National Dance Institute Center for Learning and the Arts*
New York , NY
For more than 35 years, the National Dance Institute (NDI) has provided free dance instruction and programming for over 2 million children in partnership with the New York City Public School District and through national and international residencies. And for 35 years, the organization never had a permanent home, working out of borrowed, rented and donated space.
MBS Urban Initiatives CDE partnered with Goldman Sachs to help NDI finance the acquisition and development of the community space within PS 90—a Harlem public school building abandoned for 30 years. PS 90 was converted into a mixed-income, mixed-use development with 75 residential condos and 13,000 square feet of community facility space. In the fall of 2011, NDI, finally moved into its permanent home in the former PS 90. The National Dance Institute Center for Learning and the Arts has four studios, administrative offices, two art galleries, an outdoor terrace (for concerts and other events) and a 175-seat performance space. It resides alongside the mixed-income condominiums inside the former school, whose limestone, terra-cotta and brick exterior, including gargoyles, has been preserved.
MBS Urban Initiatives provided a $12.4M New Markets Tax Credit Investment that served as critical financing for the acquisition and renovation. At the core of the investment is the future of the children of New York. NDI currently works in 31 partner schools in the NYC metro area, serving close to 5,000 children each week in grades K-6. NDI works with every child in a grade, including English Language Learners and children with special needs. Nearly 63% of NDI students are eligible for free or reduced lunch and all NDI programs are free for every child.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Quick Facts
Project Goal: Create new Center for Learning and the Arts for National Dance Institute, anchoring additional revitalization in Harlem
Total Development Costs: $12,400,000
Square Footage: 18,000 Square Feet
Developer: New York Department of Housing Preservation and Development and L + M Development Partners
Tax Credit Investor: Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group
NMTC Qualified Low Income Community Investment: $12,400,000
Other Key Project Financing: National Dance Institute, Goldman Sachs, and MBS Urban Initiatives CDE
Construction Jobs: 43 full-time, 3 part-time
Permanent Jobs: 24 full-time, 39 part-time
Investment Date: November, 2010
Opening Date: October, 2011