New York Construction Report staff writer
A historic agreement has been reached to redevelop the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, aiming to create a modern, intermodal food distribution facility and improve conditions for nearby residents.
The project is supported by $405 million in city, state, and federal funding, with an anticipated federal loan. Officials estimate it will generate more than 2,000 construction jobs and preserve the existing jobs at the market.
Following a competitive procurement process launched in March, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has conditionally selected Aurora-Primus, a joint venture of Aurora Contractors, LLC, and Primus Builders, Inc., to carry out the project. Over the next six months, the parties will work on finalizing the design and ensuring the operational needs of the Hunts Point Produce Cooperative can be met at a sustainable cost. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026.
The redevelopment will replace the current market facilities with a new building designed to expand refrigerated warehouse space, improve traffic circulation, and eliminate stationary diesel-fueled Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs), which will reduce emissions in the Hunts Point peninsula, home to nearly 13,000 residents.
The Hunts Point Produce Cooperative consists of roughly 26 businesses, sourcing more than 2.5 billion pounds of produce annually for New York City. The cooperative currently supplies about 25 percent of the city’s fresh produce and operates across more than 100 acres with four primary warehouses, two adjunct warehouses, and various administrative and maintenance structures.
Project objectives include:
- Delivering a state-of-the-art, intermodal food distribution facility.
- Expanding refrigerated warehouse space.
- Improving air quality and quality of life for Bronx residents.
- Optimizing site access and reducing congestion and truck idling.
- Increasing rail efficiency and encouraging rail usage.
- Maximizing energy efficiency and reducing operating costs.
- Supporting quality jobs in the Bronx.
Funding for the redevelopment includes $130 million in city funds, $130 million from New York State through Empire State Development, and $145 million in federal grants, including from the Federal Highway Administration. Additional financing is expected through a U.S. Department of Transportation railroad rehabilitation and improvement loan.
