New Life Science and Public Health Hub Coming to Kips Bay
A 2 million-square-foot development dedicated to the public health, life sciences, and healthcare sectors will be constructed on the Hunter College Brookdale campus at First Avenue and East 25th Street according to the recent announcement by the New York City Economic Development Corp. (NYCEDC). Dubbed Science Park and Research Campus (SPARC), the project will also include a pedestrian bridge across FDR Drive to access Manhattan’s east waterfront, a new public space in the area, and the addition of flood-proofing infrastructure. An estimated $42 million in economic impact over 30 years is expected to be generated following construction completion in 2031. The architectural team of Ennead Architects and Dattner Architects have been selected to design the new hub. SPARC will rise on a portion of the site that spans a full 4.75-acre block; and currently includes the Hunter College School of Nursing, School of Health Professions, and dorms. However, since built in 1954, the campus has become antiquated with aging buildings and infrastructure that no longer adequately supports CUNY’s educational efforts. The redevelopment of the site provides a unique opportunity to build new facilities for CUNY, while also supporting critical services for H+H, the office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS).