Governor Kathy Hochul attended the opening of the National Urban League’s new headquarters at the Urban League Empowerment Center in Harlem. The event marked a return for the organization to its original neighborhood, where it was founded in 1910. The project is part of a collaboration between Empire State Development (ESD), the City of New York, and private partners aimed at expanding opportunities and investing in affordable housing along 125th Street.
The $242 million development features several components: it will house the National Urban League’s national headquarters, host the future Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem, provide retail spaces for Trader Joe’s and Target, create 170 affordable and supportive housing units, and offer additional office space for community-based nonprofits. ESD contributed more than $20 million to support this initiative. New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) backed the housing element through federal tax credits that generated $34.7 million in equity, along with other funding sources.
“Harlem has always stood at the heart of our nation’s civil rights story, and the new Urban League Empowerment Center works to ensure that legacy will continue for generations to come,” Governor Hochul said. “This project embodies what happens when we invest in people and places, creating affordable housing, bringing jobs and essential retail to 125th Street, and reaffirming New York’s commitment to equity and opportunity. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone with the National Urban League and all the partners who helped bring this vision to life.”
Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development, commented on ESD’s role: “The Urban League Empowerment Center represents a true model of inclusive economic development — a project that not only honors Harlem’s history but also strengthens its future. ESD was proud to play a leading role in making this transformative investment possible, combining State resources and community input to deliver housing, retail, cultural space, and the National Urban League’s permanent home. This is economic empowerment in action, and a powerful example of how collaboration can drive both progress and justice.”
Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of National Urban League stated: “We are grateful for Governor Hochul’s support for this transformative economic development project — the state has helped to make history in Harlem.”
RuthAnne Visnauskas from HCR added: “The National Urban League Empowerment Center honors the legacy of the Civil Rights movement and New York’s commitment to fair housing and social justice. The 170 affordable and supportive homes in the heart of Harlem are a critical part of this $242 million transformative community investment, and will provide the high quality, stable homes the neighborhood needs. We are proud to be a part of this collaborative effort that continues to revitalize Harlem and offer opportunities for residents now and in the future.”
New York City Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs FĂ©lix V. Matos RodrĂguez (City University of New York Chancellor) and William D. Rahm (CEO of Everview Partners) noted: “The Urban League Empowerment Center is a powerful example of how public-private collaboration can create lasting, community-driven impact. This project brings affordable housing, jobs, and new cultural assets to Harlem while reaffirming New York City’s leadership in inclusive economic growth. The Council is proud to have supported a vision that honors Harlem’s legacy and builds opportunity for its future.”
Barbara C. Guinn from New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance remarked on supportive housing aspects: “This incredible development will have a very positive impact on the community… We are grateful for inclusion of supportive housing… which will provide stable housing… helping them thrive as part of this community.”
State Senator Cordell Cleare said: “Today we welcome National Urban League back home to Harlem… Congratulations to those who made it possible…”
The Empowerment Center occupies 42,000 square feet between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard & Lenox Avenue/Malcolm X Boulevard; it was developed by multiple organizations including BRP Companies & L+M Development Partners.
In addition to providing office space for nonprofits & retail outlets such as Trader Joe’s & Target within approximately 66k sq ft retail/75k sq ft office/55k sq ft facility spaces—the site also supports plans for an urban civil rights museum via Market New York grant funding.
The initiative extends ongoing efforts by ESD & NYC Economic Development Corporation over more than ten years focused on revitalizing 125th Street through increased access to affordable housing & job creation.
Empire State Development operates as New York’s main economic agency supporting business growth statewide with regional offices across all ten regions; further information about their work can be found at esd.ny.gov.
