By Nicole Breskin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
CHELSEA — The Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the nation's oldest provider of HIV/AIDS-related services, signed a brand new lease for a home on West 33rd Street on Thursday.
The center's 15-year lease at the Tisch Building in Chelsea will expire Dec, 31st, when the center will move to its new digs at 450 West 33rd St.
"I am relieved and excited that we can now proceed with the move to our new home," said GMHC CEO Marjorie Hill. "The new spaces will allow us to spend less on occupancy costs than we would by staying on 24th Street and more on our daily operations in an HIV/AIDS crisis that is far from over."
But not everyone is thrilled about the move.
"It's a big step down from a wonderful space that was very well-located and very prestigious," said GMHC co-founder Dr. Larry Mass, according to New York magazine.
Critics of the move pointed to the recent departure of St. Vincent's Hospital from the area as another reason the center should not move.
Another co-founder, Larry Kramer, called the move "ridiculous, sad, tragic and a great loss," New York magazine said.
A medical clinic that provides patient care and clinical trials will not move along with the center because the new landlord will not allow a medical facility on-site, according to GMHC.
GMHC said it will look to relocate the facilities elsewhere and plans to expand HIV testing by creating a Prevention and Wellness Center that will provide education, support and prevention services.
According to the organization, a renewed lease at its current location would have upped its rent by at least 33 percent.
GMHC’s real estate committee reviewed 40 properties before deciding upon the 33rd Street location.
