Building MNN's Future
Looking to modernize and add capacity for its community media services, Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) announced plans to sell its West 59th Street facility by the end of the year. MNN aims to relocate the services provided at its 59th Street facility to a new-state-of-the-art media facility that will better enable MNN to serve community producers and students.
“It’s long past time that MNN’s main studios upgrade to a 21st century media facility with better equipment and services for our community of digital media makers and learners as well as increased broadband accessibility,” said MNN President and CEO Dan Coughlin.
Coughlin said the sale will eliminate the need for MNN to make costly improvements to its 75-year-old building, including building out a functioning elevator, improving handicap accessibility, installing new air conditioning, and expanding its usable square footage. MNN will announce its relocation plans later in 2021.
MNN originally purchased the West 59th St. building in 1993. It was constructed in 1945 and has housed various recording and audio production facilities since the 1960s.
The existing site will be redeveloped in conjunction with the City’s Department of Homeless Services and non-profit social service provider Project Renewal as a high quality transitional housing facility for women experiencing homelessness. Comprehensive on-site services will be provided by Project Renewal.
“We’re thrilled that Project Renewal will continue the community service mission that has long been established by MNN at this site and other non-profits on this block and in this area,” added Coughlin, noting the work of local public health and educational institutions long associated with the West 50s, from Mt. Sinai West/St. Luke’s Hospital to John Jay College.
