ASSIGNMENT
Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD), a nonprofit healthcare provider serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, engaged RM Friedland to lead a search for a new headquarters and clinical facility.
WIHD’s goal was to replace its functionally obsolete Valhalla location with a modern, purpose-built center capable of supporting integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, and family services under one roof—while remaining in close proximity to Westchester Medical Center. Following a formal presentation process, WIHD selected RM Friedland over national brokerages based on the firm’s deep regional expertise and long-standing presence in Westchester County.
CHALLENGE
WIHD’s operational requirements significantly narrowed the pool of viable properties. The organization required 50,000+ SF of contiguous space, full ADA accessibility, capacity for on-site clinical and dental facilities, and access to the Westchester Medical Center campus.
Over nearly a decade, RM Friedland evaluated numerous options that were eliminated due to physical constraints, zoning limitations, or inability to support WIHD’s specialized programming. The search timeline was also disrupted by COVID-19.
In 2023, space became available at 80 Grasslands Road in Elmsford. The 3-story office building offered the scale, infrastructure, and proximity required to fulfill WIHD’s long-term vision.
RESULT
RM Friedland structured a lease for 54,567 SF at 80 Grasslands Road, enabling WIHD to consolidate services into a single modern facility while stabilizing two-thirds of the building for ownership. A full interior build-out is underway, creating an environment with integrated clinical and dental facilities supports efficient care delivery and patient dignity, with future potential for outdoor expansion.
Throughout the process, RM Friedland provided continuity amid shifting market conditions, a global pandemic, and evolving organizational needs—demonstrating how adaptive reuse, nonprofit tenancy, and local market expertise can deliver lasting value for tenants, owners, and the broader Westchester community. The project was also recognized as a 2025 CoStar Impact Award winner.