Governor Hochul Announces Request for Proposals to Transform Underutilized Hell's Kitchen Site Near Intrepid Museum Into Vibrant Mixed-Use Development

50,584 Square Foot State-Owned Parcel Presents Unique Opportunity To Address Housing Needs and Enhance Neighborhood Vitality

Part of Governor Hochul’s Bold Vision To Address New York State’s Housing Crisis Through Executive Action – Including Initiative To Repurpose State-Owned Sites as Housing

Request for Proposals Available Here, Submission Deadline May 15, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET

Governor Kathy Hochul 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. This project presents an opportunity to transform one of the largest undeveloped parcels on Manhattan's far West Side into a vibrant hub of residential and mixed-use development, addressing the critical need for affordable housing in the area. 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.

“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.”

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, the site 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

These efforts build upon the Governor’s FY23 five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan aimed at creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes — including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations — and electrifying an additional 50,000 units. To date, more than 55,000 homes have been created or preserved under this initiative. The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program, making Pro Housing Certification a prerequisite for municipalities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. Currently, 275 communities have been certified, including New York City — reflecting a growing statewide commitment to addressing New York’s critical housing needs.