Koch speaks to WX about redevelopment at Governors Island

According to WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate (WX), Leslie Koch, president of the Trust for Governors Island, spoke at the organization's breakfast presentation on February 12th at the Harvard Club. Over 60 members of the WX association gathered to hear Koch's presentation on the redevelopment currently underway at Governor's Island. Her speech detailed the $300 million capital program that she manages, describing her vision for a 30-acre expansion of the island's award-winning park and public space, as well as infrastructure updates across the island to increase electrical efficiency. In her speech, Koch provided key insights into renewal and sustainability initiatives, including the renovation of historic buildings that The Trust currently owns. The idea has generated much interest with the public and she has invited local business owners, cultural groups and non-profit organizations to join her on the largest adaptive re-use project in the country. Koch also reiterated the success of the island's two year-round tenants, The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Artist Studios. She reported that Harbor School, where no more than 5 students represent a single zip code, is thriving and plans to open a Marine Science and Technology Center in the building this year. Koch has presided over The Trust for Governors Island since 2006 and successfully transformed the abandoned military base into a shared creative space and seasonal destination for New Yorkers. Under her leadership, the island has fostered a vibrant energy and the success of recent projects has increased the number of average daily visitors by more than 1,000 in the 2011 calendar year. Before joining The Trust for Governor's Island, Koch was the CEO of the Fund for Public Schools, during which time she successfully secured almost $160 million in private sector support and increased public participation in education. Previously, Koch also served as an executive at Microsoft.