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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2002
PR- 306-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES CITY WILL MOVE FORWARD
WITH SALE OF 110 LIVINGSTON STREET

Seeking to Create Mixed-Use Development in Downtown Brooklyn

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced that the City is proceeding with plans to sell 110 Livingston Street in Downtown Brooklyn, the former headquarters of the now defunct Board of Education. The Mayor made the announcement in Brooklyn at the 2002 New York City Economic Development Summit.

"The successful development of this unique property is an integral part of our efforts to capitalize on Downtown Brooklyn's strengths as a vital, 24/7 community," said Mayor Bloomberg. "In addition to adding to the excitement of Downtown Brooklyn, development of this building will also send the definitive message that the Board of Education is a thing of the past and the new Department of Education is on a fast track to reform as well as generate much-needed revenue for the City."

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will issue a Request for Proposals for the building early next year will call for a mixed-use development. A previous RFP drew significant interest from a variety of potential developers that proposed uses for the building ranging from condominiums, rental units or dormitory space for local academic institutions. Lower floors may be appropriate for retail or academic uses. Studies have indicated that the building could accommodate as many as 250 apartments.

The façade of the McKim, Mead and White-designed building has recently been restored. Built in 1925, it has been occupied by the Board of Education, now the Department of Education, since 1939. The approximately 350,000-square-foot, building is in good structural condition. It features a striking central core that brings natural light into almost the entire building.

Most of the 900 DOE employees that worked in the building have been transferred to other locations, with about 600 relocated to the Tweed Courthouse in Lower Manhattan. The remaining DOE employees at 110 Livingston will be relocated by the summer of 2003. DOE will maintain a significant presence in the community; about a thousand employees will continue to be located nearby at 131 Livingston Street and 65 Court Street. The previous RFP had called for the sale of those two buildings as well.

 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jennifer Falk
(212) 788-2958