You’ve probably passed it a hundred times if you live in the Van Nest section of the Bronx. It's that two-story, corner-hugging retail block that feels like it has always been there, anchoring the intersection of White Plains Road and Bronxdale Avenue. Most people just see a laundromat or a place to grab a quick snack. But if you look at the actual numbers—and the $3.5 million recently poured into it—there’s a much bigger story playing out at 2028 White Plains Road than just a neighborhood storefront.
It’s an 18,830-square-foot puzzle.
Back in 1928, when this thing was first built, the Bronx was a different world. Today, it’s a high-traffic "flex" building that investors are eyeing for over $5 million. Why? Because it’s a cash-flow machine hidden in plain sight.
The Reality of 2028 White Plains Road
Let’s be real for a second. In NYC real estate, "location, location, location" is a cliché because it’s true. This building sits on a "traffic light corner" (brokers love that phrase) with roughly 24,000 cars passing by every single day. That is a lot of eyes.
But it’s not just about cars.
You’re literally a few blocks from the Pelham Parkway 2 and 5 subway stations. If you’ve ever tried to run a business in the Bronx, you know that foot traffic from the MTA is the lifeblood of retail.
Who is actually inside?
It’s a mix. A weirdly functional mix.
- The Anchor: Olgam Life takes up the entire second floor. They’re a plasma donation center. In this economy, that’s a recession-proof tenant. They’ve signed a lease that doesn’t expire until May 2043. Think about that—2043.
- The Ground Floor: You’ve got the local staples. A laundromat (K and D Fresh) and a convenience store (WP Convenience) occupy the street level.
- The Wildcard: There was a 3,000-square-foot space set up for a Little League office and batting cages. Honestly, you don't see that every day in a commercial retail hub.
Why Investors are Obsessed with This Specific Corner
People think the Bronx is just about residential towers. They're wrong. The commercial "K2" building class—which is what 2028 White Plains Road is—is becoming incredibly valuable because it’s flexible.
The building was recently treated to a massive $3.5 million capital expenditure. That’s not just a fresh coat of paint. We’re talking updated HVAC, "vanilla box" delivery for new tenants, and structural work that makes it a "plug-and-play" asset.
The Math (For the Nerds)
If you're looking at this from a business perspective, the numbers are kind of eye-popping.
The property generates nearly $500,000 in annual income. With a cap rate hovering around 6.4% to 6.5%, it’s a stable bet compared to the volatility of the stock market. The lot itself is about 8,954 square feet, but because it's a two-story build, you're getting double the utility.
Common Misconceptions About the Area
Most people confuse this property with the "White Plains Road Apartments" development further north in Williamsbridge. That’s an $87 million affordable housing project at 3663 White Plains Road.
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While that project is huge for the community, 2028 White Plains Road is a different beast entirely. It’s pure commerce. It’s part of the C8-1 zoning district, which basically means it’s meant for "heavy" commercial use—automotive showrooms, warehouses, or large-scale retail that doesn't fit in a standard residential basement.
What This Means for Van Nest
The neighborhood is changing. The NYC Department of City Planning recently kicked off the "White Plains Road Neighborhood Plan." They're looking at the stretch from Adee Avenue all the way to the Mount Vernon border.
They want more housing. They want better public spaces.
When the city starts "planning," property values usually go one way: Up.
2028 White Plains Road is positioned right in the heart of this potential rezoning. It’s the bridge between the old-school Bronx retail and the newer, modernized "flex" spaces that can house anything from a medical clinic to a high-end event space like Urban Luxe Space, which has operated nearby.
Actionable Insights for the Community and Investors
If you're a local resident, keep an eye on the vacant storefronts on the ground floor. The building has been undergoing "Vanilla Box" renovations, meaning the landlord is looking for high-quality tenants—likely medical offices or branded retail—to fill the gaps.
For the business-minded, here is the play:
- Watch the Zoning: As the White Plains Road Neighborhood Plan progresses through 2026, keep an eye on whether C8-1 districts get "upzoned" for residential. If they do, the air rights for a building like this become worth a fortune.
- Lease Terms: If you're a business owner looking for a spot, the asking rent here has historically trended around $35 to $45 per square foot. That’s a steal compared to Manhattan, but rising fast for the Bronx.
- Transit Proximity: Never underestimate the 2 and 5 trains. Any business that relies on workers commuting from other boroughs should look at the 0.2-mile walk to the Bronx Park East station as a major hiring perk.
The building at 2028 White Plains Road isn't just a collection of bricks. It’s a 100-year-old survivor that has been retrofitted for the next 20 years of Bronx growth. Whether you're dropping off laundry or looking for a million-dollar investment, this corner is one of the most stable anchors in the borough.
To stay ahead of the curve, you should attend the Community Board 12 public hearings regarding the White Plains Road Neighborhood Plan. These meetings are where the future of properties like this are decided, and being in the room is the only way to know what’s coming before the scaffolding goes up.