City moves to turn Harlem garage into offices

The city’s Economic Development Corp. and the Empire State Development Corp. are calling for developers to turn a Harlem parking garage into an office building and cultural center, the Wall Street Journal reported. The request for proposals, slated to be issued today, will seek a developer to build 300,000 square feet of space.

The site is located on West 125 Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Lenox Avenue. A zoning rule allows for the construction of 363,000 square feet if the developer makes a visual or performing-arts space inside, which the EDC would prefer. The EDC says the new development will lure commercial office tenants, non-profit organizations and creative companies.

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Similar projects are in the works around Harlem, as there are plans to redevelop both the Corn Exchange Building and the former Taystee Bakery complex. The Corn Exchange project will begin this year and the Taystee project will launch next year. The sites will be turned into retail, office and industrial space. [WSJ]