NYCEDC Issues Request for Proposals for Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Project

NEW YORK—New York City Economic Development Corporation released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Sept. 25 for a developer to lease, redevelop, and operate the Kingsbridge Armory, one of the largest armory buildings in the world and a landmarked structure that contains approximately 570,000 square feet of space.

The RFP follows the release of the “Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan” and is backed by a combined $200-million investment by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The Kingsbridge Armory RFP seeks to create a financially feasible, thriving, mixed-use development that:

• Strikes a balance between addressing the needs of the local community and creating an economic engine for the wider area;

• Activates the Armory and enhances its integration with the neighborhood, promoting more accessibility, transparency, and connection with the surrounding community;

• Serves diverse users, including those from different age groups, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and income levels;

• Delivers a minimum of 25,000 square feet of space to be subleased to one or more community-based organizations at discounted rates.

• Design the site to promote sustainability, energy efficiency, and carbon neutrality, while preserving the landmarked exterior.

• Responsibly develop the project by delivering a comprehensive hiring program that supports communities and creates job opportunities, including for economically disadvantaged candidates and

• Generate returns to the city through lease rent, tax, and payment in lieu of tax (“PILOT”) revenue.

“The release of this RFP demonstrates that we are serious about the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory and want this historic structure to, not only remain a symbol of resiliency, but become an economic engine for the Bronx,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “In addition to economic development, we want the redeveloped armory to promote sustainability and serve diverse users in the Bronx.”

NYCEDC has launched sign-ups for community-based organizations (CBOs) and emerging developers to express their interest in being part of the Armory’s development (see sign-ups here and here). RFP respondents are encouraged to consider the involvement of CBOs and emerging developers when developing their proposals.

The release of the Kingsbridge Armory RFP was hailed by a host of Bronx political leaders.

“The Kingsbridge Armory embodies the resilience of our community, and after a long redevelopment journey, including failed attempts and a restart of community engagement, I am excited to reach another milestone,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. The publishing of NYCEDC’s Requests for Proposals for the Armory comes on the heels of nine months of community engagement—involving 4,000 community members—that resulted in the Kingsbridge Armory Vision Plan. I eagerly await RFP responses that adhere closely to the community’s vision plan and look forward to shepherding a project through the city’s land use process that brings economic transformation to our Bronx communities, prioritizes good paying, union jobs, and emphasizes the delivery of vital investments into our district’s people. With our shared vision for the Kingsbridge Armory, and historic level of public investment of $200M in this project, we will ensure the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory is a success for the Bronx and this city.”

“The Kingsbridge Armory is an iconic symbol of our neighborhood and represents a promise that has been long unfulfilled in the Bronx,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “After heeding my request on behalf of constituents, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Hochul put forth the largest investment that Kingsbridge has ever witnessed for one building in the amount of $200 million. Coupled with the ‘Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan,’ the Armory’s history and potential will finally be preserved and fully realized. As we enter the next phase of development of the Kingsbridge Armory with today’s RFP announcement, I encourage all eligible local community stakeholders to submit applications to rethink, reimagine, and reassert the visionary use and planning for this historic building and what it means to our community.”

“From the start, we have been serious about the redevelopment and reimagining of the Kingsbridge Armory and today’s announcement brings us one step closer to making this dream a reality,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “With the release of the RFP, we are demonstrating our commitment to investing in the largest armory in the nation that has been left dormant for years but has the potential to be an economic engine for the borough and a space that is truly for the Kingsbridge community. I want to thank our Co-Chairs, Council Member Pierina Sanchez and Executive Director of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition Sandra Lobo, Community Working Group Members, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, my colleagues in government, our Deputy Borough President, community members, and everyone else who has contributed time and labor to this project, our vision plan, and to getting us to this point. Together, we will get it done and have an armory truly reflective of the needs and wants of our residents and families in the Bronx.”

“In the heart of the Bronx, the Kingsbridge Armory stands as a symbol of boundless potential and resilience, poised to become a dynamic economic catalyst,” said New York State Senator Robert Jackson. “This Request for Proposals (RFP), unveiled by the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and backed by investments from New York City and New York State, affirms the dedication to its renaissance. In unity, we forge not just bricks and mortar but also aspirations into the very bedrock of the armory, creating a sustainable, inclusive nucleus for our community’s future.”

“After the successful community-led “Together for Kingsbridge” vision plan and with a $200 million commitment from the State and City, the release of this much anticipated RFP brings us one step closer to ensuring the Kingsbridge Armory reaches its full potential for our community,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “Proposals will need to reflect our vision for the transformation of this neighborhood icon and ensure our community will benefit from its redevelopment. I cannot help but feel optimistic about the future of this project and its significance for the Bronx.”

“The Kingsbridge Armory is one of the Bronx’s greatest assets,” said Assemblymember George Alvarez. “The Kingsbridge Armory is in the heart of the 78th Assembly District which I am proud to represent. Today’s RFP release represents an important day for our District and I am excited to see what the future holds and contribute to the success of the ‘Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan.’”

Responses to the RFP are due by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18th, 2024. An optional information session was scheduled on Tuesday, October 10th at 10:30 a.m. with more details available in the RFP.

The “Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan” synthesized a robust nine-month public engagement process focused on the future of the Armory. Through a collaborative effort led by NYCEDC, the process gathered feedback from more than 4,000 participants and included over 950 survey responses, nine Community Board meetings, 16 small group discussions, and conversations with approximately 75 additional stakeholders across various industries. Participants included local elected officials, and representatives from community-based organizations, nearby schools and colleges, health care providers, merchant associations and labor.