In a groundbreaking partnership, the Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) has reached an unprecedented agreement with 8th Regiment Partners LLC, allowing the community organizing group to claim a 20% ownership stake in the long-vacant Kingsbridge Armory, a landmark filled with rich history.
The announcement on Tuesday evening came just ahead of the public review process, marked by a hearing at the local community board, aimed at revitalizing the armory, which has remained unfulfilled since the city took ownership in 1996.
Dating back to the 1970s, NWBCCC has been pivotal in advocating for community interests against disinvestment in Bronx neighborhoods. Throughout the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) visioning process for the armory, NWBCCC has persistently pushed for community ownership, especially as previous revival initiatives have faced setbacks.
Under this new pact, the coalition will secure 125,000 square feet from a total of 570,000 square feet available, divided into two condominiums. The primary focus will be on establishing affordable light manufacturing space to support local Bronx businesses that have struggled to find affordable space, such as Port Morris Distillery that recently exited the borough.
The second component includes up to 25,000 square feet dedicated to a community hub that will serve various purposes, including workforce development and entrepreneurship programs.
The agreement is structured through a memorandum of understanding that grants both condominiums 99-year leases. Importantly, the community hub will be free for use, while leases for light manufacturing spaces must not exceed 20% below market rates, estimated at around $15 to $17 per square foot, according to NWBCCC’s executive director Sandra Lobo.
Lobo expressed optimism about the deal, calling it a major turning point for development in New York City. She highlighted the participation of over 4,000 residents involved in the visioning process led by the Together for Kingsbridge working group, underlining the importance of community ownership in such a significant project.
Furthermore, the MOU stipulates that NWBCCC will manage an additional 20,000 square feet of commercial space as part of the housing development, which will feature 450 subsidized units adjacent to the armory. This arrangement is designed to benefit struggling businesses in the Kingsbridge and Fordham business corridors, as well as vendors seeking to establish a physical presence outside the armory.
Additionally, the agreement lays the groundwork for a community benefit fund, which will receive funding from the project’s revenues. Details regarding the percentage contributions to the fund and projected revenues remain unclear.
Gabriella Sottile, principal of Maddd Equities, representing 8th Regiment Partners, emphasized the importance of strong community partnerships in the redevelopment process. She expressed excitement about having NWBCCC as a long-term partner in this transformative venture.
The repurposed armory, now dubbed “El Centro Kingsbridge,” is set to include a state-of-the-art event venue, a community space, recreational facilities, educational services focused on workforce development, cultural and commercial options, and sports fields, among others.
The selection of the developer in January marks a pivotal moment for the Kingsbridge Armory after years of unsuccessful redevelopment attempts. Previous efforts to convert the iconic structure into a national ice center ended in legal disputes, leaving the site dormant for years.
In addition to the significant partnership, the developer’s selection has faced scrutiny, as another competitor has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging political interference in the bidding process. This legal case remains pending in Bronx Supreme Court.
On Tuesday evening, the Bronx Community Board 7 convened a hearing to advance the Kingsbridge Armory development proposal, kicking off a lengthy Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP).
Local Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, who co-chaired the Together for Kingsbridge Community Vision Plan, referred to this project as a major step towards redeveloping an invaluable community asset.
Sanchez expressed her commitment to ensuring that the proposal undergoes rigorous evaluation during the ULURP process, taking into account community feedback and adhering to the Vision Plan’s principles.
As she remarked, “This is our once-in-a-generation chance to get this right — and we must.”
Overall, the collaboration between NWBCCC and 8th Regiment Partners is seen as a significant stride toward equitable development, promising transformative and inclusive economic growth for the Bronx.
image source from：https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/06/03/kingsbridge-armory-northwest-bronx-community-ownership/
