GR2D, Hutensky Group will advise East Harlem development project.

GR2D, a real estate venture that includes Gabriel Associates of The Bronx, and R2D and the Hutensky Group, both of Hartford, CT, has been appointed development advisor for the new $15 million, 63,000 square-foot East Harlem Economic Development project in New York.

In this capacity, GR2D is responsible for implementing development of the site, which includes overseeing land acquisition, obtaining financing, supervising construction approvals and managing the leasing process, according to Darren Walker, spokesman for the East Harlem Abyssinian Triangle, (EHAT), the non-profit development group charged with the fulfillment of this project.

The nucleus of this development is the construction of a 50,300 square-foot Pathmark, the anchor tenant and first major supermarket to be built in East Harlem in two decades.

Gabriel Associates, R2D and the Hutensky Group were selected because of their expertise in shopping center management and development, skill in working with community groups and track record ill building inner-city retail projects, said Walker.

Gabriel Associates is a prominent inner-city real estate development, general construction and management firm. R2D focuses on shopping center construction management, while the Hutensky Group has been providing specialized leasing, property management, asset management, advisory and specialized services to more than 100 shopping centers in 22 states since 1979.

"Our nation's urban areas represent one of the last great retail opportunities," said Brad Hutensky, president of the Hutensky Group. "They boast heavy population and a lack of existing quality retail supply, which are attractive benefits for both developers and retailers."

"As a developer and general contractor who is also a product of this community, I am proud to be part of the EHAT team charged with the unique opportunity of bringing much-needed retail development and services to complement our residential development in East Harlem and serve as a model for future projects," said Felipe Ventegeat, president of Gabriel Associates, Inc.

"This project is an excellent example of how high-density areas such as East Harlem are becoming new frontiers for commercial development," said Len Schiraldi, president of R2D. "We're delighted to be working with EHAT on a project that not only makes good sense from a business standpoint, but will also contribute to the revitalization of the community by attracting jobs and inexpensive shopping to the neighborhood."

In addition to the East Harlem property, Gabriel Associates, R2D and the Hutensky Group are jointly involved in such high-profile urban projects as the New Horizons, a 136,000 square-foot retail center in the South Bronx, and Shawls supermarket in New Haven, CT. R2D and the Hutensky Group are together spearheading inner-city shopping center developments in Hartford, CT and Philadelphia, PA.