Prominent Non-Profit Organization Holds a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to Mark Official Opening of New Research Institute and Headquarters
The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF), an independent non-profit organization founded in 2005 to support cutting-edge stem cell research, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 19, 2017 to officially open its new 40,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art laboratory and research facility at 619 West 54th Street. The building is owned by an investment partnership which includes Taconic Investment Partners, who manages the building and oversees leasing. The NYSCF Research Institute is one of the largest laboratories in the world devoted exclusively to stem cell research. The glass-enclosed wet lab includes the most advanced technology available for the manufacturing and study of stem cells. The facility will have highly-specialized GMP facilities, molecular biology, imaging, and cell sorting labs, as well as an event/lecture hall, and executive offices.
“NYSCF’s leadership role in advancing stem cell therapeutics, combined with the substantial investment we have made in laboratory infrastructure in our new Institute in this building, perfectly positions 619 West 54th Street to be a magnet for the life sciences.” Said Susan L. Solomon, CEO and cofounder of The New York Stem Cell Foundation.
“We are very excited to welcome NYSCF to the building and congratulate them on building a world-class research center right here on the burgeoning west side of Manhattan,” said Paul Pariser, co-CEO of Taconic. “We believe this facility represents the beginning of a new life science hub in New York City and NYSCF’s presence will help draw additional biotech companies to the area.”
619 West 54th Street has the zoning and infrastructure to appeal to life science and medical tenants including 33,000-square-foot floorplates, robust emergency and primary power, 20-foot column spacing, and high ceiling heights. Other features of the 330,000 square foot building, which is located across from DeWitt Clinton Park, include a renovated lobby and common areas, onsite gated parking, and a bike room complete with private showers. The building currently has over 90,000 square feet of space available which Taconic is marketing to other life science and office tenants.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by NYSCF collaborators, supporters and friends, including Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and three-term New York City Mayor; Howard Zemsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, Empire State Development; and James Patchett, President & CEO, New York City Economic Development Corporation. In December, New York City announced their LifeSci NYC program, a $500 Million initiative to establish New York City as a leading life science hub along with the creation of over 16,000 new jobs in the sector.
For additional information about 619 W. 54th St., please visit the website at www.619w54.com. For leasing information please contact Greg Smith at 212-445-1239, greg.smith@jrtrealty.com or Ellen Israel at 212-445-1218, ellen.israel@jrtrealty.com.
About Taconic Investment Partners
Since 1997, Taconic Investment Partners has acquired, redeveloped and repositioned over 12 million square feet of commercial office and mixed-use space, as well as 3,000+ units of luxury and workforce housing in the New York metropolitan area, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. As a fully integrated real estate operating company with a keen eye for uncovering value, its diverse capabilities are evidenced by its multifaceted success with luxury properties, as well as adaptive reuse and urban revitalization projects. In New York City, Taconic recently co-developed 837 Washington in New York’s Meatpacking District, is currently developing 71 Laight Street in TriBeCa, Essex Crossing on the Lower East Side, 525 West 52nd Street on the West Side, and has assembled significant land holdings in Coney Island for residential development. The firm also manages various real estate funds on behalf of institutional and pension fund investors. For more information visit: www.taconicinvestments.com.
About The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute
The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute is an independent organization accelerating cures and better treatments for patients through stem cell research. The NYSCF global community includes over 140 researchers at leading institutions worldwide, including the NYSCF – Druckenmiller Fellows, the NYSCF – Robertson Investigators, the NYSCF – Robertson Stem Cell Prize Recipients, and NYSCF Research Institute scientists and engineers. The NYSCF Research Institute is an acknowledged world leader in stem cell research and in developing pioneering stem cell technologies, including the NYSCF Global Stem Cell ArrayTM and in manufacturing stem cells for scientists around the globe. NYSCF focuses on translational research in a model designed to overcome the barriers that slow discovery and replace silos with collaboration. For more information, visit www.nyscf.org.
