The Soundview Economic Hub

ABOUT THE SOUNDVIEW ECONOMIC HUB

The Soundview Economic Hub is a community-led initiative transforming 37,500 square feet of underutilized space beneath the Bruckner Expressway into a vibrant center for economic opportunity, creativity, and neighborhood engagement. The project began in 2014, when Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (YMPJ) was approached by a local councilmember to help reimagine a neglected site along Bronx River Avenue. What was once a patch of dirt and gravel, later cleared into an empty lot, has since become the foundation for a long-term vision rooted in community input. After years of organizing, planning, and gathering feedback from local residents, YMPJ officially began activating the space in 2024, turning vision into action.

OUR WORK 

For over a decade, YMPJ has worked alongside residents of Soundview, Bronx River, and Longwood to reclaim and reimagine this space as a community asset. Today, the Soundview Economic Hub serves as an emerging platform for:

Through consistent programming and grassroots engagement, the Hub is building a foundation for long-term economic growth and community ownership.

THE HUB IN ACTION

The Soundview Economic Hub is not just a long-term vision—it is already an active community space shaped by ongoing programming, events, and local participation.

Since launching activation efforts in 2024, YMPJ and community partners have brought consistent life and activity to the site through public programming, entrepreneurship opportunities, and cultural engagement.Funding Priorities:

What’s Happening On Site

Why This Matters

These ongoing activations are doing more than hosting events—they are testing, building, and refining how the space will function as a long-term community asset.

Each event, market, and installation contributes to a growing foundation for permanent infrastructure, local economic opportunity, and shared community ownership of the site.

THE VISION

The Soundview Economic Hub is being developed in phases to create a self-sustaining community destination that expands economic opportunity, supports local entrepreneurship, and provides new amenities for South Bronx residents. Each addition is designed to address a community need while creating lasting public value.

Phase One (Target Completion: 2027)

Semi-Permanent Vendor Stalls (10)

Ten semi-permanent vendor stalls will provide local entrepreneurs and small businesses with an affordable storefront to launch and grow their businesses without the high costs of a traditional brick-and-mortar location. These stalls will create a consistent marketplace that attracts visitors, supports local commerce, and generates ongoing economic activity within the community.

Covered Multi-Use Sports Court

A covered outdoor sports court will provide year-round recreational space for youth and families, regardless of weather conditions. The flexible space can accommodate a variety of sports, community fitness programs, tournaments, and neighborhood events, creating a safe and active gathering place for residents of all ages.

Phase Two (Target Completion: 2028)

Food Kiosk

The Hub will include a food kiosk that provides convenient dining options for nearby workers, residents, and visitors. With limited food options currently available within walking distance, the kiosk will improve neighborhood amenities while creating another opportunity for a local food entrepreneur to establish and expand their business.

Phase Three (Target Completion: 2029)

Urban Horticulture Nursery

The nursery will serve as both a community educational resource and a small-scale business opportunity. Residents will be able to participate in workshops focused on urban gardening, food cultivation, and environmental stewardship while also purchasing locally grown plants, vegetables, herbs, and other greenery. This space promotes food education, sustainability, and community wellness.

Micro-Mobility & Distribution Hub

The micro-mobility and distribution hub is envisioned as a resource that supports local businesses and entrepreneurs with storage, logistics, and last-mile delivery services. As neighborhood commerce continues to grow, this infrastructure will improve business operations while encouraging more sustainable transportation and distribution practices throughout the community.

Together, these investments will transform the Soundview Economic Hub into a vibrant destination where residents can start businesses, access recreational space, learn new skills, connect with neighbors, and participate in a stronger local economy.

UNDER THE BRUCKNER ART GALLERY

Public art is a defining feature of the Soundview Economic Hub and a key part of how the site has been transformed from underutilized infrastructure into a cultural destination.

Through YMPJ’s collaboration with NYC DOT’s Art Program and the Urban Design Forum, the space beneath the Bruckner Expressway has been activated as a rotating outdoor gallery featuring large-scale public artwork.

In 2025, 14 original artworks were commissioned and installed across the site, creating a continuous open-air exhibition that is accessible to all residents and visitors.

The gallery is updated on an 11-month rotation, ensuring that new artists, perspectives, and creative voices are regularly represented. The most recent installation was completed in April 2026.

Together, these installations bring visibility to local and emerging artists while adding identity, color, and cultural presence to a space that was previously overlooked infrastructure.

Featured Artists

FAST PITCH FUNDRAISING EVENT — APRIL 29, 2026

Join us for our virtual Fast Pitch fundraising event to learn more about the next phase of development at the Soundview Economic Hub.

This event will provide an inside look at the vision for the site, upcoming infrastructure projects, and how community investment is shaping the future of the Hub.

We are currently raising $150,000 to support the next phase of development.

Funding priorities include:

Your support helps transform this space into a lasting economic and cultural resource for the South Bronx.

GET INVOLVED

The Soundview Economic Hub continues to grow through community participation, partnerships, and local support.

There are many ways to contribute to the project:

Every contribution directly supports the continued development of a community-owned space that expands opportunity, creativity, and economic access in the South Bronx.