By: Jay Feldman
New York City is a place where real estate is measured in dollars per square inch, and every square inch is at a premium. It’s where real estate moguls are made and cautionary tales about the rising cost of “space” are formed. For mission-driven organizations, it may seem as though NYC is a city where it’s impossible to gain a foothold, given the high cost of real estate.
Enter The Interchurch Center, a nonprofit community hub NYC has been waiting for, boasting 19 stories and thousands of available square footage for tenants. Now, nonprofits and cultural groups who have felt priced out of the city they seek to serve have a better opportunity to establish themselves in the communities most in need.
A Bold Idea for Workspaces That Support Crucial Missions
The idea for The Interchurch Center took hold decades ago, when the founders recognized the dire need for space for mission-driven organizations to operate without being crushed under the weight of rising rent. Today, under the leadership of its president, Robert Bolton Jr., the organization is helping nonprofits and cultural groups build a future in the Big Apple. Far from being the well-kept secret they once were, The Interchurch Center is now helping vibrant ecosystems of change thrive in the city that never sleeps.
“A building is not just square footage,” says Bolton. “It’s a fertile ground for transformation.”
With decades of experience in ministry, nonprofit leadership, and facility strategy, Bolton is poised to disrupt the monolithic real estate industry in New York, reimagining the Interchurch Center as more than just a home for tenants. He envisions it as a launching pad for widespread impact.
A Non-Profit Community Hub in NYC: Shared Spaces Spark Movements
The Interchurch Center offers mission-driven organizations and groups affordable leasing rates, comprehensive amenities, and access to a flourishing environment of collaboration and ideas that is designed specifically for nonprofits. Unlike commercial landlords who prioritize profits, The Interchurch Center focuses on education, service, and community engagement.
“Here, one dollar spent on rent translates to five dollars spent on mission,” says Bolton. “Hallway conversations give way to partnerships, and shared spaces spark movements.”
Existing in a time when social fragmentation threatens to uproot the missions of impact-driven organizations and nonprofits, The Interchurch Center stands as a rare example of a community where purpose and place intersect.
“At The Interchurch Center, tenants become a community and collaboration becomes a force multiplier for good,” says Bolton.
High Impact With Low Rental Costs
The Interchurch Center isn’t just a building; it’s the backdrop for thousands of stories of impact that happen year after year. From the refugee finding resources to restart their lives to the child who benefits from educational programs, the people discovering hope through the missions housed within The Interchurch Center become part of its story.
The tenant organizations benefit from 24/7 access, cleaning services, conference spaces, secure parking, and on-site management, as well as dedicated support teams well-versed in the unique needs of nonprofit operations. Eligibility requirements ensure all tenants are registered 501(c)(3) organizations with a commitment to positive social impact.
“Each and every tenant’s spirit contributes to the atmosphere at The Interchurch Center,” explains Bolton.
The collaborative culture is deeply embedded in The Interchurch Center’s ethos. Newmark, the Center’s management company, ensures that each tenant has stability and efficiency when they come to The Interchurch Center, giving each one the opportunity to focus on their mission, rather than managing the logistics of rental space.
Success Stories Show the Value of the Interchurch Center
Far from being simply a space for rent, The Interchurch Center is a place where missions thrive. Tenants such as the Harlem Family Institute and the Children’s Health Fund have seen the organizational impact generated by having an affordable place to house their nonprofits. The broader group of educational, social justice, and interfaith organizations that leverage The Interchurch Center’s low-cost rental structure is a testament to the impact and value of the Center’s bold mission.
Currently, The Interchurch Center has a waiting list of 50 potential tenants, all of whom are eagerly awaiting their turn to take part in this real estate revolution.
A Vision for Long-Term Impact for the Nonprofit Sector
Going forward with Bolton at the helm, the leadership at The Interchurch Center aspires to transform the building into more than just an address for tenants. Their goal is for The Interchurch Center to become a positive addition to their neighborhood, helping to cultivate connections and providing critical support services to those in need.
Through investments in technology and perks such as low-cost Wi-Fi access, energy-saving windows, a research library, and wellness programs that include CPR and AED training, The Interchurch Center aims to provide a long-term, future-proof home for organizations tackling some of society’s most pressing and challenging issues. With its flexible pricing, celebrated success stories, and robust amenities, The Interchurch Center is disrupting the age-old real estate industry in New York by aligning vision, mission, and affordability.
“Our city leans on nonprofits to do the tough work that government cannot do alone,” says Bolton. With The Interchurch Center, the city is giving back to these nonprofits for the critical work that they do.
