Business Investments
 

Harlem USA is a 275,000 square foot shopping complex at 125th Street and 8th Avenue. The Harlem USA project was financed by a combination of public and private investment, including a $11.2 million loan from UMEZ. The complex contains the Magic Johnson Theatres, New York Sports Club, and Old Navy among other retailers. Construction on the shopping complex generated 200 jobs with another 500 permanent jobs created for community residents. Harlem USA helped increase the area’s visibility and enhance business activity in the community through increased foot traffic.

UMEZ announced that developers closed on a $5 million loan to assist with financing the commercial renovation of the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal in 2018. The $108 million renovation of the commercial space was led by experienced developers, SJM and Slayton Ventures, to modernize the bus facilities and create over  prime retail space for both local businesses and large retailers. The renovation will benefit the area from increased economic activity because of the accessibility improvements and expanded retail offering.

UMEZ provided a $15 million loan and $40 million in Empowerment Zone Bonds to East River Plaza. East River Plaza was the first big-box retail center with storefront parking in Manhattan. East River Plaza is located in East Harlem and encompasses approximately 6.2 acres along FDR Drive between 116th and 119th Streets. The 1.2 million square foot development includes roughly 482,000 square feet of retail space on 5 floors, a parking facility, and a small office building. The project created 1,200 permanent full-time jobs and 1,000 construction jobs.