| Contact: | Sunny Mindel / Matthew Higgins |
(212) 788-2958 |
View the Mayor's
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| Janel Patterson, EDC | (212) 619-5000 |
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani announced today the release of a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to buy or lease the building currently housing the Museum of the City of New York. The Museum Board of Directors voted last December to relocate the Museum from its current location at Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street to the old Tweed Courthouse in Downtown Manhattan, which is currently being renovated. The RFEI, issued by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, seeks to elicit proposals that will take advantage of the Museum's distinctive architecture and unique location.
Joining the Mayor were Deputy Mayor Robert Harding; Deputy Mayor Anthony Coles, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Schuyler Chapin; and Robert McDonald, Director of the Museum of the City of New York.
"This RFEI will encourage proposals for future use of the Museum building that are in keeping with the building's landmark exterior, consistent with its rich history and compatible with the surrounding community," the Mayor said. "While the Tweed Courthouse will offer twice the space in the heart of municipal government to house the Museum's extensive collection, the landmark Museum building will remain a unique and vital property."
Deputy Mayor Anthony Coles said, "I have no doubt that the beautiful landmark Museum building will continue to thrive in private hands. The building's prime location and unique architecture present many exciting opportunities that can be put to good and creative use."
Economic Development Corporation President Michael G. Carey said, "This is a wonderful, historic building. We are confident that this RFEI will result in outstanding proposals that will enhance its unique architecture and attract people to the East Harlem neighborhood."
The building that currently houses the Museum of the City of New York was constructed
in 1931 and contains approximately 63,000 square feet of gross floor space.
The site also contains an approximately 7,500 square foot courtyard. The current
zoning for the site allows residential and community facilities.
The exterior of the building has been designated a landmark by the New York
City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The deadline to submit a response to the RFEI is 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June
28, 2001. To request a copy of the RFEI, please call the Economic Development
Corporation Contract Hotline at 212-312-3969.