BankNote to Create Campus Space for Potential Higher Ed Tenants

The developers of Hunts Point's BankNote building, Taconic Investment Partners, LLC and Denham Wolf Real Estate Services, are taking another step to lure dynamic tenants to BankNote's massive 405,000 square foot office and retail complex with plans to convert some of its space to a campus-like setting attractive to higher education schools and professional training programs.

BankNote is already home to two education programs, the J.V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School and a small DOE high school program, and these recently announced plans include developing private entrances and collaborative education programs with current tenants and community organizations. Building from the existing creative services tenants, which includes Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre, The Bronx Association of Arts and Dance (BAAD!) and The Lightbox-NY, the developers envision a multi-use, destination building that brings business to the South Bronx and increases community activity in Hunts Point.

“The BankNote works well for customizing space for schools because of its large floor plates, ample space for separate classrooms, lots of natural light, private entrance potential, high ceilings, and location in the heart of a thriving cultural community,” said Paul Wolf, co-president of Denham Wolf Real Estate Services. “In recent months, we have seen an uptick in leasing interest from academic institutions coinciding with education-related activities in the building.”

Good stuff!

BankNote Receives Grassroots Preservation Award

(left to right) Denham Wolf Real Estate Services' Jonathan Denham and Paul Wolf
accept HDC's Grassroots Preservation Award for BankNote Building

The landmarked BankNote building in Hunts Point received her most recent accolade earlier this month at the Historic Districts Council's (HDC) 10th Annual ceremony. BankNote was one of only six individuals/organizations from all five boroughs being presented with HDC's Grassroots Preservation Award, which recognizes groups and individuals that work to preserve NYC's valuable neighborhoods.

“We are honored to receive recognition from the Historic District Council and contribute to the preservation of New York City’s rich fabric of historic buildings,” said Jonathan Denham, principal of Denham Wolf Real Estate Services. “With the guidance and expertise of Beyer Blinder Belle through the landmark and renovation process, we are thankful for the collaborative experience of working with the Landmarks Preservation Committee and Community Board 2.”

Built in 1909, The BankNote is a 405,000-square-foot, four-building office and retail complex which was formerly the home of The American Bank Note Company. The building received landmark status in February 2008. As a destination building for creative companies, office tenants and schools, BankNote's notable tenants include Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre, Sustainable South Bronx and The Lightbox-NY.

Good stuff - congrats BankNote!

~ErLu

Heather Mills Back in the Bronx

Pictured from left:
John V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School students, Heather Mills and
Maryann Hedaa, managing director of HPAC.

I really hate to say this, but am I going to have to start LIKING Heather Mills?

The ex-Mrs. McCartney was back in the BoogieDown recently hosting a 'healthy cooking day' for students of the John V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School. The event, which took place two weeks ago at The BankNote Building, was another step in Heather's commitment to bring $1 million dollars worth of vegan food to the Hunts Point Alliance for Children (HPAC).

Heather's quote in the release about the event is as follows: “As a mother I see firsthand the benefits of healthy eating, and I’m thrilled the families of Hunts Point are embracing these delicious vegan foods that I’ve loved for so many years,” Heather said. “Working with these children here is truly rewarding, and a lot of fun.”

Can't argue with that... Kids from every socio-economic background should have access to healthy foods. Thanks for your commitment to the kids of the BoogieDown Heather!

PS: BoogieDowner likes your new haircut.

~ErLu

BankNote Up Close

Click here to read everything you ever wanted to know about The BankNote building in Hunts Point...

Daily News' Jason Sheftell does a nice job of telling both sides of the story here. He talks to those who have been in the community for years about the developers' intentions for the commercial space, as well as what steps they've taken to ensure that artists' groups aren't priced out of the new space (which was recently assured a Class-A designation upon completion).

It's a good read.

~ErLu

BankNote Receives Much Sought After Class-A Designation

BoogieDowner received word yesterday that The BankNote building in Hunts Point will be officially designated a Class-A office and retail building upon completion of the $25 million renovation it is currently undergoing. The BankNote will be the first Class-A building in Hunts Point, and one out of only eight in the entire borough.

So what exactly is a Class-A piece of real estate, one might wonder? According to http://www.squarefeetblog.com/, Class-A buildings "represent the highest quality buildings in their market. They are generally the best looking buildings with the best construction, and possess high quality building infrastructure. Class A buildings also are well-located, have good access, and are professionally managed. As a result of this, they attract the highest quality tenants and also command the highest rents."

In addition to this most recent Class-A designation development, The BankNote also recently announced that current tenant the Wine Cellerage, a luxury wine services company with clients such as Christie's and high-end private importers, has signed a seven-year expansion lease for close to 6,000 square feet.

These are quite invigorating developments for the South Bronx as New York City's commercial real estate market continues to get slapped around by the crappy economic climate. Go cry to yo momma Brooklyn waterfront warehouses-turned-vacant-ugly-condos.

~ErLu

Event Reminders: TGIF! (Updated)

SBX Film Festival
As we posted about earlier this week, the first ever SBX Film Festival will be taking place with events beginning tonight and lasting straight through the weekend in various SoBro hot spots. For complete details, visit their website here.


4th Annual Viva Bronx Festival
Celebrating the South Bronx's role as a gateway to America for generations of immigrants, the street festival will feature multicultural music and dance performances, tons of vendors, stilt walkers, clowns, children's rides, and performing artists. The event will take place Sunday, October 5th from 11am to 6pm at Hostos Community College (Grand Concourse between 144th and 149th Streets). View flier here.


Tour the BankNote Building
The landmarked BankNote Building in Hunts Point will be open to for public viewing and tours this Saturday and Sunday. The building, which was used to print foreign currency, bank notes and stamps from 1911 to 1985, is said to have unique architectural details. For more details, visit the West Bronx Blog or BankNote's website.


Free Classical Concert
Lehman College's Chamber Players will perform a free concert of classical works in Lehman’s Music Building Recital Hall, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. W., on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. Featured performers include cellist Andre Emelianoff and pianist and Lehman music professor Diana-Mittler Battipaglia. For more information, call (718) 960-8247. [Listing courtesy of http://www.bronxmall.com/]


Fort Apache Revisited
The Bronx Council on the Arts’ (BCA) Longwood Arts Project presents Fort Apache Revisited, a panel discussion, including visual references, about the Apache people and the movie, ”Fort Apache, the Bronx.” The discussion will be held at the Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos Community College, located at 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m., in conjunction with the Fort Apache Connection exhibit, at the gallery through Nov. 10. For more information, call the gallery at (718) 518-6728 or BCA at (718) 931-9500. [Listing courtesy of http://www.bronxmall.com/]


Bronx Museum of the Arts Events
As part of its First Friday of the Month program, BMA will host "High Water in the Bronx - A Squeeze Radio Showcase" tonight from 6 to 10pm in the South Wing's Lower Gallery. The event, which is free, will feature the entire roster of talent, plus special guests from High Water – an independent Hip Hop record label run by Sucio Smash. Be there as they record a live radio show for later broadcast. Hosted by Timm See (Squeeze Radio Show) with music by DJ Sucio Smash (Squeeze Radio Show). And featuring High Water artists: Sadat X, Fresh Daily, P. Casso, Sputnik Brown.
Also, tomorrow at BMA from 1 to 4pm will be an event called "Family Affair: Art. Life. Family." Taking place at the North Wing entrance, this event is free and will include art-making workshops and guided tours of Street Art, Street Life – an exhibition documenting street art from the 1950s to the present.
For more information about programing at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, visit their website.


Hip Hop Theatre Festival
Check out Danny Hoch's one-man show "Taking Over - The All-City Tour" tonight and tomorrow night at 8pm at Hostos Community College. The show is about gentrification in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Click here to learn more and reserve your FREE tickets.


Bernie Mac Tribute at Lehman College
"Laugh It Out" is a comedy show tonight at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts which will feature BET's Sheryl Underwood, Capone, Tyler Craig, Rich Ramirez, and Sara Contreras with Host Michael Shawn. Presented by 3rd Wheel, Inc. Show begins at 8pm and tickets range from $30 to $45. Click here to buy tickets.

Know of anything else happening this weekend in the BoogieDown? Send us a tip at boogiedowner@gmail.com.

*Photo of classy ladies holding TGIF sign courtesy of region17online.com*

~ErLu