The Children’s Aid Society has expanded its footprint in Harlem, signing a nine-year, 3,500-square-foot lease at 219 West 135th Street. The lease execution took place on November 30 and the asking price for the property was $65 per square foot.
“We are leasing it to offer some of preventive services which are part of our foster care program,” said Anthony Ramos, director of marketing and communications for the organization. Much larger than its previous location at 69 West 118th Street, the new spot in the five story prewar building owned by New Parque, Inc. will accommodate more staff. “We’re relocating because we recently expanded our program,” said Alirio Guerrero, director of preventive services for the Children’s Aid Society.
With funding from the New York Administration for Children’s Services, the society was able to hire five new staff members for a program to offer services for families that are at risk of being separated and having their children placed into foster care. “That program is up and running, but we’re all cramped in a very small office,” Mr. Guerrero said.
The new facility boasts two floors with conference room space, individual offices to meet with families and provide counseling. “Both of those things we do not currently have,” he said. The new room will come in handy as the organization is tasked with serving the needs of about 108 families every year. It maintains 45 locations in throughout New York, in every borough except for queens, Mr. Ramos said.
The Children’s Aid Society will take possession of its new office this month and hopes to move in by January 15. As for its current location, it does not intend to part with it after vacating. “We will be keeping that space for the time being,” Mr. Ramos said.
“We recognize the importance of addressing the escalating needs of underserved populations, especially the children,” said Faith Hope Consolo, chairman of leasing at Douglass Elliman, which represented both tenant and landlord in the transaction. “This unique center will further extend the organization’s reach and provide even more help for the community.”
