reactivating this tremendous industrial asset is consistent with the Sunset Park Vision Plan introduced by Mayor Bloomberg earlier this year which lays out a series of short and long-term recommendations to strengthen the area as a hub for industrial growth,” said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky. “Despite current economic conditions, we feel that this is exactly the right time to be seeking new investments in our City – a sentiment that is confirmed by the numerous inquiries that we have received from the industrial community about the future of this unique property. This RFP represents an excellent opportunity to transform Federal Building #2 into a thriving center of industrial activity.”
“A light manufacturing facility at Federal Building #2 holds the potential to rejuvenate Sunset Park and provide jobs for the community’s hard-working residents,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez. “By joining together to develop this urban industrial property, we can ensure that the input of the community is included in this project.”
Light manufacturing uses for the building are preferred, but wholesale/distributor uses will also be considered. It is anticipated that the adjacent 100,000-square-foot parcel will be used for parking, but other uses that comply with zoning regulations may be proposed. Proposals may also include a small amount of office space and a limited amount of retail on the lower levels to improve the streetscape and provide services to the building’s occupants.
“I am pleased that the City is moving forward once again with a plan for Federal Building #2 that prioritizes industrial development,” said Congressman Jerrold L. Nadler. “I strongly support the creation of manufacturing jobs and economic development in Sunset Park, particularly along its re-emerging industrial waterfront. Along with my colleague, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, I will continue to work with the City, federal government and community stakeholders to make this unique project as effective and beneficial as possible.”
Federal Building #2 was built in 1916 as a warehouse for the Department of the Navy and is currently owned by the federal government and administered by the General Services Administration (GSA). NYCEDC will take title to the property prior to its disposition for development.
The reinforced concrete, eight-story building has 16 elevator shafts and nine stairwells. It features 200-pound-per-square-foot floor loads. It is structurally sound, but may require a new roof, windows and mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, as well as vertical circulation and façade improvements.
Designated as the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Business Zone, Sunset Park’s industrial waterfront is an enclave for light manufacturers and other industrial businesses. Across from the site is the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, which is being reactivated as a break-bulk maritime port and currently hosts a maritime automobile receiving and processing facility. The neighborhood is serviced by the D, M, N and R subway lines as well as the B29, B35, B63, and B63 buses, allowing the area to draw employees from throughout the City.
“BEDC is pleased that the redevelopment of Federal Building #2 is back on track. We continue to believe that this building represents a rare and unique opportunity to solidify the remaining industrial base in Brooklyn,” said Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) President Joan Bartolomeo. “With the unwavering support of the members of Brooklyn’s Congressional delegation and the leadership of NYCEDC, this project can get done and will represent a significant step forward in acknowledging the importance of a diversified economy that includes workers at every educational and skill level.”
NYCEDC will use a variety of criteria to evaluate proposals, including economic impact on the City, development team qualifications, financial feasibility, relationship to the community, and design components. Respondents are also encouraged to submit a plan to integrate high performance features and green building techniques into design and construction practices for the project. Proposals should also include a Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) Utilization Plan to encourage minority and women-owned businesses participation in the project.
For a copy of the complete RFP, please visit www.nycedc.com/rfp. A question and answer session and site visit will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2010. Those wishing to attend are required to call 212-312-5721 or e-mail abinns (at) nycedc (dot) com by Friday, January 7, 2010. Anyone interested in responding to the RFP is encouraged to attend. Proposals are due no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2010.
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. To learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives, find us on Facebook or Twitter.
About the Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan
The Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan is a comprehensive strategy to bring New York City through the current economic downturn as fast as possible. It focuses on three major areas: creating jobs for New Yorkers today, implementing a long-term vision for growing the city’s economy, and building affordable, attractive neighborhoods in every borough. Taken together, the initiatives that the City has launched to achieve these goals will generate thousands of jobs and put New York City on a path to economic recovery and growth.
