Room With A View: Artist Wins Free Rent For A Year In New Luxury Tower

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The competition was open to the entire tri-state region, but a hometown favorite won new digs courtesy of the City of New Rochelle and it's master developer.

At a celebration last night, the city, in partnership with RXR, announced the winner of a social media competition created to award an entrepreneur in the creative industry a free year of rent at the city’s newest downtown luxury residential tower.

Mona Balgobin, an artist from New Rochelle, was officially announced the winner at the building’s grand opening event to officially open the 28-story tower. The festivities focused on the private-public partnership's efforts uplifting the local arts community and fostering new opportunities for new artists and creative entrepreneurs moving to downtown New Rochelle.

"The environment in which I live and work is very important to my creative process, which is why I am thrilled to have the opportunity to live and work in One Clinton Park rent-free," Balgobin said. "I'll be able to spend more time and energy on painting and creating, while staying close to my family. The convenience of being in the heart of downtown will allow me to still have easy access to New York City, which is a major plus for me."

The social media competition challenged artists and entrepreneurs from creative industries in the tri-state area to feature their work in a 90-second video and make a compelling case for why they want to live and grow their business in New Rochelle. Following the contest announcement on July, participants submitted their entry as a video on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag, #NewRoConnects. A selection committee, made up of representatives from RXR and Greystar, the building's property management company, chose Balgobin from the full pool of entries.

"In the last several years, RXR has proven themselves to be a terrific partner, not only in their commitment to building up Downtown's streetscape and skyline, but also in fostering all the artistic and creative attributes that make a community like New Rochelle thrive," New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bransom said. "I look forward to welcoming new residents to our community and, in the spirit of the free rent contest, celebrating the special contributions of local artists to New Rochelle's heritage and future."

A self-taught artist, Mona Balgobin will live at One Clinton Park for a year rent-free beginning in fall 2022, where she will grow her art career and foster a deeper connection to the arts community in New Rochelle. Originally from the Bronx, Balgobin and her family moved to New Rochelle amid the pandemic for a more spacious and quiet lifestyle. Having originally started her creative career as a nail artist, she began developing her painting style during the lockdown and has since collaborated with local small businesses to liven different spaces, from nail salons to bagel shops.

Balgobin’s latest work includes a line of multi-purpose workout mats printed with her hand-painted art collection, which was inspired by the seven chakras and third eye energy. Her work can be found on Instagram and her website. She is also a member of the Hudson Park Children's Greenhouse Committee.

"As the City of New Rochelle continues to grow and expand, we are proud to offer a unique, welcoming environment in which artists can thrive," Commissioner of Development Adam Salgado said. "Compounded with revitalization and development across the city, we are proud to say that New Rochelle’s spirit of authenticity and artistic culture has provided a space where fellow artists like Balgobin and other residents can foster and support the arts. We are grateful for our continued partnership with RXR and thank them for providing such an accessible and distinctive residence for the competition winner."

It seems like Balgobin should have no trouble finding her muse in her brand new home.

One Clinton Park is RXR’s second residential tower in downtown New Rochelle. Even before its opening, the building has redefined the New Rochelle skyline. The property offers a mix of studio to 3-bedroom apartments with views of NYC and the Long Island Sound. The tower has 8,000 square feet of outdoor amenities across two landscaped terraces featuring barbecues, turf lawns, fireplaces, a dog run, and a gaming area, as well as direct access to a 16,000 square foot landscaped outdoor public plaza.

"We have enjoyed partnering with the City on programs that bring new residents to the burgeoning downtown and build upon the city’s spirit of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship," RXR VP Joanne Minieri said. "With a full suite of amenities, exceptional design and captivating views, One Clinton Park is the perfect space to foster one's creative and entrepreneurial spirit."