If you know of a facility that may fulfill our requirements, please contact Dan at drubenstein@brooklynprospect.org or 212-437-8383.

What: Facility Requirements
Brooklyn Prospect is a public charter school opening in September, 2009, with 88 sixth grade students. Each grade of 88 will have 4 classes of 22 students each, and the school will grow by one grade (or 4 classes of 22 students each) per year for a total grade 6-12 capacity of 616 students.

The facility should be able to hold the first three grades and be priced under $30 per square foot. Initial lease term would be for 5 years with a 5 year option. For properties which are suitable for long-term use, a purchase option would be sought by BPCS. Properties which would allow BPCS to lease space incrementally from year to year (e.g. growing from an initial approximate 10,000 square foot use to 25,000 square feet over 3 years) would be particularly attractive.

Ideal buildings are former school, office, industrial or warehouse buildings which can be re-configured for use as a middle and upper school. If space is delivered “as-is”, BPCS can be responsible for overseeing design, approvals, and construction of space. However, it is desirable that landlord provide Tenant Improvement Allowance.

When: Timing
BPCS is currently looking for lease options that can be ready for occupancy the fall of 2009. Depending upon the building’s condition and former use, we assume that it would be necessary to take possession of the space by early 2009 in order to complete all necessary renovation work.

BPCS contemplates a 2-phase facilities plan: Phase I is a location that will provide approximately 25,000 square feet to accommodate grades 6 through 8. Phase II is a 35,000 square foot facility to house grades 9 through 12. Phase I and Phase II can be two separate, but nearby buildings or a single building converted in two stages. An ideal facility will include some space could be used as multi-purpose space to support library, gymnasium, cafeteria and performance uses.

Phase I: 25,000 square foot facility adequate for grades 6th, 7th and 8th. 264 students.

Phase II: 35,000 square feet of additional space for grades 9th thru 12th. 352 students.

Space Requirements for Brooklyn Prospect Charter School:
Academic Year      2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
Grade Level(s)           6          6-7      6-8       6-9       6-10       6-11     6-12
Total # of students    88        176      264       352        440        528       616
Square Footage        8,800   17,000   25,000  35,000    44,000   50,000   60,000

• There is some flexibility in the square footage amount based on the design.

• On-site outdoor space or within short walking distance of a park or playground area is highly desirable.

• Space must be able to be zoned for a school use and made to comply with DOB occupancy regulations (Certificate of Occupancy, Fire Safety, etc.).

Where: Location
Brooklyn Prospect will be located and serve families in Community School District (CSD) 15, which is west of Prospect Park and includes the following neighborhoods: Sunset Park, Kensington, Red Hook, Boerum Hill, Gowanus, Cobble Hill, Windsor Terrace, Park Slope and Downtown Brooklyn. The school must be accessible to the entire district and our preference is to be in Gowanus in the rectangle bordered by Nevins, 4th Avenue, Atlantic Avenue and 28th Street. Please see map below.

How: Financing
Brooklyn Prospect Charter School is a public school with a charter from the State of New York will allows it to receive public funding on a per-pupil basis according to enrollment. In addition, the Board – with backgrounds in private equity, law and real estate development - engages in fund raising. BPCS is able to provide the necessary security to the landlord to execute a lease agreement.