Simone Development Companies Signs Long-Term Lease with Bronx Chamber of Commerce at Hutchinson Metro Center
Bronx Chamber of Commerce Nearly Doubles Footprint at Borough’s Premier Mixed-Use Campus
BRONX, NY – February 4, 2026 – Simone Development Companies has signed a new long-term lease with the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for 1,841 square feet of office space at 1200 Waters Place, part of the Hutchinson Metro Center in The Bronx, NY. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, currently located within the building, is relocating to the new space as part of an expansion that nearly doubles its footprint.
Simone Development Companies was represented by in-house leasing and legal teams; the Bronx Chamber of Commerce was also represented in-house.
“Simone Development Companies has long been a committed partner in the Bronx’s economic growth, and our decision to expand within Hutchinson Metro Center reflects the strength of that relationship,” said Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Sorin. “Their continued investment in creating a high-quality, mixed-use campus has helped foster a dynamic business environment that supports employers, institutions, and community organizations alike. As the Bronx Chamber grows its footprint to better serve our members, we are proud to do so at a campus that embodies innovation, accessibility, and long-term commitment to the borough.”
“The Bronx Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and driving economic growth throughout the borough, and we are proud to accommodate their expanding needs within our Hutchinson Metro Center campus,” said Joe Simone, President of Simone Development Companies. “1200 Waters Place continues to attract a diverse roster of tenants, offering the modern, flexible space and strategic location they need.”
1200 Waters Place is a 433,000-square-foot Class A building featuring medical, academic, and office space supported by a landscaped courtyard, fitness center, teleconference center, and abundant free parking. Major tenants include Mercy University, Montefiore, New York GI Center, ENT and Allergy Associates, The New Jewish Home, Adams Clinical, and several federal, state, and city agencies. The rest of the Hutchinson Metro Center is also home to several well-known retail tenants including Chipotle, LA Fitness, Dunkin’, A-Z Nutrition, Tower Café, and a Residence Inn by Marriott.
The property currently has additional availabilities ranging from 1,300 square feet to 75,000 square feet, offering opportunities for tenants seeking modern medical or office space within a thriving campus setting.
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/
Kevin J. Plunkett of Simone Development Companies Appointed to Board of Healthcare Trustees of New York State
BRONX, NY (January 7, 2026) — Simone Development Companies, a leader in the development of state-of-the-art healthcare, mixed-use, office, industrial, retail and residential properties in the tri-state region, is pleased to announce that Kevin J. Plunkett, Director of Strategic Initiatives, has been appointed to the Board of the Healthcare Trustees of New York State (HTNYS).
A Division of the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), the HTNYS Board is composed of trustees representing hospitals, continuing care organizations and health systems from across New York state. The Trustees have a responsibility to provide guidance and assist HTNYS activities and programs that aim to strengthen New York’s healthcare system through improved leadership and involvement by healthcare trustees.
Mr. Plunkett, who joined Simone Development Companies in 2018, is well known in Westchester County’s business and not-for-profit community. He currently serves as Chair of Northwell Phelps Community Board and is Vice-Chair of The Broadview, an intergenerational senior facility on the campus of SUNY Purchase. He is also Chair of the Business Development Board of Tompkins Mahopac Bank, an affiliate of Tompkins Financial Corp., a New York Stock Exchange Company.
“As a member of the Simone Development Team and Chair of the Northwell Phelps Community Board, I am deeply honored by this appointment to the Board of the Healthcare Trustees of New York State. I look forward to being of service to New York’s healthcare community,” said Mr. Plunkett.
Mr. Plunkett has a long and distinguished career in both the public and private sectors, having served as Deputy County Executive of Westchester County from 2010-2018. He has served on the boards of numerous not-for-profit and educational institutions including ArtsWestchester, Westchester ARC Foundation and Iona College.
A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, Mr. Plunkett earned his law degree at Stetson University College of Law. Throughout his law career Mr. Plunkett has represented numerous governmental entities including the City of Rye and the Villages of Tarrytown, Irvington, Dobbs Ferry and Mamaroneck. He is a life-long resident of Tarrytown, NY.
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.
Healthcare Trustees of New York State is dedicated to strengthening the governance of New York’s nonprofit and public healthcare facilities. HTNYS is governed by a board of trustees from healthcare facilities across the state and is a division of the Healthcare Association of New York State.
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/