Permits Filed: 444 West 163rd Street

444 West 163rd Street444 West 163rd Street -- image via Google Maps

The first permits are up for a new residential building at 444 West 163rd Street, in Washington Heights. The Lantern Organization is developing the site, and the firm’s website has a glimpse at renderings. Urban Architectural Initiatives is the architect of record.

Lantern has dubbed the project ‘Savanna Hall,’ and it will be classified as a ‘community facility,’ with 73 units in total; 72 of those will be studios. 70% of housing will be dedicated to formerly homeless single adults, and the remainder will be reserved for single adults making 60% of HUD income limits. The building will stand seven stories and 67 feet to its roof.

Savanna Hall

Savanna Hall — image by UAI/Lantern Development

Design-wise, Lantern’s site only offers a peek, but the project appears to be significantly more attractive than many new market-rate buildings in Manhattan. UAI has a wide body of previous plans similar to 444 West 163rd Street, and comparable projects are relatively appealing, hopefully signaling a bright future for the firm’s second building in Washington Heights.

Surrounding blocks have multiple vacant lots, and infill development like 444 West 163rd Street will be beneficial, especially as residents of Savanna Hall will have supportive services to care for their needs. Given the visible considerations for both the structure’s design and its future inhabitants, plans for the site will benefit the urban fabric of Washington Heights, as well as the community at large.

No completion date for the building has been announced.

For any questions, comments, or feedback, email [email protected]

Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail

Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews

.