Simone Development Companies Announces Opening FND Warriors, the Fall/Winter Exhibit at The Gallery of ARTFul Medicine
Bronx artist Marisol Díaz-Gordon sheds light on Functional Neurological Disorder through multidisciplinary work
BRONX, NY (October 17, 2025) – Simone Development Companies announced the opening of FND Warriors, the new Fall/Winter exhibit at The Gallery of ARTFul Medicine, located in the lobby of Simone Development’s Hutchinson Metro Center’s Tower One at 1250 Waters Place in the Bronx. The exhibition, featuring work by Bronx artist Marisol Díaz-Gordon, is open to the public with viewing hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit is on view through January 9, 2026.
Photo Credit: Lori Adams Photography
FND Warriors explores the complexities of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) through a dynamic blend of photography, printmaking, animation, video, and personal testimonials. The exhibition draws deeply from Díaz-Gordon’s lived experiences with FND, a neurological condition that manifests in symptoms such as functional seizures, dizziness, and chronic pain that affects thousands worldwide.
The exhibition incorporates animations from neurosymptoms.org and fndhope.org, a video interview with Jonathan Gursky, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology at Montefiore Einstein, as well as testimonials from individuals in the United States and the United Kingdom. By combining scientific resources, medical expertise, and personal stories, Díaz-Gordon’s work seeks to illuminate the often misunderstood and underrepresented condition.
“FND Warriors is a call to action for those affected by FND and their loved ones,” said Marisol Díaz-Gordon. “Through art, I want to raise awareness and build compassion for those navigating this condition and, in the process, ensure no one suffers in shame or isolation.”
“The Gallery of ARTFul medicine encourages artists to interpret scientific and medical research to create works that explore issues of cultural, political, and technological importance,” said Jodi Moise, director of the Fine Arts Program and Collection at Montefiore Einstein. “This exhibition exemplifies how art can teach, communicate, and inspire, especially in healthcare settings where it can foster understanding and healing.”
Díaz-Gordon, a Bronx-born Puerto Rican artist, works across mediums in photography, printmaking, video, and film. A three-time BRIO award recipient from the Bronx Council on the Arts, she has exhibited at institutions including the National Puerto Rican Diaspora Museum, El Taller Boricua Gallery, and Lehman College Art Gallery. Her work is held in the permanent collection of the George Eastman Museum, and she currently teaches photography at CUNY.
This exhibit is sponsored by The Fine Art Program and Collection at Montefiore | Einstein, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Simone Development Companies, with special thanks to Professor Jon Stone at neurosymptoms.org and Robert Wilson, Co-chair, Director, FND Hope International. Montefiore’s Fine Art Program and Collection at Montefiore Einstein is featured on the Bloomberg Connects app. For more information on the latest Gallery of ARTFul Medicine exhibit visit: www.montefiore.org/artprogram.
Simone Development Companies, Montefiore Einstein Hospital, and Yondr Honored by the Center for Educational Innovation
Executives Recognized for Work Advancing the Student Experience
NEW YORK , NY (September 18, 2025) – 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, was recently honored by the Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) at their annual gala at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan.
Pictured left to right are: Allan McLennan, Board Member, CEI; Dr. Michael Kohlhagen, President/CEO, CEI; Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies; Judy Roth Berkowitz, Chair Emerita, CEI; Patrick Duff, Chairman, Board of Directors, CEI; Gail Badillo, Board Member, CEI; and Dr. Meisha Porter, Visiting Senior Fellow, CEI. Photo by Don Pollard
Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies, accepted the award on behalf of the organization for the company’s ongoing efforts to expand access to education and create opportunities for students in the Bronx.
“I’m deeply honored to accept this recognition from CEI on behalf of Simone Development Companies. We are proud to continue our support of initiatives that strengthen STEAM education and healthcare-focused programs in the Bronx and beyond, preparing the next generation for future success,” said Mr. Simone. “Thank you to CEI for this meaningful recognition and for your continued commitment to ensuring every child has access to a quality education.”
In addition to Simone Development, Montefiore Einstein Hospital was also recognized with awards presented to former Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, now continuing his advocacy for public health and quality of life as Senior Vice President of Community Affairs at Montefiore Einstein, and former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., now Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the hospital.
Rounding out the honorees was Graham Dugoni, founder and CEO of Yondr, a pioneer in creating phone-free spaces. Yondr has partnered with thousands of schools across New York State to transform the school day experience and with venues worldwide to create phone-free concerts and events.
CEI is a nonprofit education organization located in New York City and a recognized leader in advancing meaningful reforms in public education. CEI’s mission is to make the school the center and driving force of public education reform and innovation, working directly with teachers, school leaders, and the community to create the schools their children need to succeed. CEI’s vision is to help build a public education system where every child has access to an excellent school.
Supermarket Turned Warehouse Holds 53rd Annual Bronx Ball
A former Bronx supermarket at 1720 Eastchester Rd., recently redeveloped and converted by Simone Development Companies into a 190,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center in the Morris Park section of the Bronx, was once again transformed, this time into a ballroom to host the 53rd Annual Bronx Ball. The event marked the culmination of borough-wide Bronx Week
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and The Bronx Tourism Council co-hosted the event, one of the highlights of Bronx Week and the official celebration of this year’s inductees to the Bronx Walk of Fame. Rhonda James of E218 Events Management; Ralph Mercado of Ralph Mercado Enterprises; and Ruben Rodriguez of Havana Catering collaborated on the Bronx Ball interior transformation.
“For a long time, the East Bronx has had a critical need for new, modern last-mile warehouse distribution centers to serve the growing delivery needs of the well-established residential communities in the area,” said Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies. “We are honored that the organizers recognized this transformation and selected our property to host the annual Bronx Ball.”
https://www.connectcre.com/stories/supermarket-turned-warehouse-holds-53rd-annual-bronx-ball/
Simone Development Companies Draws New York Blood Center to Throggs Neck Shopping Center for New Donation Location in Bronx
BRONX, NY (March 5, 2025) – Simone Development Companies has signed a new long-term lease with New York Blood Center, a community-based blood supplier, for a 3,906 square-foot blood donation and collection center at the Throggs Neck Shopping Center located at 815 Hutchinson River Parkway in the Ferry Point section of the Bronx, NY.
Simone Development was represented by in-house leasing and legal teams alongside Brad Bassuk of Westerman Ball Ederer Miller Zucker & Sharfstein and the property’s exclusive broker, Karnit Mosberg of Royal Properties. Domenick D’Apice of Standard Realty Corp. represented New York Blood Center.
“We are thrilled that New York Blood Center selected the Throggs Neck Shopping Center for its Bronx donor center,” said Joe Simone, President of Simone Development Companies. “This center offers visitors a dynamic mix of critical and specialized medical providers, service-oriented retail, and top national, regional, and local shops and restaurants. It’s extremely convenient for tenants and visitors due to its accessibility to the East Bronx and surrounding areas by car and public transportation and abundant free parking.”
New York Blood Center is one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers, providing the highest quality blood and stem cell products and related medical and consultative services to hospitals and patients. This is New York Blood Center’s 20th donor center, the first in the Bronx in decades, and reflects NYBC’s commitment to expanding blood donation access and ensuring a stable blood supply for the communities it serves.
Blood donations in the Bronx have declined by nearly 40% in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for increased local participation. At the same time, donations from younger generations are becoming increasingly critical, with contributions from donors under 30 dropping by more than 30% in recent years. In addition, there is a significant gap between the need for blood at Bronx hospitals and the number of annual blood donations from the community. These trends pose a significant long-term challenge to the stability of the local blood supply, underscoring the importance of reaching and engaging new donors.
Scheduled to open the new space in late summer, 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, and Schweiger Dermatology Group 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. Only one prime 950 square-foot endcap space remains available at one of the borough’s most successful retail locations.
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, and anchored by a 165,000+ square-foot Target department store, one of the most active in the nation.
ABOUT SIMONE DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES
Simone Development Companies is a full-service real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition and development of healthcare, mixed-use, office, industrial, retail, and residential properties. Headquartered at the Hutchinson Metro Center, it boasts a portfolio of over 7 million square feet throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester County, Orange and Fairfield Counties and New Jersey. With expertise spanning acquisition, development, construction, finance, asset management, accounting, leasing and property management, Simone Development Companies is set apart by its vertically integrated management team, long-term asset ownership and its pursuit of visionary development.
ABOUT NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER
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.
Simone Development Companies Announces Opening of A(I) Brighter Tomorrow: Cancer and Beyond Winter Exhibit at The Gallery of ARTFul Medicine
(Photo Credit: Lori Adams)
The new exhibit offers an innovative exploration of cancer care and healing through art, technology, and empathy
BRONX, NY (January 30, 2025) – Simone Development Companies announced the opening of A(I) Brighter Tomorrow: Cancer and Beyond, a new winter exhibit at The Gallery of ARTFul Medicine, located in the lobby of Simone Development’s Hutchinson Metro Center’s Tower One at 1250 Waters Place in the Bronx. The exhibition opened to the public on January 24 and will run through April 18, with viewing hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The exhibition brings together art and healthcare to highlight the human side of the cancer journey. By uniting visionary artists, doctors, and cancer survivors, the exhibition tells a comprehensive story of cancer diagnosis and treatment, staying as true to real-life experiences as possible.
The often-overlooked emotional aspects of this journey are central to the exhibit. The initiative goes beyond art, supporting cancer patients, caregivers, and medical professionals in understanding the multifaceted nature of cancer. It balances hope with realism and fosters collaboration between artists and scientists to capture the medical journey’s intricacies, while encouraging broader, empathetic perspectives.
“Art has the unique ability to teach and communicate, making it increasingly valuable in healthcare settings,” said Jodi Moise, director of the Fine Art Program and Collection at Montefiore Einstein. “This exhibition highlights the critical human connections that foster physical, mental, and emotional healing in oncology care.”
The exhibition includes some of the following work:
– “Return to Life: In and Out of the Body” by Suzanne Anker, developed under the scientific guidance of Heather Feil at Montefiore’s Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, exploring onco-fertility through parallels between nature’s cycles and the preservation of life
– “Burden of Concealment: The Diagnosed, The Caregiver, and Their Son” by Anna and Jordan Rathkopf, reflecting their personal experiences as a patient and caregiver
– “Physic AI Garden” by Anna Dumitriu and Alex May, integrating artificial intelligence to address health challenges from cancer treatment while exploring potential AI-driven solutions
– “T(H)UMOR: Dear Cancer Diary” by Federico Muelas, transforming real-life cancer survivor stories from Montefiore’s Bronx Oncology Living Daily (BOLD Buddie)s program into comic art
– A poignant light-and-shadow collaboration by Romanian-based radiation oncologist Dr. Sabina Sucuri and photographer Vladimir Gheorghiu, exploring survivorship and resilience
A(I) Brighter Tomorrow: Cancer and Beyond is co-curated by Natalia Marin, an independent art curator and medical student based in Bucharest, Romania, and Jodi Moise, Director of the Fine Art Program and Collection at Montefiore Einstein.
The Gallery of ARTFul Medicine encourages artists to interpret scientific/medical research and create works of art depicting issues of cultural, political, and technological significance. The Gallery is a key component to Montefiore’s Fine Art Program and Collection, an innovative visual arts program that fosters a life-affirming, restorative and supportive environment for patients, families, caregivers, students, faculty, and staff. Montefiore’s Fine Art Program and Collection at Montefiore Einstein is now one of two healthcare entities with art programs featured on the Bloomberg Connects app.
About Simone Development Companies
Simone Development Companies is a full-service real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition and development of healthcare, mixed-use, office, industrial, retail, and residential properties. Headquartered at the Hutchinson Metro Center, it boasts a portfolio of over 7 million square feet throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester County, Orange and Fairfield Counties and New Jersey. With expertise spanning acquisition, development, construction, finance, asset management, accounting, leasing and property management, Simone Development Companies is set apart by its vertically integrated management team, long-term asset ownership and its pursuit of visionary development.