MTA Offering Free Rent and Attractive Terms as Encouragement to Make Proposals
Conference for Interested Parties to Be Held Friday, Nov. 17
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced it has issued a formal “Market Opportunity” document seeking to fill 30 vacant former retail spaces in the subway system with creative non-traditional ideas such as spaces for arts and cultural programming or socially beneficial community-oriented uses that can make currently unused spaces more vibrant. As the demand for retail space has evolved in recent years, the 30 retail spaces have experienced vacancy because their size limitations make it challenging for revenue-generating businesses to adapt them for traditional retail.
“We are looking to activate vacant spaces to improve the station atmosphere,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “This initiative seeks partners who can offer engaging and creative activations like art installations or non-profit programming to provide a socially beneficial use and bring more life to the station’s environment.”
Seeking to encourage visually appealing and dynamic alternatives to make the station a more welcoming place for riders, the MTA is offering these units free of rent and looking for organizations to occupy the units with short-term (month-to-month up to one-year) licenses. Activations can include both passive and active uses, including, but not limited to, art installations, support for non-profits or public notifications, or for general uses that would serve the surrounding community. The MTA encourages that proposals meet and address needs specific to the local neighborhoods where they are located.
The Marketing Opportunity Prospectus details design guidelines and lists all vacancies, including the unique location’s details, photos, and dimensions. On Friday, Nov. 17, at 10:00 a.m., the MTA will be holding a virtual conference to discuss the requirements and objective of the proposal. Attendance is not mandatory by interested parties but encouraged. RSVP details are available online.
The MTA will entertain proposals after the conference on Nov. 17, 2023.