New preliminary renderings are offering a preview of how the historic Bronx General Post Office will be transformed into a new Allied Health and Natural Sciences building for Hostos Community College.

The landmark building along the Grand Concourse is now under construction and is expected to become a major academic hub for the college.

Esther Rodríguez Chardavoyne, senior vice president of Administration and Finance at Hostos, said the expansion is key to growing the college's programs and serving the South Bronx community.

"We knew that the only way that we can grow our programs in the South Bronx and give back to the community was to be able to have a new building added to our plans," Rodríguez Chardavoyne said.

Preliminary renderings show the historic structure retaining its architectural character while being outfitted with modern, state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

College officials say the upgrades will give students hands-on experience aligned with current workforce expectations.

"We feel that we will be able to attract a lot more students, train them a lot better because we will also have research labs for the students to learn, as well as feel that they belong in a wonderful new space," Rodríguez Chardavoyne said. "That's something the South Bronx needs."

While the facility will house programs related to allied health and natural sciences, officials say it will serve a broader student population.

"Every student that comes to Hostos has to take a science course, so all those students will be in this building," Rodríguez Chardavoyne said. "They will come in either for one class or two classes, and that is just an amazing opportunity."

Hostos representatives say the building is expected to open by the end of 2027.