New York Construction Report staff writer
New capital funding totaling $5.5 million has been awarded to the Universal Hip Hop Museum to complete the 52,000-sq. ft. structure at the Bronx Point development at Mill Pond Park. The museum’s new facility will include several gallery spaces, a black box theater, interactive exhibits, and administrative offices.
Construction of the museum’s core and shell is underway and work to fit out the space will begin in 2023, with completion anticipated in the fall of 2025.
The development will feature public open spaces, 350 units of permanent affordable housing, a state-of-the-art multiplex theater, education space, and a neighborhood food and beverage hall and incubator. The project is a partnership between the NYCEDC, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and NYC Parks. L+M Development Partners and Type A Projects are the developers.
As part of DCLA’s ongoing five-borough tour to highlight the city’s cultural investments, Mayor Adams also announced $5.5 million for the project and additional capital funding for Bronx-based cultural organizations, including the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the New York Botanical Garden, The Point Community Development Corporation, Pregones Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, Wave Hill, and the Bronx Zoo.
“Whether you are in Co-op City or Canarsie, New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to learn about some of the unique cultures in their backyard,” Adams said. “The newer generation may not know about the history of hip hop in the Bronx, however, when we support our cultural groups, we allow the people of this city to connect and find these local jewels that serve as passports to historic destinations.”
The Universal Hip Hop Museum is the only state chartered educational museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving local and global contributions to hip hop music and culture.
The $5.5 million in new city capital support for the museum was allocated as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget – $2 million of which was contributed by Mayor Adams, $2 million which was provided by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and $1.5 million which was allocated by the city council.
“The city’s generous investment in Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater’s (PRTT) capital construction and equipment projects fuels the sustained excellence of a company of artists proud to represent New York and the Bronx wherever we go,” said Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater Artistic Director Rosalba Rolón. “Funded enhancements give individuals and families of all ages even more reasons to visit, know, and celebrate Pregones/PRTT as a must-do arts and cultural destination.”
