NYC Public Schools to Build New 54K-SF STEAM Center in the Bronx

The NYC School Construction Authority signed a long-term lease with Simone Development to build a 54,200-square-foot STEAM Center in the Bronx's Pelham Bay neighborhood. The facility will occupy space at Hutchinson Metro Center Atrium.

This project addresses a critical gap in STEAM education access across the city's five boroughs. The Bronx, historically underserved for advanced STEM programs, will now host a dedicated center focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics instruction.

For the school system, the lease arrangement with Simone Development offers capital flexibility. Rather than financing construction outright, the SCA leverages private development capital while maintaining long-term occupancy rights. Simone Development, an experienced commercial real estate operator, brings expertise in managing mixed-use properties like Hutchinson Metro Center.

The Pelham Bay location serves students across multiple districts. Public school families in the South Bronx gain proximity to specialized equipment and instruction without traveling across borough lines. The center will likely draw students from neighboring Throggs Neck and Co-op City neighborhoods as well.

For commercial tenants at Hutchinson Metro Center, the anchor tenant agreement with the SCA provides stable, long-term revenue. Educational facilities typically sign multi-decade leases, reducing vacancy risk for property owners. Simone Development benefits from both the steady rental income and increased foot traffic.

The project timeline remains under SCA control, though Simone Development manages buildout. Construction typically takes 18 to 24 months for a facility of this scale. Once operational, the center will accommodate several hundred students daily, supporting both in-person and hybrid learning models.

Property values in Pelham Bay may appreciate modestly as institutional anchors like this improve neighborhood infrastructure and attract city investment. The STEAM Center signals the city's commitment to expanding educational equity beyond Manhattan and