September 11, 2023

Press Release: New Dramatists Lists Architecturally Unique Performing Arts and Administrative Space in Hell’s Kitchen for Sale

New Dramatists Lists Architecturally Unique Performing Arts and Administrative Space in Hell’s Kitchen for Sale

At 10,145 square feet, 424 West 44^th Street offers a prime opportunity for repositioning or redevelopment in one of Manhattan’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

NEW YORK, August 22, 2023 – New Dramatists, the nation's premiere playwright development and service organization, with assistance from exclusive agent Denham Wolf Real Estate Services (Denham Wolf), a trusted real estate advisor serving the nonprofit community across New York City and beyond, announced today that it has begun the search for a buyer for 424 West 44^th Street. The converted Neo-Gothic Revival church provides 10,145 square feet of architecturally unique space in Hell’s Kitchen. The property is configured as a column-free performing arts space with a soaring 22’ high ceiling plus administrative headquarters, and is located a few blocks from the major retail and commercial areas of Midtown West and Hudson Yards.

424 West 44^th Street will be delivered fully vacant and presents a desirable opportunity for a new owner looking to reposition or redevelop the building for community, residential, or commercial use. Buyers can also take advantage of 8,171 SF of additional development rights. In total, the site can accommodate an estimated 16,871 SF buildable as-of-right. Situated near the Broadway Theatre District and Times Square, the site is well-positioned in an up-and-coming neighborhood that is currently seeing an expansion of luxury developments and best-in-class retail, dining, and entertainment venues.

“424 West 44^th Street has been a creative home for New Dramatists for almost six decades. Above the door, it says, “Dedicated to the Playwright,” so that all who cross the threshold understand our purpose. We’re extraordinarily grateful to have been anchored in this wonderful neighborhood for many years, and to the many artists, supporters, and staff - past and present - who made this humble organization a vital playwright development center and nexus of the American Theatre. As we seek out our next artistic home, we will carry the gifts and spirit of this true ‘church of the playwright’ with us.”

• Emily Morse /Artistic Director and Christie Brown/Exec Director

Originally built in 1910, 424 West 44^th Street is three stories tall with a partial lower level. The ground floor features offices, a library, and a large multi-purpose room. On the second floor, there are additional offices, a kitchen, and a double-height 22’ high performance/rehearsal area with a Place of Assembly certificate for 90 people. The third floor has additional offices and studies used by generations of ND resident playwrights. The renovated roof includes a large, split-level deck accessible via a staircase from the third floor. The roof also provides access to a large, enclosed storage area.

“With its large volume of space and attractive location in a vibrant and quickly evolving neighborhood, 424 West 44^th Street is an exciting opportunity with ample options for repurposing or redevelopment. The building is ideal for a religious organization or performing arts owner-user or a developer looking for a boutique redevelopment opportunity in Hell’s Kitchen,” said Christopher Turner, Principal and Managing Director of Transaction Services at Denham Wolf. “We look forward to working with our partners at New Dramatists to find the right buyer for the property. This is an exciting step for the organization and will allow it to continue its mission of providing playwrights.

The sale of 424 West 44^th Street comes at a time of significant transition for New Dramatists, which recently welcomed Christie Brown as its new Executive Director. After careful consideration of industry standards and the organization's needs and capacity, New Dramatists determined that selling its current building and using the income to find a new facility that better fits its evolving mission is the best path forward. With the support of Denham Wolf, New Dramatists will secure a new home that provides its community of playwrights with the space and resources they need to realize their full artistic potential.

About New Dramatists

New Dramatists is dedicated to the playwright and serves a singular mission: To provide playwrights with time, space, and resources in the company of gifted peers to create work, realize their artistic potential, and make lasting contributions to the theatre. Founded in 1949, New Dramatists is one of the country’s leading playwright centers and a nationally recognized new play laboratory, unrivaled in the depth and duration of its commitment to playwrights. In the 74 years since its founding, over 700 new dramatists have passed through its doors, including many whose work laid the foundation – and point towards the future – of the contemporary American theatre. https://newdramatists.org.

About Denham Wolf Real Estate Services

An essential resource for the nonprofit community, Denham Wolf Real Estate Services provides expertise in transactions, development, and project management. Through these integrated services, the firm empowers organizations to take a thoughtful, mission-first approach to real estate. Denham Wolf has partnered with hundreds of diverse nonprofit organizations since its founding in 1998, shaping millions of square feet across New York City and beyond. For more information, visit: www.denhamwolf.com.

For More Information about the listing, Click Here.

For additional information and access to the virtual deal room, please contact the exclusive broker:
Cameron Tuttle +1 646 307 4546
Kate Hrobsky +1 646 814 8856
Christopher D. Turner, MRICS +1 212 629 7013

Read more about the sale and new dramatists on Connect CRE and Co-Star