Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2001
Release #373-01

Contact:

Matthew Higgins / Peter C. Fenty
Gregory Miley / Janel Patterson (EDC)
Alan S. Cohen (Starrett)

(212) 788-2958
(212) 312-3523
(212) 616-3116


MAYOR GIULIANI ANNOUNCES THE STARRETT CORPORATION WILL DEVELOP
AN OFFICE AND RETAIL COMPLEX ON BRONXCHESTER SITE

Project Will Create Approximately 850 Construction Jobs
and 1,400 Permanent Jobs


Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced that the City has selected the Starrett Corporation to construct an approximately 500,000-square-foot office and retail complex at Bronxchester Urban Renewal Sites 6, 7A and 7B in the Bronx.

"The Bronx will gain another significant office and retail development that will create hundreds of new jobs and improve the area's overall quality of life by adding new commercial options," said Mayor Giuliani. "By converting under-used City-owned property into a thriving office and retail center, the project will make the neighborhood more attractive for further development."

The three sites contain a total of approximately 250,000 square feet of vacant land. They are bounded by 149th Street, Brook Avenue and Bergen Avenue, and divided by Westchester Avenue. The proposed project will include 314,000 square feet of office space, a 3,000-square-foot community center, and 171,850 square feet of retail space that will include a 51,500-square-foot supermarket. Two parking lots will be included to provide space for 335 cars. Construction on the $98.2 million project is scheduled to begin May 2003 and take approximately 18 months to complete. The development will create 850 construction jobs and 1,400 permanent jobs.

The Starrett Corporation is a well-known New York City developer, builder and property manager. Its development projects range from high-rise office buildings, technology centers, hotels and retail facilities to residential and mixed-use complexes. Starrett has constructed notable buildings such as the Empire State Building, 280 Broadway, and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to develop a first-class commercial and retail complex in the Bronx," said Robert Birnbach, President and Chief Executive Officer, Starrett Corporation. "Centrally located and contiguous with a mass transportation hub, this project represents another significant step in the rebirth of the downtown Bronx."

HRH Construction LLC, an affiliate of the Starrett Corporation, will be the construction manager for the project. HRH Construction has been in business for over 75 years. In the past 10 years, the company has constructed more than 5.75 million square feet of office and retail space.

"This is another important initiative of the City to bring economic development to the Bronx," said EDC President Michael G. Carey. "EDC recently announced the selection of a developer for Bronxchester Site 12 near The Hub. When complete these two projects will create more than 2,000 permanent jobs for Bronx residents. They will also help to revitalize one of the most critical commercial corridors in the Bronx."

The City selected Starrett Corporation as a result of a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) on behalf of the City. In evaluating the RFPs, EDC considered a number of factors, including development team qualifications, financial feasibility, relationship to the surrounding community, design features and the ability to complete the project in a reasonable timeframe.

EDC is the City's primary vehicle for economic development services. Using its real estate and financial resources, EDC helps develop businesses and create jobs throughout the five boroughs. EDC is also responsible for the sale of City-owned land for economic development



www.nyc.gov