Governor Hochul Celebrates Grand Opening of the National Urban League Empowerment Center in Harlem

Governor Kathy Hochul today joined Empire State Development (ESD) President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, community leaders, and development partners to celebrate the grand opening of the National Urban League's new headquarters at the Urban League Empowerment Center in Harlem. The opening marks a historic homecoming for one of the nation's most prominent civil rights organizations, returning to its roots in Harlem where it was founded in 1910, and represents the culmination of a transformative public-private partnership led by ESD and the City of New York to deliver new opportunities, affordable housing, and community investment along the 125th Street corridor.

The $242 million, mixed-use Urban League Empowerment Center includes the National Urban League's new national headquarters, the future Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem, retail anchored by Trader Joe's and Target, 170 affordable and supportive housing units, and additional office space for community-based nonprofits. To support the project, ESD has provided more than $20 million in total funding. New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is supporting 170 affordable housing units through its Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program which generated $34.7 million in equity, $31.1 million from its Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, $11.7 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds from its Housing Finance Agency, and $3 million from its Federal Housing Trust Fund.

"Harlem has always stood at the heart of our nation's civil rights story, and the new Urban League Empowerment Center works to ensure that legacy will continue for generations to come," Governor Hochul said. "This project embodies what happens when we invest in people and places, creating affordable housing, bringing jobs and essential retail to 125th Street, and reaffirming New York's commitment to equity and opportunity. I'm proud to celebrate this milestone with the National Urban League and all the partners who helped bring this vision to life."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Urban League Empowerment Center represents a true model of inclusive economic development - a project that not only honors Harlem's history but also strengthens its future. ESD was proud to play a leading role in making this transformative investment possible, combining State resources and community input to deliver housing, retail, cultural space, and the National Urban League's permanent home. This is economic empowerment in action, and a powerful example of how collaboration can drive both progress and justice."

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said, "We are grateful for Governor Hochul's support for this transformative economic development project - the state has helped to make history in Harlem."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "The National Urban League Empowerment Center honors the legacy of the Civil Rights movement and New York's commitment to fair housing and social justice. The 170 affordable and supportive homes in the heart of Harlem are a critical part of this $242 million transformative community investment, and will provide the high quality, stable homes the neighborhood needs. We are proud to be a part of this collaborative effort that continues to revitalize Harlem and offer opportunities for residents now and in the future."

"This project embodies what happens when we invest in people and places, creating affordable housing, bringing jobs and essential retail to 125th Street, and reaffirming New York's commitment to equity and opportunity."

New York City Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, City University of New York Chancellor and William D. Rahm, CEO of Everview Partners, said, "The Urban League Empowerment Center is a powerful example of how public-private collaboration can create lasting, community-driven impact. This project brings affordable housing, jobs, and new cultural assets to Harlem while reaffirming New York City's leadership in inclusive economic growth. The Council is proud to have supported a vision that honors Harlem's legacy and builds opportunity for its future."

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, "This incredible development will have a very positive impact on the community, and we join our partners in celebrating the completion of the Urban League Empowerment Center. We are grateful for the inclusion of supportive housing in this development, which will provide stable housing and services to young adults who have experienced homelessness, bringing them stability and helping them thrive as part of this community."

State Senator Cordell Cleare said, "Today, we welcome the National Urban League back home to Harlem, the Black Capital of the World. 125th Street is the proper place for enriching and empowering services and programs, including the Urban Civil Rights Museum. Congratulations to those who made it possible and to our community, who so richly deserve this."

The Urban League Empowerment Center sits on a 42,000-square-foot site between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Lenox Avenue/Malcolm X Boulevard, developed through a partnership between the National Urban League, BRP Companies, L+M Development Partners, Taconic Partners, and the City and State of New York. The mixed-use complex features approximately 66,000 square feet of retail, 75,000 square feet of office space, 55,000 square feet of community facility space, and 170 affordable and supportive housing units.

In addition to housing the National Urban League's national headquarters, the Center will include the forthcoming Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem - the first of its kind in New York State - supported by a $250,000 Market New York grant to develop branding, marketing, and public engagement.

This project builds upon more than a decade of ESD and New York City Economic Development Corporation collaboration to revitalize Harlem's 125th Street corridor, advancing State and City goals for affordable housing, job creation, and economic inclusion.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

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