CUNY Acquired Historic Bronx Post Office Building

The City University of New York purchased the 175,000-square-foot site to expand its nursing and health program facilities.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Commercial

Screen-print poster illustration of a historic stone building facade with large arches, representing the new CUNY academic expansion site. — The City University of New York has finalized a $200.9 million purchase of the former Bronx General Post Office to expand health science facilities for Hostos Community College. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The City University of New York has finalized a $200.9 million purchase of the former Bronx General Post Office building. Located at 558 Grand Concourse Avenue, the site will support the growth of Hostos Community College.

Why it matters

The acquisition provides a dedicated space for Hostos Community College to expand its specialized health programs, including nursing, radiology, and dental hygiene. This expansion is expected to double the institution's number of STEM and health student graduates.

The 175,000-square-foot structure at 558 Grand Concourse Avenue features both interior and exterior landmark protections. The deal follows a 35-year lease agreement signed by the university in September 2025.

The players

City University of New York

CUNY is the public university system of New York City and the largest urban university system in the United States.

Hostos Community College

Located in the Bronx, this institution is part of the CUNY system and offers various associate degree programs in health and human services.

Maddd Equities

This is a real estate development firm that previously held ownership of the building after purchasing it in 2025.

The details

CUNY exercised a purchase option embedded in its original long-term lease agreement to take ownership of the commercial unit. The project includes $70 million in renovations, supported by $12.3 million in city government funding, to transform the former post office into an academic hub.

1937: The property was originally built.
2012: The building ceased operations as a post office.
March 2026: The purchase deal went under contract.
September 10, 2026: The property acquisition officially closed.

Culture Shift

The adaptive reuse of the Bronx General Post Office mirrors a broader urban trend of repurposing historic civic infrastructure for modern educational needs. This project underscores the effort to revitalize landmarked assets while addressing the city's urgent demand for specialized academic facilities.

Students and residents in the Concourse Village area will gain access to expanded health training facilities, potentially increasing local job opportunities in the medical field. The $70 million renovation ensures the landmark building remains a functional part of the neighborhood.

The takeaway

The transformation of the former post office represents a significant investment in the Bronx's educational infrastructure. Readers can expect improved access to specialized training programs as the university completes these facility upgrades.