Ya Ya Mandarin Immersion Preschool is expanding in Lower Manhattan and has announced its second site in New York City. The educational institution, which specialises in pure Mandarin Chinese early childhood education, signed a ten-year lease for 4,640 square feet at 9-15 Dutch Street in the Financial District.
The owner of the six-storey mixed-use residential and commercial building is Time Equities. The asking rent for the commercial space was $50 per square foot, according to property brokerage RTL. The preschool is expected to take over the premises previously occupied by Downtown Little School, which ceased operations at this location in 2024.
Expansion of presence in Lower Manhattan
For the preschool, which was founded in 2008, the deal marks its second location on Manhattan island. To date, the institution, whose pedagogical approach centres on learning Mandarin through music and hands-on activities, operates a facility at 291 Broadway in the Tribeca district.
In the transaction, the tenant was represented by Thomas Galo and Matthew Knispel of real estate advisory firm RTL. No external broker was involved on behalf of the landlord. Thomas Galo explained that the Financial District represents an excellent location for the preschool, as an increasing number of families are choosing Lower Manhattan as their home and seeking high-quality educational options locally. A spokesperson for the preschool highlighted that the new premises make it possible to bring the existing offering to more families in the Downtown area.
Growing demand for social infrastructure
The precise move-in date for the building situated between Fulton Street and John Street has not yet been finalised. The local neighbourhood is characterised by a growing density of food and beverage outlets and service providers. The same city block is home to businesses including Apollo Bagels, 7th Street Burger and fitness studio F45 Training.
- —Property: 9-15 Dutch Street, Financial District, Manhattan
- —Owner: Time Equities
- —Space: 4,640 square feet (lease term: 10 years)
- —Asking rent: $50 per square foot
