As the city’s plans gel for the Vanderbilt Corridor rezoning, the MTA has quietly reopened the bidding for the long-term lease on its headquarters block at 341-347 Madison Ave.
The site between E. 44th and 45th streets is being vacated, and the winning bidder is expected to tear it down and put up a new skyscraper.
Developers have until Oct. 14 to amend their bids or submit new proposals, according to the Sept. 17 notice. The MTA sent out its original request for proposals in June 2013.
Cushman & Wakefield is overseeing the proposals on behalf of the MTA. Reps for both declined to comment.
The agency is asking that new bids for the building be based on a floor area ratio (FAR) of between 24 and 30, or as much as 753,150 square feet. Right now zoning laws would allow 376,575 square feet.
There are also requirements to “support public circulation” in the area either on or off site, and the developer would have to meet “findings” with regard to the ground floor level, the massing and energy performance of the new building.