Simone Development and NYC School Construction Authority Sign Long-Term Lease to Create Bronx STEAM Center at Hutchinson Metro Center Atrium
New 54,245-SF Center Marks Major Public-Private Investment in Career-Connected Learning, Expanding Bronx Students’ Access to Healthcare-Related Opportunities
Bronx, NY – June 12, 2026 – Simone Development Companies announced that the New York City Construction Authority (SCA) has signed a long-term lease to establish the new Bronx STEAM Center in 54,245 square feet across two floors at the Hutchinson Metro Center Atrium, a three-story, 361,857 square-foot mixed-use property located at 1776 Eastchester Road in the Bronx. The new lease marks a major public-private investment in career-connected education for Bronx students, significantly expanding access to hands-on learning, industry-aligned training, and healthcare related career pathways in one of the city’s most important hubs for healthcare, education, business, and innovation.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) schools integrate interdisciplinary, hands-on learning to foster creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application. A cohort of 11th and 12th graders from selected Bronx partner high schools spend at least half of their day in a work immersive environment after choosing one of the specific pathways housed within the STEAM Center. In partnership with Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx STEAM has initially launched offerings in high demand healthcare and technology pathways, including Certified Nursing Assistant, Cybersecurity, and Medical Assisting.
In addition to Montefiore Einstein’s partnership, the Bronx STEAM Center’s placement at the Hutchinson Metro Center opens the possibility for synergies with many organizations among the more than 80 leading healthcare providers, businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions at the campus. Students will gain direct exposure to the industries and employers shaping the borough’s future.
“Bringing the Bronx STEAM Center to the Hutchinson Metro Center is incredibly meaningful not only for participating students and for our campus, but for the borough as a whole,” said Joe Simone, President of Simone Development Companies. “This transformative project is more than a new educational facility. It reflects the power of public-private collaboration to create long-term opportunities in the Bronx. It will deliver a modern, flexible learning environment designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare, technology, engineering, design, and the applied arts. We are especially proud to partner with our long-time tenant Montefiore Einstein to help bring the first-ever healthcare-focused career pathway to the Bronx STEAM Center as we support these ongoing initiatives shaping the next generation of NYC thinkers and creators.”
“The Bronx STEAM Center represents the kind of future focused learning our students deserve. This center creates a bridge between rigorous academics and meaningful careers, while anchoring long term opportunities for young people and families in the Bronx,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “The center highlights the importance of having a dedicated space for student centered, hands on experiences in an innovative model, and I look forward to seeing it open the door to college and career opportunities and lifelong success.”
“CEI is proud to serve as the lead community partner of the Bronx STEAM Center — and to stand alongside Montefiore Einstein, Simone Development, and the extraordinary leadership of Principal Maha Hasen and her team in bringing this vision to life,” said Dr. Meisha Porter, Visiting Senior Fellow, Center for Educational Innovation. “Through this partnership, CEI will bring its expertise, relationships, and citywide platform to bear in support of the Center’s growth — connecting students to industry, strengthening resource development, and helping build the ecosystem of partners this work demands. The Bronx is primed — and its young people deserve infrastructure that matches their ambition. The Bronx STEAM Center is exactly that, and we are honored to help develop it.”
Simone Development’s in-house leasing and legal teams, along with outside counsel from Adler & Stachenfeld LLP, negotiated the transaction directly with the SCA. While the permanent space is under development, programming is currently operating at a temporary site within Mercy University’s Bronx campus at 1200 Waters Place at the Hutchinson Metro Center, serving 100 students from 10 Bronx high schools. The new center will significantly expand capacity and allow Bronx STEAM to serve over 700 students from partner high schools across the borough. The space will feature industry aligned classrooms, labs, and makerspaces designed to support interdisciplinary STEAM learning and real world applications.
The Bronx STEAM Center is the NYC Department of Education’s second of this kind. The first to open was the Brooklyn STEAM Center in 2017, located at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The Brooklyn STEAM Center now serves 600 students across 12 career pathways including cybersecurity, HVAC, video production, manufacturing, and culinary arts. The Bronx STEAM Center was among seven new schools that opened citywide for the 2025–2026 school year, with the goal of bringing a STEAM Center to every borough and expanding access to world-class education, accelerated learning, and career pathways for thousands more students.
About Simone Development Companies
Simone Development Companies is a privately owned, full-service real estate investment firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of healthcare, mixed-use, retail, office, industrial, and residential properties. The company’s reach extends across New York City and its suburbs including Long Island, Westchester County, Orange and Fairfield Counties and New Jersey.
Over nearly five decades, this third-generation, family-owned business has built a portfolio exceeding 7 million square feet. The organization’s vertically integrated team manages every stage of the project lifecycle, from finance and construction to leasing and property management. Simone Development Companies is set apart by this comprehensive approach, a commitment to long-term asset ownership, and a proven track record of transforming vacant and underutilized sites into vibrant developments that elevate communities.
Learn more at https://simonedevelopment.com/
Simone Development signs four long-term lease renewals across 12,629 s/f at Metro Center Atrium
Bronx, NY Simone Development Companies has completed the signing of four long-term lease renewals totaling 12,629 s/f of medical office and retail space at the Metro Center Atrium at 1776 Eastchester Rd. within the company’s Hutchinson Metro Center campus.
Simone Development’s in-house leasing and legal teams negotiated renewals for long-time tenants Dunkin’, Parkchester Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, Ophthalmologist Dr. Eric Wolf, MD, and Hanger Clinic. Hanger Clinic was represented by Geoff Waddell from Tenant Services Group.
“The Atrium at the Hutchinson Metro Center continues to attract and retain leading medical and retail tenants from around the region, and we are extremely proud of the confidence these latest renewals reflect,” said Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies. “The property offers some the finest medical office and retail space available with abundant parking and amenities in a central, transit-friendly location.”
Parkchester Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial procedures with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal. Dr. Moore, who runs the practice, is a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with nearly 30 years of experience. The practice renewed its lease of 3,131 s/f.
Dr. Eric Wolf, MD is board certified in Ophthalmology with special expertise in corneal diseases and intraocular lens implantation, with affiliations to 15 hospitals. A repeat winner of multiple patients’ choice awards and Compassionate Doctor recognitions, the practice renewing its 2,850 s/f lease.
Hanger Clinic is a top provider of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) care and products and services in the country and is part of the Hanger, Inc. ecosystem of diversified companies. Rooted in clinical research, excellence, and innovation, its board-certified clinicians provide customized solutions for all ages designed to increase the mobility and function of each person they serve. They will continue to support patients in their 4,989 s/f space.
Dunkin’ renewed its ground floor retail lease for 1,659 s/f. They’ve also completed a “Next Generation” store remodel with new technologies including new tap systems and modern layout and design elements meant to optimize the customer experience.
Simone Development’s Hutchinson Metro Center Atrium is a 361,857 s/f mixed-use complex with three floors of Class A office and medical space, national and local retailers including Chipotle, LA Fitness, and A-Z Nutrition, and a 125-room Residence Inn by Marriott. The property features a remarkable glass atrium and lobby, as well as more than 1,100 onsite parking spaces as well as convenient access to major highways and public transportation options.
Simone Development Companies’ Retail Center at 2009-2059 Williamsbridge Road Fully Leased as Beauty Supply Store Takes Final 1,100 SF
BRONX, NY (May 18, 2026) – Simone Development Companies has signed a new long-term 1,100 square-foot retail lease with Solar Beauty Supply at 2013 Williamsbridge Road, located within the company’s 20,231 square-foot retail center at 2009-2059 Williamsbridge Road in the Morris Park section of The Bronx, NY. The property is now fully leased.
Simone Development’s in-house leasing and legal teams negotiated the deal on behalf of ownership in a direct lease transaction with the beauty supply store, which will mark the tenant’s third New York City location.
“The addition of Solar Beauty Supply aligns perfectly with our vision for this location—a high-visibility, accessible hub for established local retailers and service providers,” said Joanna Simone, President of Leasing and Property Management Operations for Simone Development Companies. “With our recent improvements to the building’s exterior and the center’s prime parkway connectivity, we are confident that this will be a thriving location for their brand and a convenient stop for our visitors.”
Solar Beauty Supply joins other retailers, restaurants, healthcare and service providers at the newly renovated center including Williamsbridge Wine & Liquor, Tribeca Pediatrics, Quest Diagnostics, Beltone Hearing Care Center, A Market & Deli, Edible Arrangements, Pasta Pasta, Carvel, Jennifer Yin Nail & Spa, and Liberty Diner.
About Simone Development Companies
Simone Development Companies is a privately owned, full-service real estate investment firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of healthcare, mixed-use, retail, office, industrial, and residential properties. The company’s reach extends across New York City and its suburbs including Long Island, Westchester County, Orange and Fairfield Counties and New Jersey.
Over nearly five decades, this third-generation, family-owned business has built a portfolio exceeding 7 million square feet. The organization’s vertically integrated team manages every stage of the project lifecycle, from finance and construction to leasing and property management. Simone Development Companies is set apart by this comprehensive approach, a commitment to long-term asset ownership, and a proven track record of transforming vacant and underutilized sites into vibrant developments that elevate communities.
Learn more at https://simonedevelopment.com/
Simone Development Companies Welcomes New York Blood Center to Throggs Neck Shopping Center in The Bronx
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined the ribbon-cutting for NYBC’s first-ever donor center in the Bronx, establishing a permanent presence in all five boroughs of New York City
Pictured left to right are: Jacqueline Marston, Donor Specialist II, Yadira Navarro, Director, Community and Stakeholder Relations, Anita Reyes, Assistant Commissioner of the NYC Health Department’s Bronx Health Action Center, Debra Kawalik, Co-Chair, Bronx Community Board 11, Vanessa Gibson, Bronx Borough President, Harlan Sexton, Guest Speaker, Brian Smith, Senior Vice President, Corporate/Community Relations, New York Yankees, Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Blood Operations, NYBC, Joyelle Morris, Senior Director, NYBC Collections, Novelette Thomas, Team Leader, Nadine White, Donor Specialist II. Photo Courtesy of NYBCe
BRONX, NY – March 06, 2026 – Simone Development Companies, a full-service real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition and development of healthcare, mixed-use, office, industrial, retail and residential properties, joined executives and staff of the New York Blood Center (NYBC) in celebrating the grand opening of the new 4,000 square-foot Bronx Donor Center at the Throggs Neck Shopping Center at 815 Hutchinson River Parkway in the Throggs Neck/Ferry Point community. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, local officials, and healthcare leaders joined NYBC and Simone Development Companies for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the organization’s new permanent presence in the borough.
The new center is NYBC’s 21st donor center in the tri-state area and its first in the Bronx, establishing a permanent NYBC presence in all five boroughs of New York City. The opening comes at a critical time. Blood donations in the Bronx have declined by nearly 40% in recent years, while local hospital demand continues to outpace community donations. The new donor center is designed to make blood donation more convenient for residents and help reach new, diverse, and younger donors to strengthen the long-term stability of the local blood supply.
“The opening of the Blood Center in Throggs Neck is a project years in the making and the result of advocacy to ensure our residents have access to critical blood donation services and emergency support in their own community,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “As we face a drop in donations, it is essential that we all play a role in diversifying our blood supply and ensuring Bronx residents have access to lifesaving resources when and where they need them most. I want to thank New York Blood Center and the dedicated advocates and community partners who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. This center represents an investment in our healthcare infrastructure and the well-being of our borough.”
In honor of Black History Month, NYBC presented Borough President Gibson with the Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award recognizing her leadership and commitment to strengthening a diverse blood supply and advancing community health. The award is named for Dr. Charles Richard Drew, the father of modern blood banking and the first African American to earn a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Columbia University. His groundbreaking work during World War II laid the foundation for today’s blood banking system.
“New York Blood Center is proud to serve New York City and its surrounding regions – now with more than 20 donor centers and a permanent location in each of the five boroughs,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President, Blood Operations at New York Blood Center. “We’d like to extend our utmost gratitude to the Bronx Borough President for her continued partnership in making this new donor center a reality amid a concerning decline in blood donations throughout the borough. We encourage all Bronxites to come make an appointment to check it out today!”
“We are thrilled that New York Blood Center selected Simone Development’s Throggs Neck Shopping Center for its Bronx donor center, adding a critical service to the surrounding communities and the renowned healthcare institutions nearby,” said Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies. “New York Blood Center is a great addition to the dynamic mix of specialized medical providers, service-oriented retail, and top national, regional, and local shops and restaurants at this retail destination.”
New York Blood Center joins a prestigious lineup of tenants at Throggs Neck Shopping Center, from medical services providers like AFC Urgent Care, Metro Optics, Schweiger Dermatology Group, and Bridgeway Dental, to retail giants like Target, TJ Maxx, and Petco, as well as specialized stores like Snipes, Skechers, and Mattress Firm. The center also includes multiple popular eateries including Applebee’s, Chipotle, Cap’t Loui Seafood Boil, Five Guys, Charleys Philly Steaks, Starbucks, and Sarku Japan, among others. Five spaces are currently available for lease ranging from 900 to 3,000 square feet, with the ability to offer up to 3,950 square feet of contiguous space.
Since its construction in 2010, Throggs Neck Shopping Center has been a catalyst for economic growth, creating hundreds of new job opportunities and contributing to the borough’s economy and growth. The 300,000-square-foot, large-scale retail development is conveniently located at the intersection of Lafayette Avenue and the Hutchinson River Parkway, boasting secure free parking for 625 cars.
NYBC encourages donors to become All Seasons Lifesavers by making blood donation a routine part of their lives and giving once each season. NYBC also offers additional donor frequency programs based on donation type, recognizing those who give consistently throughout the year. Learn more here.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.
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Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 150+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NYBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NYBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Simone Development Companies
Simone Development Companies is a privately owned, full-service real estate investment firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of healthcare, mixed-use, retail, office, industrial, and residential properties. The company’s reach extends across New York City and its suburbs including Long Island, Westchester County, Orange and Fairfield Counties and New Jersey.
Over nearly five decades, this third-generation, family-owned business has built a portfolio exceeding 7 million square feet. The organization’s vertically integrated team manages every stage of the project lifecycle, from finance and construction to leasing and property management. Simone Development Companies is set apart by this comprehensive approach, a commitment to long-term asset ownership, and a proven track record of transforming vacant and underutilized sites into vibrant developments that elevate communities.
Learn more at https://simonedevelopment.com/