Fortis Property Group is led by Louis Kestenbaum and his son Joel. The original plan was a complete change to residential units. Fortis’ original bid attached to this plan was rejected in December after advocates for LICH called on the state to renovate its grading system for bidders. Mayor de Blasio also objected to Fortis’ original bid.
Since then Fortis has collaborated with NYU-Langone on the outpatient clinic. The new plans will build luxury condos, while maintaining an outpatient clinic for residents in the area. The outpatient facility will include an emergency room and clinics. The new plan is a compromise between Fortis’ original wish for luxury condos and are residents’ demand for a full-service hospital.