New York, NY … In an important Lower Manhattan move, Regional Plan Association (RPA), one of the nation’s most prominent urban planning and policy organizations, will soon relocate its New York headquarters to the Rudin Family’s distinctive tower at One Whitehall Street.

The new lease encompasses 9,135 square feet on a portion of the 16th floor at the 405,000 square-foot building, which occupies the full blockfront on Whitehall Street between Stone and Bridge streets, situated in close proximity to multiple subway lines, Battery Park, Fulton Center, the World Trade Center PATH hub and the Staten Island Ferry. The new office will include space for gatherings and events.

The move comes as RPA develops ​“A Region Transformed,” a long-range vision for the tri-state area’s shared prosperity, resiliency, livability and good governance. The plan is due out in 2017. The organization, which is currently situated in the Union Square area, is expected to move to the building during the first quarter of next year. A not-for-profit organization, RPA has been an influential civic voice in shaping the growth of the metropolitan area since the 1920s.

“RPA is an organization that is widely known for its leadership in the civic community regarding planning issues for the entire region and has played a key role in the revitalization of downtown New York in particular,” said Bill Rudin, Co-Vice Chairman and CEO of Rudin Management Company, the operating arm of the Rudin Family holdings. ​“They are a champion for Lower Manhattan, and we are excited that they have decided to locate their headquarters in the heart of this dynamic neighborhood at One Whitehall Street.”

“We are delighted to have found such a wonderful space in a vibrant and convenient neighborhood,” said RPA President Tom Wright. ​“It’s exciting to be joining the Lower Manhattan community, which has been attracting such a diverse array of businesses in the past few years. And we look forward to holding regular public events in the new space. The timing couldn’t be better, since we will be sharing a lot of new work next year as part of the Fourth Regional Plan.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome RPA to the neighborhood,” said Jessica Lappin, President of the Alliance for Downtown New York. ​“Lower Manhattan is home to many diverse organizations and thought leaders. And, at this moment in our history, it’s great to have such experts in planning, transportation, and civic engagement join our growing community.”

Built in 1962 and renovated in 1989 by the Rudins, the 23-story, 99% occupied building at One Whitehall Street features state-of-the-art broadband connectivity and a renovated marble lobby. The property includes other major tenants such as Topps Company, Inc., Choice Logistics, Inc.

The Battery Conservancy, the Commercial Observer, the New York Landmark Conservancy, and the Century Foundation. The property is Wired Certified Gold, offering access to multiple high-quality internet service providers and a variety of cabling types, including fiber.

Robert Billingsley and Bryan Boisi of Cushman & Wakefield represented RPA in the 10-year leasing transaction, while Kevin Daly, vice president of commercial leasing at Rudin Management Company, represented building ownership.

In addition to One Whitehall Street, other downtown office buildings owned by the Rudin family include One Battery Park Plaza, 80 Pine Street, 55 Broad Street, 110 Wall Street and 32 Avenue of the Americas.