There’s quite a shift happening in the real estate scene!
The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is moving out of its less-than-appealing Lower East Side headquarters and will now be paying $22,000 each month for two new office spaces in Midtown and Bed-Stuy.
This change was announced by co-chair Grace Mausser during a recent meeting, where she also discussed the chapter’s budget and proposed that both she and co-chair Gustavo Gordillo receive $95,000 annual salaries.
The new Manhattan office is situated in a 14-story building on West 35th Street in Hudson Yards, featuring amenities like a doorman, 24/7 security, and a furnished rooftop. With a cost of $15,000 a month, this location will be their second-largest expense, right after the salaries for Mausser and Gordillo.
Interestingly, despite regularly criticizing landlords, the group seems unbothered about renting from one of New York’s more controversial real estate developers as they settle into this upscale location.
The Chetrit family, their landlord, has previously been involved in class-action lawsuits from Brooklyn tenants, accused of not adhering to rent stabilization laws.
The DSA plans to hold its first gathering in the new, stylish space—spanning 5,150 square feet—on September 27.
“Nothing says ‘we hate capitalism’ like sitting in a high-rise Midtown boardroom,” joked former NYC Council minority leader Joe Borelli, adding that it wouldn’t be surprising to run into them at the Republican Convention.
In addition, they are setting up a Brooklyn office for the first time, which will cost another $7,000 a month.
This two-level space in Bed-Stuy, located in what’s referred to as the “Commie Corridor,” features “large teardrop lighting” and central air conditioning that gives off a “high-end artist loft” vibe, according to the listing.
Earlier this week, someone was seen working on the space, with posters of elected Brooklyn DSA officials plastered on the front doors alongside signs advocating for “ICE out of NYC” and “rent controls.”
In May, the organization had kicked off a fundraising campaign for this new Brooklyn office.
The new offices represent a significant upgrade from the current headquarters on Jefferson Street, which had been characterized by graffiti and cost $5,200 per month to rent.
Now on a month-to-month lease at the old site, the DSA has faced challenges, including having to cancel an in-person “DSA 101” meeting due to a leak in the building, as mentioned in their recent budget presentation.
