Long Island University (LIU) Brooklyn, a nationally recognized education institution, in partnership with RXR Realty, one of New York City’s largest real estate owners, investors, operators and developers, recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a major campus development project that will enhance LIU’s student and community experience.
Key elements of the project include an academic space; a state-of-the-art athletic field; fitness and wellness facilities; a parking garage; a 34-story residential building, which will include 30 percent of units dedicated as affordable housing; and on-site campus and streetscape improvements, including new landscaped areas and passageways, and refurbishment of Willoughby Street and Ashland Place.
This campus improvement plan builds upon LIU Brooklyn’s ongoing revitalization strategy to expand and modernize its current academic programs, provide affordable programs to its diverse student body, and address necessary maintenance improvements on its campus.
“This is the largest campus improvement project at LIU Brooklyn since it was founded nearly a century ago,” said Dr. Kimberly Cline, president of Long Island University. “Our Brooklyn campus is a prime destination for students across the U.S. and abroad. Our new expansion will further enhance the exceptional student experience at LIU.”
Under LIU’s agreement with RXR, in addition to the new facility, LIU will receive substantial financial resources that will be used for short- and long-term capital needs including the strategic and master plans developed by the University community. The resources will also be used to continue to increase the university endowment to maintain LIU’s position as a best value institution.
“For us, when we look at private-public partnerships it’s about working really closely with the community at large and trying to understand what their needs are,” said Scott Rechler, CEO and chairman of RXR Realty. “This is a win for all because not only are we going to make the community a better place with greater long-term vitality, but we’re going to have the opportunity to actually enhance LIU, which is one of the region’s most important institutions.”
—Submitted by Long Island University
