West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “alleviate hunger by ensuring that all New Yorkers have access with dignity to a choice of healthy food and supportive services,” has signed a 20-year lease for 15,000 square feet of ground floor space at 549 West 180th St. in Washington Heights.
WSCAH experienced a substantial surge in demand for its services during the pandemic. The nonprofit’s new space — which boasts lofty ceilings that allow for efficient food processing and storage, two loading docks, proximity to the expressway, multiple entrances and the flexibility to expand into other areas of the building as needed — will be used as a warehouse and distribution center, the organization’s administrative offices and for various pantry programming.
“This new warehouse opens the door for WSCAH to amplify its capabilities to distribute food, diversify our product range and extend our reach to individuals and communities across the city,” said Gregory Silverman, CEO and executive director of WSCAH. “With this space, we not only continue to execute these impactful services, but also create an environment for their growth.”
Lindsay Ornstein, Stephen Powers and Jake Cinti of Open Impact Real Estate represented the tenant, WSCAH, in the transaction; Dina Coulianidis of Colliers represented the landlord, Colliers. WSCAH is currently located at 263 West 86th St. and is expected to move into its new space early this year. Although the terms of the transaction were not disclosed, asking rents for retail space in the neighborhood typically ranges from $60 to $90 per square foot.
“WSCAH wanted a new, larger location that would enable the organization to expand its services while offering a better experience to its customers,” said Ornstein, co-founder of Open Impact Real Estate, a woman-owned commercial real estate services company specializing in non-profit and impact organizations. “Flex space is hard to come by in Washington Heights, especially space that offers loading docks, proximity to the highway and additional room to grow.”
