OPEN Impact Real Estate, a woman-owned commercial real estate services company specializing in nonprofit and corporate impact organizations, is proud to announce that Rising Ground Inc. has signed a 15-year lease for 27,147 square feet at 111 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY. The new lease comprises the entire 20th floor and part of the 19th floor, respectively, and represents a significant milestone in Rising Ground’s ongoing mission to support children, families and communities throughout the New York City area.
Rising Ground, an established human services organization, has chosen 111 Livingston as a new home for its multi-program Brooklyn hub, where it will continue its impactful work in a modern, efficiently designed space. The move comes at a tenant-favorable time in the Brooklyn office market, allowing the organization to secure a custom-designed space without out-of-pocket costs for construction, thanks to the landlord’s full, turnkey installation.
Stephen Powers, Alexander Smith and Kendall Elliott
Stephen Powers, Lindsay Ornstein, Alexander Smith and Kendall Elliott of OPEN represented the tenant, Rising Ground Inc., in the transaction; ownership was represented in-house. 111 Livingston has a 24/7 lobby attendant and an on-site cogeneration plant that provides its own electricity, ensuring both convenience and reliability.
Although the terms of the lease remain undisclosed, asking rents at the building are in the upper $40-per-square-foot range. Rising Ground is set to occupy the new space starting in Spring 2025.
“This strategic relocation is the result of a comprehensive portfolio analysis, consolidating Rising Ground’s administration staff into a singular Manhattan location while transitioning its Brooklyn space into a purposefully designed environment that supports both existing and expanded programs,” said Smith. “111 Livingston ensures that Rising Ground can continue its critical work, with a professional space that remains highly accessible for staff and visitors.”
Rising Ground’s new Brooklyn hub at 111 Livingston will serve as an essential center for the organization’s family and youth support programs. The design will include both administrative offices and client-facing spaces, ensuring the facility meets the needs of the community in a bright, modern environment.
This lease is another step in Rising Ground’s long-term commitment to the Greater New York City area, following their recent expansion with a 30,000-square-foot administrative headquarters at 1333 Broadway, and plans to consolidate additional Bronx locations moving forward. Earlier this year, Rising Ground settled into renovated program offices in Harlem, increasing its capacity to support more workers in a welcoming environment. It also has an expansive Queens hub in Jamaica and retains a presence in Westchester County. Rising Ground’s hubs are among its 143 locations where it will deliver more than $213 million in human services this year.
“We are delighted to sign this new, long-term lease for 111 Livingston in downtown Brooklyn,” said Rising Ground Chief Operating Officer, Lissa Southerland. “Over the past year we have invested resources to strengthen our organization and our capacity to deliver the highest quality of services, and this new space will allow us to continue to help Brooklyn children, adults, and families rise above adversity and find positive paths forward. We are grateful to OPEN Impact Real Estate for understanding our needs and successfully securing spaces that fit our needs.”
OPEN Impact Real Estate (OPEN) is a certified woman-owned business that delivers a comprehensive range of commercial real estate brokerage and advisory services independently and in partnership with JLL. As a woman-owned enterprise, OPEN is committed to delivering a comprehensive suite of services tailored to empower socially conscious, mission-driven organizations. Renowned as the foremost expert in leveraging physical spaces as a catalyst for change and advancement, OPEN services a host of corporate clients and boasts the largest nonprofit practice in New York City, extending its impact across the United States.
In 2024, OPEN formed a partnership with leading commercial real estate and investment management company JLL. OPEN Impact serves as JLL’s exclusive WBE partner in the Tri-State region and is a national WBE partner of the global real estate firm. For more information, please visit www.openregroup.com.
