Proceeds would help support the operations of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. The New York City Economic Development Corporation is seeking proposals to develop and operate a hotel and conference center at the former Bellevue Psychiatric Building, located at 492 First Avenue between East 29th and East 30th Streets. The winning developer would enter into a 49-year lease agreement with the City with two 25-year renewal options. Currently, the building serves as a homeless shelter and intake center for the New York City Department of Homeless Services, a use which will come to an end by June 2009.

Built in 1931, the nine-story, 398,420-square-foot building was designed by Charles B. Meyers in the same Italian Renaissance style as neighboring buildings. It is eligible for listing on the State and National Register of Historic Places and any alterations to its interior or exterior are subject to New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation review. Any alterations impacting the first floor lobby’s murals, believed to be Works Progress Administration pieces, require New York City Art Commission approval.

The proposed hotel and conference center would serve Bellevue Hospital, the New York University Medical Center, the anticipated East River Science Park, and other institutions located within the First Avenue medical and life sciences corridor. Because the site is located within the corridor, it is restricted to hospital-related, neighborhood retail, and office uses. The winning developer, therefore, would have to seek new zoning approvals for the hotel and conference center.

EDC set a June 13, 2008 deadline for all responses.

EDC: Request for Proposals – Former Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital Redevelopment (Mar. 31, 2008).