Levine of CBRE reps JVL in 28,804 s/f lease renewal at The BankNote

John V. Lindsay Wildcat Charter School (JVL) signed a 12-year, 28,804 s/f renewal lease in The BankNote located at 890 Garrison Ave. The school, which moved into the landmarked building in 1997, will continue to occupy floors 4 - 6 in the Lafayette building of the 405,000 s/f complex. Founded in 1992 as an alternative public school, JVL was converted to charter status in 2000. Three educational themes promoted by the school include a strong academic focus; clear expectations; and alternative learning options. All students are also required to serve internships as part of the regular school program. "The BankNote building is a great location for our school and enables us to broaden our student catchment area. We are pleased that we will be in the building for another 12 years," said Ron Tabano, principal of JVL. The developers, Taconic Investment Partners and Denham Wolf Real Estate Services, plan to create a campus environment in a portion of the building that will be ideal for the co-location of city schools. The BankNote has flexible space ranging from 15,000 to 150,000 contiguous s/f. The building is located across from a new recreational center and ball field, close to transportation and surrounded by established cultural and artistic organizations. Campus plans include private entrances, an on-site playground, student drop off area, and collaborative education programs with current tenants and community organizations. "JVL's long-term renewal proves that education has a bright future as one of the many tenant sectors represented in The BankNote," said Paul Wolf, co-president of Denham Wolf Real Estate Services. "To meet the recent increase in leasing interest we are receiving from education institutions, our re-development plans includes a number space options to meet the needs of schools. We hope that JVL will soon be joined by additional schools and educational programs at The BankNote." Richard Levine of CB Richard Ellis represented the tenant. "There is just no space like The BankNote building in New York City. Tenants can customize the space to fit just about any need from education and business to arts and light manufacturing," said Levine. In addition to JVL, a small Department of Education high school program is also based in The BankNote. Other educational activities include hosting The Hunts Point Children's Shakespeare Ensemble, a youth group sponsored by the Shakespeare Society and the Hunts Point Alliance for Children (HPAC), and Sustainable South Bronx, an organization working to advance the environmental and economic rebirth of the South Bronx, which hosts many sustainable education programs and workshops. Built in 1911, The BankNote is a 405,000 s/f, office and retail complex that is being redeveloped through the combined efforts of Taconic Investment Partners and Denham Wolf Real Estate Services. Renovations include new windows, lobbies, bathrooms, elevators and mechanical systems offering flexible office space options for a wide variety of tenants. Building from the existing creative services tenants, which includes Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre, The Bronx Association of Arts and Dance (BAAD!) and The Lightbox-NY, the developers envision a multi-use, destination building that brings business to the South Bronx and increases community activity in Hunts Point.