Governor Hochul Announces Transformation of Long-Vacant South Bronx Building Into New HEArts Community Center

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the redevelopment of the long-vacant former Lincoln Recovery Center in Mott Haven into the new HEArts Center, a nearly $44.6 million community hub that will expand access to health, environmental education, arts and workforce development programming in the South Bronx. Led by Mott Haven-Port Morris Community Land Stewards, the project will transform the City-owned property at 349 East 140th Street into a 26,805-square-foot community center providing affordable space for community-based organizations and serving an estimated 1,000-plus visitors each month. Empire State Development is supporting the project with a $2.5 million Regional Council Capital Fund grant, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation awarded $2.5 million through its Environmental Justice Community Environmental Education Grant, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has contributed $2 million in awards through its Building Cleaner Communities Competition and $1.79 million in capital grant funding was awarded from the New York State Council on the Arts.

"Every New Yorker deserves access to vibrant community spaces that create opportunity and strengthen the neighborhoods they call home," Governor Hochul said. "The HEArts Center will breathe new life into a long-vacant property in the South Bronx and create a lasting home for health services, workforce training, the arts and community programming. Our investments are another example of how we are working with local partners to build stronger, healthier and more connected communities across New York."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State is investing in projects that strengthen neighborhoods and create new opportunities for the people who live there. The HEArts Center will transform a long-unused building into an accessible community asset where South Bronx residents can connect with critical services, develop new skills and participate in arts and educational programming. ESD is proud to support Mott Haven-Port Morris Community Land Stewards as they bring this important community-driven project to life."

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, "DEC is proud to support Bronx organizations like Mott Haven-Port Morris Community Land Stewards in their efforts to connect residents with opportunities to build community and learn about environmental justice. Funding awarded through New York State agency partners and DEC's Environmental Education Centers grant program will help local organizations serving people in disadvantaged communities promote exploration, discovery and learning about climate and the environment, complementing DEC's ongoing commitment to support environmental justice statewide."

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "The HEArts Community Center is an example of how we can preserve what makes communities unique by reimagining historic buildings as modern, energy efficient spaces to serve New Yorkers for generations to come. NYSERDA is proud to support this transformative project, which demonstrates how clean energy investments are advancing economic development initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and create more resilient communities."

The HEArts Center will be created through a comprehensive rehabilitation of the former Lincoln Recovery Center, including remediation, selective interior demolition, full renovation of the building's exterior and interior, and a 2,300-square-foot expansion. Once complete, the center will provide affordable space for community-based organizations offering holistic health services, job training, arts and environmental programming, and other community resources. The center is expected to host more than 1,000 visits each month and provide green jobs training and developmental services to as many as 340 students annually.

The project represents an estimated State investment of approximately $44.6 million. All New York State funding will be disbursed upon completion of the project and verification of eligible project expenditures.

New York City Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and William D. Rahm said, "The HEArts Center reflects the kind of community-driven investment that strengthens neighborhoods from the ground up. By transforming a long-vacant property into a hub for health, education, the arts and workforce development, this project will create new opportunities for South Bronx residents and provide local organizations with the space and resources they need to serve the community."

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, "This groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction - it's the start of a new era of understanding of how arts are critical to community health. Research shows that access to the arts is not a luxury, but a necessity: it measurably reduces stress, improves mental health outcomes, protects aging minds and even speeds physical recovery. NYSCA is proud to support the HEArts Center and its innovative mission to bring health, education and arts together."

Mott Haven Port Morris Community Land Stewards Board of Directors Muchal Johnson said, "After more than 15 years of seeing this historic structure vacant, it's incredibly meaningful to the community to see it transformed into a place that instills pride among South Bronx residents. The HEArts Center exemplifies what can happen when community vision, leadership, local organizing and public investment come together around a shared vision. We are especially excited to create affordable space for community-based organizations and to bring health, education, arts and workforce resources directly into the neighborhood. This is the kind of investment that can strengthen the community from within - by supporting the people and organizations already doing the work and creating new opportunities for residents of Mott Haven and the South Bronx."

State Senator José M. Serrano said, "This HEArts Center represents over 15 years of organization, leadership, and collaboration to bring a community-led hub for health, education, workforce development, and the arts to the South Bronx. As the Senator for the 29th Senate District, proudly representing the South Bronx and East Harlem, I am so happy to have supported the HEArts Center with a capital grant and to celebrate this monumental milestone. This investment is long-overdue for our community, and this groundbreaking will provide a much-needed community hub for healing, learning, creativity, culture and connection. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, my colleagues in government, NYC Economic Development Corporation, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Energy Research and Development Authority and the community members for their investment to bring this much-needed community space to the South Bronx."

Assemblymember Amanda N. Septimo said, "I have championed the HEArts Center from its earliest days because where you live should never determine your access to opportunity. This project takes a city building that has sat vacant for far too long and puts it back to work for the people of Mott Haven; creating a place where our neighbors can access health services, young people can learn and create, residents can train for good-paying jobs and local organizations can grow their impact. This is a nearly $45 million investment in our community and one that I am confident will be stewarded well. I'm proud to have helped move this vision forward and grateful to Governor Hochul, Mott Haven-Port Morris Community Land Stewards, South Bronx Unite and the community partners who have fought for it alongside us. The HEArts Center is more than a new community space: it means bringing resources, opportunity, and investment directly to the people who call the South Bronx home."

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, "This groundbreaking marks the start of a vision that will soon transform a vacant space in our borough into a hub of holistic health and wellness for our communities. This $44 million initiative is years in the making and will breathe new life into the South Bronx while serving as a blueprint for community-led, community-focused and community-driven redevelopment. I am proud to have allocated funding in FY26 to help bring Bronx HEArts to the finish line, and I am grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, the Mott Haven-Port Morris Community Land Stewards, Alembic Community Development, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, the New York City Council, the New York City Economic Development Corporation and everyone else who has dedicated their time and energy to moving this important project forward."