How to bid on Event Operator Services for 1680 Lexington Avenue Event Space, NYCEDC

What the NYCEDC is buying and why it matters

The NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is seeking a qualified nonprofit organization or cultural operator to manage, activate, and program an approximately 8,283-square-foot event and theater space at 1680 Lexington Avenue in East Harlem, Manhattan.

This opportunity involves comprehensive event space activation, community engagement, programming, and financial management. The selected operator will coordinate with a $10.3 million capital improvement program for the landmarked building, which is a critical community anchor and home to longstanding cultural tenants.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on June 17, 2026. An optional informational session will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 10 A.M. at 1680 Lexington Avenue. If you wish to attend, you must RSVP by June 29, 2026.

Questions and requests for clarification are due by 5 P.M. on Friday, July 17, 2026. Answers will be posted by Thursday, July 30, 2026. Proposals are due no later than 4 P.M. on Friday, August 7, 2026. Submissions must be uploaded as a .zip file with your company name and the project title.

Who this opportunity suits

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is suitable for qualified nonprofit organizations and cultural operators. NYCEDC is looking for an organization with demonstrated experience operating nonprofit cultural or community spaces, engaging local communities, and providing culturally relevant programming reflective of East Harlem and upper Manhattan.

The ideal respondent will have a clear vision for activating and programming the Event Space in alignment with its cultural and community mission, strong financial capacity, and the ability to develop a financially sustainable operating model.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation documents, you need to visit the NYCEDC website. The full RFP outlines detailed submission guidelines and requirements.

Questions regarding the subject matter should be submitted via the Q&A web form on the NYCEDC website. Technical questions about downloading and submitting proposals can be sent to [email protected] before the proposal deadline. All proposals must be submitted electronically by the deadline.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates your organization's readiness and vision for activating and programming the Event Space, emphasizing alignment with the cultural and community mission of 1680 Lexington Avenue. Highlight your experience in community engagement and culturally relevant programming.

Provide a robust M/WBE Participation Proposal, as this is a requirement for all respondents. Detail your financial capacity, including current financial health, ability to secure earned revenue and philanthropic funding, and the long-term viability of your operations, especially in coordination with the capital improvement program.

Attend the optional informational session if possible, and submit any questions you have by the deadline. This shows engagement and helps you clarify any ambiguities in the RFP, leading to a more precise and competitive proposal.