NYCEDC Issues RFP for Event Space Operator at Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center

Located at 1680 Lexington Avenue, the Five-Story Landmarked Structure Currently Houses Non-Profit Cultural and Educational Tenants

Selected Operator will Drive Event Programming to Maximize La Julia's Space with Diverse Programming and Strengthen Existing Non-Profit and Cultural Organizations in Upper Manhattan

NEW YORK, NY-New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified operators to manage, maintain, market, and secure the event space and theater space of La Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center located at 1680 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The five-story landmarked structure approved in 1992 for disposition for non-profit cultural and education uses currently houses organizations such as Taller Boricua, Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, Los Pleneros de la 21, and The Heritage School.

In addition to the RFP, NYCEDC will be doing major building upgrades as part of a $10.3 million previously allocated capital funding investment from the City which includes building-system modernization, façade improvements, renovation of the Second-Floor Theater and vestibule, ground-floor improvements, common-area upgrades and integration of universal-access features. These upgrades are anticipated to take six years, but the event space will remain occupied, and NYCEDC will coordinate with the operator to ensure safety, communication, and continue partial programming.

"La Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center is a cultural institution rich with history and culture that has made it a staple for East Harlem for years," said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. "This RFP is going to ensure that cultural arts and education continue to inspire and prepare future generations of New Yorkers for decades to come. NYCEDC is committed to preserving this landmarked building and is grateful to the City for the investment that will provide much-needed upgrades, ensuring La Julia continues to be an institutional presence for Upper Manhattan and beyond."

"La Julia de Burgos Cultural Center belongs to East Harlem. Yet for too long, this space has sat underutilized, coming alive only when our community organizes itself to fill it. This RFP is a chance to change that," said Council Member Elsie Encarnación. "We want La Julia to be a living, breathing hub for El Barrio - one that consistently brings community leaders visioning for programming to our residents. Our families deserve a space that reflects who we are and works for us every single day, not just when we make it happen ourselves. As we continue to advance the broader vision for this site, this is a critical first step toward ensuring that La Julia finally lives up to its full potential for the community it was always meant to serve."

The RFP is limited to the event spaces of the building which include the Second-Floor Theater-a 160-seat flexible performance space with box office, design rooms, backstage, and control platform-and the Ground Floor Multipurpose Areas-large hall, ancillary rooms, and shared lobby access. The selected operator will be responsible for maximizing and activating the space with diver programming, strengthening local arts and cultural organizations, providing access to the local artistic community, and providing programming for the local community. Respondents are also required to include a Community Engagement and Access Plan that articulates how the space will be made available to local arts and cultural organizations.

Built in 1879 as a public school, 1680 Lexington Avenue is a five-story landmarked structure located in East Harlem. In 1992, the building was approved for disposition for non-profit cultural and educational uses. In 1996, NYCEDC renovated the building pursuant to the city's goal of providing the surrounding community with access to classes, workshops, and performance space.

For more information about the "1680 Lexington Avenue" RFP, visit the NYCEDC RFP webpage. NYCEDC will facilitate an information session and site tour on Monday, July 6th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. and all potential respondents must RSVP by Monday, June 29th, 2026. Responses to the RFP are due by 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday, August 7th, 2026.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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