Historic BankNote Building in Bronx Targets Nonprofits With 100,000 Sq Ft Leasing Push
New York | October 22, 2026: New York’s historic BankNote Building in Hunts Point is entering a new phase of commercial leasing, with approximately 100,000 square feet of space being marketed to nonprofits, schools and government agencies.
The 405,000-square-foot former currency-printing facility has appointed OPEN Impact Real Estate and JLL to lead its leasing and marketing efforts. The strategy focuses on organisations that need large, well-equipped premises but may find Manhattan office rents difficult to accommodate.
The leasing campaign comes as demand for specialised office and institutional space continues to evolve across New York, with organisations increasingly looking for larger spaces outside traditional Manhattan business districts.
100,000 Sq Ft Available for New Occupiers
The current leasing campaign covers approximately 100,000 square feet within the BankNote Building.
The available space includes about 75,000 square feet of contiguous area, along with another 25,000 square feet that can potentially be configured as part of a larger campus-style setup.
The configuration could appeal particularly to schools, educational organisations and large nonprofits requiring room for operations, community programmes and future expansion.
Leasing Strategy Focuses on Mission-Driven Organisations
The property's new leasing strategy is aimed at nonprofits, educational institutions and government agencies rather than conventional corporate office tenants.
OPEN Impact Real Estate is bringing specialised experience in working with mission-driven organisations, while JLL adds its wider commercial real estate leasing platform.
The ownership is also exploring a turnkey leasing programme designed to simplify the process for organisations looking for space and reduce the challenges associated with setting up large facilities.
A Historic Property With Modern Commercial Potential
The BankNote Building was constructed in 1909 as the headquarters and printing facility of the American Bank Note Company.
The landmark structure was originally designed for secure currency-printing operations and features distinctive historic architecture, including large windows, a sawtooth roof and a nine-story tower.
The property has since been repositioned for modern commercial and institutional use while retaining significant elements of its historic character. Its redevelopment has helped transform a former industrial facility into a large-scale workplace serving community-oriented organisations.
Existing Tenants Include Government and Nonprofits
The building already has a mix of government agencies, nonprofits, educational organisations and community-focused tenants.
Its tenant base includes the New York City Human Resources Administration, New York City School Construction Authority, Fedcap Rehabilitation Services, America Works and Hunts Point Alliance for Children, among others.
This existing mix strengthens the property's positioning as a specialised campus for organisations serving public and community needs.
Transit Improvements Could Strengthen the Location
Future transportation improvements could further enhance the building's appeal.
The planned Hunts Point Metro-North station, being developed as part of the Penn Station Access project, is expected to improve connections between the East Bronx, Manhattan and communities in Westchester and Connecticut.
Improved rail connectivity could become an important factor for organisations assessing large office or institutional premises in Hunts Point, particularly those with employees and visitors travelling from different parts of the region.
What It Means for Bronx Commercial Real Estate
The leasing campaign highlights a broader opportunity for older and historically significant properties in the Bronx.
Instead of competing directly with newer Manhattan office buildings, properties such as the BankNote Building can target organisations that value large floor plates, distinctive buildings, relatively accessible locations and specialised community infrastructure.
For commercial property owners, the strategy also demonstrates how adaptive reuse and targeted tenant selection can create new demand for large properties that may not fit the traditional corporate-office model.
What Happens Next
The immediate focus will be on filling the approximately 100,000 square feet being marketed by the new leasing team.
If the campaign succeeds in attracting additional nonprofits, schools and government-related organisations, it could further establish the BankNote Building as a major institutional and community-oriented commercial hub in Hunts Point.
For the wider Bronx property market, the leasing activity will be worth watching as demand for large-format space continues to shift toward locations that can offer affordability, accessibility and specialised facilities.