1.4m s/f station plan attracts six developers.

Empire State Development Corp. Chairman Charles A. Gargano this week announced that six firms have expressed interest in the redevelopment of Moynihan Station and its 1.4 million square feet of existing space.

Plans are to convert the Farley Post Office Building on Eighth Avenue into a new train station to provide increased capacity to New York City.

The Moynihan Station development project involves the design and construction of 400,000 square feet for a new train station, including 100,000 square feet of retail space. There is 750,000 square feet for a private redevelopment opportunity as well as one million additional square feet of unused development rights under current city zoning. The project also includes 250,000 square feet for the U.S. Postal Service.

"The development of Moynihan Station represents a great opportunity to create a new and exciting gateway to New York City for hundreds of thousands of commuters and visitors," said Gargano, who also serves as chairman of the Moynihan Station Development Corp., a subsidiary of Empire State Development.

"These responses clearly show the value and opportunity to the private sector in utilizing the Farley Building. The firms that responded represent the best developers in New York and confirm the need to create a new intermodal transportation facility, regardless of whether Amtrak participates or not," Gargano added. "We expect to select a developer for this vital project early next year after reviewing proposals for the development of this space in the fall. We are looking for a development team that will be able to design and provide us with the best use of existing as well as potential space."

The firms that responded to the request for qualifications (RFQ), which were due last Friday, include: Boston Properties; Jones Lang LaSalle together with Tishman Speyer Properties; LCOR Inc.; The Staubach Co.; The Related Companies L.P., and Vornado Realty Trust.

Moynihan Station Development Corp. will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) in October. In response to the RFP each developer will propose what mix of shops or other uses should occupy the rebuilt two block-long landmark building, constructed in 1913.

"As a transportation hub, Moynihan Station will serve passengers on the Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, Amtrak and subway lines," Gargano said.

"Throughout his life Alfred G. Gerosa has freely shared his knowledge and expertise for the benefit of all those with whom he has come in contact. A member of an eminent class of leaders outstanding in his chosen field, he exemplifies the letter and the spirit of the CIB Humanitarian Fellow," the award certificate states.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Gerosa is also a generous supporter of The Association for Neurologically Impaired Brian Injured Children Inc. and the Center for Learning Disabilities, Limbardo said.

Although Gerosa thanked the CIB, he didn't want to talk about himself. He urged industry members to work together and to continue educating those who wish to enter the industry.

"We really are looking into the future," said Gerosa, who has a CIB scholarship in his name. "We are making it possible for them to go out into the world to get an education. We wind up educating the world and wind up helping the world a better place.... I am very proud to have received this award. Let's all stand together and always support education."

During the luncheon the CIB Foundation also presented 2004 Scholarships to:

The Carpenter's Union Apprentice Program received the Alfred Gerosa Scholarship; Susan Bowers received the Jack W. Weber Scholarship and is attending Lafayette College; Jason Anderson received the CIB Foundation Scholarship and is attending Princeton University School of Architecture; Andrew Matthews received the CIB Foundation Scholarship and is attending Villanova University; Rory Derderian received the CIB Foundation Scholarship and is attending Providence College; and Mike Mota received the Francis J. & Lee J. Principe in Memory of Virginia Anne Principe Scholarship to pursue his PHD at Drexel University.

In addition to the award presentations, Francis J. Lombardi, RE., Chief Engineer, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey gave a presentation on the "Reconstruction of the World Trade Center Site."

He briefed the group on the plans and said 7 WTC is slated for completion in 2005, with the Cultural Center and Memorial being completed by 2008.

"I think together we will make a grand space downtown," Lombardi said.