Vacant, potentially 70 apartments building, could be a HOTEL, for $7.8M

Property Overview

• Type: Religious Facility / Former Convent
• Building Size: Approximately 42,374 square feet
• Lot Size: 0.74 acres (32,234 sq ft)
• Stories: 3
• Year Built: 1931 (some records indicate 1960)
• Zoning: R3A, HS (Community Facility Use Group 3)
• Building Class: C
• Tenancy: Single
• Status: Delivered vacant
• Opportunity Zone: Yes

????️ Building Features

• Configuration: 58 individual rooms, dining areas, / approval for 70 units building, chapel, meeting rooms, and other support spaces
• Condition: No deferred maintenance reported; building offered below replacement cost
• Potential Uses:
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Educational institutions
  • Community centers
  • Residential development (subject to zoning  

???? Financial Details

• Estimated Property Tax (2024/25): $131,416

???? Location & Accessibility

• Neighborhood: St. George, Staten Island
• Proximity:
  • Approximately 10-minute walk to the Staten Island Ferry and St. George Terminal
  • Close to St. George Theatre, Borough Hall, local courts, and Empire Outlets
• Transit Score: 78 (Excellent Transit)
• Walk Score: 60 (Somewhat Walkable)
• Bike Score: 47 (Somewhat  

????️ Development Potential

• Zoning Details: R3A zoning allows for community facility uses as-of-right. Residential development may be possible, subject to zoning regulations and approvals.
• Opportunity Zone: The property's location within a Qualified Opportunity Zone may offer tax incentives for eligible investments.
• 78 Fort Place in Staten Island can potentially be converted into residential apartments, but with important zoning, use, and approval considerations.

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• ✅ Why It Can Be Converted

• Delivered Vacant: The property is currently vacant, making it logistically easier to repurpose.
• Structure & Size: The existing 42,374 sq ft structure with 58 rooms is well-suited for conversion into residential units.
• Location: Located in St. George, close to transit (ferry terminal), courts, and downtown redevelopment zones—making it a prime location for apartments.

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• ⚠️ Key Limitations to Consider

• 1. Zoning – R3A with Community Facility Overlay (HS)

• R3A is a low-density residential district, primarily allowing 1- and 2-family detached homes.
• The HS (Health and Safety) overlay allows community facility uses, such as religious or educational institutions.
• Multifamily residential buildings are not permitted as-of-right in R3A zoning.
• ???? What this means:
• A rezoning or special permit (ULURP) would likely be needed to create a larger apartment complex.
• You might be allowed to do limited conversion (e.g. a group home, senior housing, or adult facility) under certain exceptions.

• 2. Land Use Process

• A public hearing was already held on February 4, 2025, for a proposal to convert it into residential apartments for adults—indicating interest and preliminary review by Community Board 1.
• The proposal suggests that conversion is possible, but approval from NYC Department of City Planning and DOB would be required.

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• ???? Possible Residential Uses (with proper approvals)

• Use Case	Feasibility
  Market-rate apartments	Requires rezoning
  Affordable housing	More favorable for approval
  Senior or adult residences	Often allowed under community facility use

• A public hearing was already held on February 4, 2025, for a proposal to convert it into residential apartments for adults—indicating interest and preliminary review by Community Board 1.
• The proposal suggests that conversion is possible, but approval from NYC Department of City Planning and DOB would be required.