The Drawing Center

Jonathan Rose Companies began working with The Drawing Center in 2004 when they were selected by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) to be one of four cultural institutions located at the World Trade Center (WTC) site. Soon after completion of schematic design, it was determined that a new location in Lower Manhattan would need to be identified. Jonathan Rose Companies led a site selection process and provided a full scope of owner's representative services as several sites were identified for feasibility and due diligence testing. 

A dynamic part of New York City's cultural life since 1977, The Drawing Center is the only non-profit institution in the country to focus on the exhibition of drawings. It has emerged as one of the preeminent venues for important historical and contemporary exhibitions, attracting international and local audiences. By relocating to a new facility, The Drawing Center intends to increase all of its program areas including its exhibition spaces, publications capacity, slide registry and educational outreach.

After relocation to the WTC was no longer an option, The Drawing Center worked for more than a year toward acquiring and developing two City-owned sites in the Southstreet Seaport area of Lower Manhattan. In early 2008 the organization determined that they would not further pursue either site. They are currently evaluating the next steps.

From the beginning,The Drawing Center has embraced the idea of incorporating sustainably responsible design concepts into their new home. While at the WTC site, they worked with the Norwegian firm of Snohetta on a design that incorporated innovative indirect daylighting into gallery spaces, a challenge for a facility that exhibits fragile drawings with a need for carefully controlled light. A LEED Silver minimum was set for all the feasibility and due diligence work performed on sites The Drawing Center has considered for acquisition.