ALBANY, NY –
NY Governor Kathy Hochul on February 28 announced a Request for Proposals for the redevelopment of 621 West 45th Street, a state-owned parcel in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. The site, currently utilized as a surface parking lot, spans approximately 50,584 square feet along the east blockfront of Twelfth Avenue between West 45th and West 46th Streets.
“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,” Governor 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”.
According to a press release by the Office of the Governor, the parcel offers a unique opportunity to address New York’s housing crisis through innovative redevelopment. Previously used as a surface parking lot supporting the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, it occupies a prominent location in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, adjacent to the Hudson River waterfront. With its proximity to Hudson River Park, transportation hubs and vibrant local amenities, the redevelopment of this underutilized parcel will serve as a cornerstone for inclusive growth, delivering much-needed affordable housing, fostering mixed-use development, and enhancing the quality of life for current and future residents.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) outlines key development objectives designed to maximize the site’s potential and ensure a transformative impact on the community. These include:
- A minimum of 25 percent on-site affordable housing units, contributing to inclusive and accessible living opportunities in the neighborhood
- A mix of residential and commercial spaces that reflect the area’s needs and character, providing amenities and services to support residents and enliven the streetscape
- Incorporation of community spaces to foster a sense of belonging and social interaction among residents and visitors
- Preservation of the Intrepid Museum’s parking and pedestrian bridge access rights, ensuring seamless integration with existing cultural and recreational assets
- Building form and facades designed to create a vibrant and varied streetscape, enhancing the visual appeal and walkability of the neighborhood
“It is no secret that New Yorkers are facing a housing crisis, and the transformation of a state-owned surface level parking lot on 12th Avenue across from the Intrepid into a mix of residential and commercial development with at least 25% affordable is a win for the entire City”, said Representative Jerry Nadler (D-NY). “This Hell’s Kitchen property is one of the largest undeveloped parcels on the far west side and its transformation will create a vibrant mixed-use development, while also ensuring that the Intrepid retains its needed parking and access for them and the community to the Hudson River Park with pedestrian bridge access”, he added.
Applicants can view the Request for Proposals document here and submit a proposal to Empire State Development by May 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
