Construction is complete on The Kira, a 139-unit affordable and supportive housing project at 153-19 Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica, Queens. Designed by GF55 Partners and developed by New Destiny Housing, BFC Partners, and SMJ Development, the 21-story mixed-use building houses a mix of rental apartments, a 5,000-square-foot retail space on the ground floor, and on-site supportive services.
Available units range from studios up to two-bedroom floor plans. A total of 32 one-bedroom and 37 two-bedroom units will be set aside for survivors of domestic violence at or below 40 percent area median income (AMI). The remaining units are set aside for households with income at or below 80 percent AMI.
“Supportive housing is a vital component of our work to ensure that all New Yorkers have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “The Kira will provide women who have experienced homelessness and domestic violence easy access to the support and services they need and deserve to build better lives for themselves and their children.”
Tenant amenities include a children’s recreation room, a fitness room, laundry facilities, and a roof terrace. There is also a dedicated community room and offices for onsite supportive programs and supportive housing staff.
State financing for The Kira included $19.2 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $26.1 million in equity, and $29 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is providing $1.7 million annually in operating funding for the supportive services through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.
Total project costs hover around $80 million.
“As a developer with a long track record of commitment to housing New York City’s most vulnerable populations, I am particularly humbled to watch The Kira’s new residents move into safe, high-quality apartments that they can be proud to call home,” said BFC managing principal Donald Capoccia. The hope of our diverse development team is that The Kira serves as model for future progress, as the work to house New Yorkers in affordable homes continues.”
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