UJO Breaks Ground on First-Ever Owned Headquarters in Williamsburg

Williamsburg – On Wednesday, city and state officials joined community leaders for the groundbreaking of the United Jewish Organizations (UJO) of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn’s first-ever owned headquarters at 498 Bedford Avenue. Since its founding in 1966, UJO has operated out of rented spaces, making this milestone a significant expansion of the organization’s capabilities.

The ceremony featured HPD Commissioner Ahmed Tigani, City Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick, elected officials, and members of the project team. Attendees toured UJO’s current offices at 500 Bedford Avenue, the historic residence of the founding Grand Rebbe of Satmar, preserved exactly as it was during his time. The visit highlighted the project’s goal of honoring Williamsburg’s heritage while enhancing community services.

Once completed, the five-story headquarters will allow UJO to expand programs for Williamsburg’s 75,000 residents, including food assistance, health services, housing aid, workforce development, senior support, advocacy, Holocaust survivor programs, and community development initiatives.

Local officials, including State Senator Julia Salazar and Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher, contributed $800,000 in capital funding to support the project. The funds will help transform the building into a modern office with multiple offices and meeting spaces on each floor, addressing the organization’s long-standing need for more space.

UJO leaders described the groundbreaking as a major milestone, reflecting nearly six decades of service and a continued commitment to strengthening the Williamsburg and North Brooklyn communities.

We were proud to join @UnitedJewish and leaders from across the city to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new social services headquarters today! pic.twitter.com/DyWKS0Cu4U

— NYC Planning (@NYCPlanning) August 13, 2025