New Rochelle and RXR announce winner of competition for free year's rent at One Clifton Park

The City of New Rochelle, in partnership with RXR, announced the winner of a social media competition created to award an entrepreneur in the creative industry a free year of rent within the city’s newest residential offering, One Clinton Park. Mona Balgobin, an artist from New Rochelle, was officially announced the winner at the building’s grand opening event where city officials, RXR executives, and more gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the 28-story tower.

The social media competition challenged artists and entrepreneurs from creative industries in the tri-state area to feature their work in a 90-second video and make a compelling case for why they want to live and grow their business in New Rochelle. Following the contest announcement on July 18, participants submitted their entry as a video on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag, #NewRoConnects. A selection committee, made up of representatives from RXR and Greystar, the building's property management company, chose the winner from the full pool of entries. 

“In the last several years, RXR has proven themselves to be a terrific partner, not only in their commitment to building up Downtown's streetscape and skyline, but also in fostering all the artistic and creative attributes that make a community like New Rochelle thrive. I look forward to welcoming new residents to our community and, in the spirit of the free rent contest, celebrating the special contributions of local artists to New Rochelle's heritage and future," said Mayor of New Rochelle Noam Bramson.

“As the City of New Rochelle continues to grow and expand, we are proud to offer a unique, welcoming environment in which artists can thrive,” said Adam Salgado, commissioner of development at City of New Rochelle. “Compounded with revitalization and development across the city, we are proud to say that New Rochelle’s spirit of authenticity and artistic culture has provided a space where fellow artists like Balgobin and other residents can foster and support the arts. We are grateful for our continued partnership with RXR and thank them for providing such an accessible and distinctive residence for the competition winner.”

RXR is the master developer for Downtown New Rochelle and has been committed to supporting New Rochelle’s commitment to cultural innovation. “We have enjoyed partnering with the City on programs that bring new residents to the burgeoning downtown and build upon the city’s spirit of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Joanne Minieri, senior executive vice president, COO for Construction & Development at RXR. “With a full suite of amenities, exceptional design and captivating views, One Clinton Park is the perfect space to foster one's creative and entrepreneurial spirit.”

“The environment in which I live and work is very important to my creative process, which is why I am thrilled to have the opportunity to live and work in One Clinton Park rent-free. I'll be able to spend more time and energy on painting and creating, while staying close to my family. The convenience of being in the heart of Downtown will allow me to still have easy access to New York City, which is a major plus for me," said Balgobin, a Certified Artist in the City of New Rochelle and Member of the local Hudson Park Children's Greenhouse Committee. 

One Clinton Park is RXR’s second residential tower in downtown New Rochelle. The building offers a mix of studio to 3-bedroom apartments. All apartments feature open kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows, 9-foot ceilings, walnut cabinetry with soft-close doors and drawers, stainless steel appliances and interiors designed by MdeAS Architects and Lisa Galano Design. One Clinton Park offers 8,000 s/f of outdoor amenities across two landscaped terraces featuring barbecues, turf lawns, fireplaces, a dog run, and a gaming area, as well as direct access to a 16,000 s/f landscaped outdoor public plaza.