Intrepid Museum parking lot in Hell’s Kitchen slated for development
Photo by on Wikimedia
New York is seeking proposals to transform a parking lot in Hell’s Kitchen used by the Intrepid Museum into a mixed-use development. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday issued a request for proposals for the site at 621 West 45th Street, which measures just over 50,500 square feet on 12th Avenue between West 45th and West 46th Streets. Proposed for one of the largest undeveloped parcels on Manhattan’s far West Side, the project presents an opportunity to bring much-needed affordable housing to a state-owned site in the city.
“The West Side of Manhattan has a storied history as a vibrant, inclusive community, and I’m committed to strengthening that legacy by building for a more affordable future,” Hochul said.
“By transforming this underutilized State-owned property into a dynamic mixed-use development with a significant affordable housing component, we’re taking aim at low housing supply in a high-demand area and building a stronger community for residents in Hell’s Kitchen and beyond.”
The state’s Department of Transportation acquired the land by eminent domain in 2000 and 2002 during the reconstruction of the West Side Highway. As part of an agreement with the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, the state permits the museum to use the surface level lot for parking for school trips and special events. The proposals should preserve parking for 14 buses as well as 24/7 access to the existing pedestrian bridge, which connects directly to Hudson River Park.
According to the RFP, the proposals for the mixed-use development should include at least 25 percent affordable housing and a maximum floor area ratio of 18, permitted because of recent zoning reforms. The proposals should incorporate “forms and facades” that enhance both visual appeal and walkability of Hell’s Kitchen.
The state also seeks a mix of residential and commercial spaces that “reflect the area’s needs and character,” along with amenities and services to support residents and enliven the streetscape. Proposals must also include community spaces that foster a sense of belonging and encourage interaction among residents and visitors.
“It’s exciting to see even more new affordable housing being proposed in our community,” Council Member Erik Bottcher said in a statement. “Governor Hochul and Empire State Development’s initiative will transform a surface parking lot into desperately needed housing, along with essential services and community resources.”
Since the site is on state land, the plan would go through a General Project Plan, to be approved by Empire State Development (ESD). Proposals are due for submission to ESD by May 15 at 2 p.m.
The project is part of a broader plan by Hochul to develop housing on underutilized or vacant state-owned land, including closed prisons, like the Bayview Correctional Facility in Chelsea and the Lincoln Correctional Facility in Harlem.
Another West Side state-owned parcel slated for development is “Site K” at 418 11th Avenue. Late last year, Hochul announced plans for a $1.35 billion mixed-use development with nearly 1,400 new homes across from the Javits Center. The project includes a 72-story residential tower, a 28-story hotel, and a five-story podium that will hold a permanent home for the Climate Museum and community facilities.
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This is getting boring. Another astronomically high rent area call the affordable. it’s all the same thing, all the same prices for the rents. it’s got turning the amount of money people are paying to rent an apartment and they don’t own anything. it’s like everything has a shelf life. Everything is temporary and movable, there’s nothing permanent. it makes everything seem so frivolous and costly.