Simone Development Companies to complete 15,195 s/f for AHRC

AHRC New York City will have a new home for one of its programs in the Bronx thanks to the efforts of Simone Development Companies. AHRC is moving its Bronx Day Habilitation center from Pelham Parkway to a new 15,195 s/f building that Simone is constructing on a vacant parcel at 1420 Ferris Place across the street from the Westchester Square station. The new building, which will be owned and managed by Simone, will feature physical and occupational therapy areas, sensory stimulation rooms, specially designed bathrooms and will be fully accessible for people with physical disabilities. Completion is scheduled for late summer. Barbara Kaplan, director of AHRC's office of real property, said the new building's location in the Westchester Sq. district will provide an ideal environment for the adults served by AHRC's center. "By being exposed to experiences in the surrounding community they will learn valuable skills to use in their daily lives. The location opposite the Westchester Sq. station is also very convenient for our employees, many of whom rely on public transportation," she said. "We are delighted to be able to accommodate the space requirements for AHRC so that they can continue to provide their valuable services to the Bronx community," said Joseph Simone, president. James MacDonald, director of leasing for Simone said, "As the leading developer and owner of commercial space in the Bronx, Simone Development is able to satisfy AHRC's requirements with a built-to-suit, free-standing building that is not far from their current location. At the same time, we were able to add value to our portfolio with the development of a high quality commercial building on what is now a vacant lot."