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Settlement Health
Outcome: A thriving
health center in a well-functioning site
When Settlement Health approached Freeman/Frazier,
this community-based organization was located in an old tenement
building in East Harlem; and was busy searching for a new site.
The first important contribution we made to this
organization's viability – and sanity – was recognizing
that they already knew of the ideal site. It was practically next
door, owned partly by a private real estate investor and partly
by the City. With our knowledge of city requirements and the needs
of the private sector, we were able to forge a deal in a few short
months.
Meanwhile, we ensured that financing was comfortably
in place. Settlement had already identified a funding source: Primary
Care Development Corporation (PCDC), also a newcomer to the development
process. We worked with both sides of the table not only to demonstrate
credit worthiness on the part of the client; but to help establish
loan documents for PCDC. At the same time, we worked with a pre-selected
architect, developing design schematics and contract documents,
managing the architect on behalf of our client. Did things go smoothly?
Not always, but that's what we're good at – jumping hurdles
and anticipating problems. When the stream of funding slowed, we
made sure it kept flowing, and when Settlement needed to keep its
doors open, we planned a strategy not only for continued operation
but for growth, in an alternate location, throughout the construction
process.
As is often necessary, we ameliorated the relationship
between architect and contractor while we put together more pieces
of the puzzle: gaining necessary approvals and dealing with the
community, obtaining funding from the Empowerment Zone and working
out a contractor default.
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