Construction has broken ground at 326 Rockaway Avenue, the site of a 17-story affordable housing development in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Designed by Aufgang Architects and developed by Slate Property Group and RiseBoro Community Partnership, the project will yield 215 permanently affordable housing units, around 5,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, and will debut as one of the most sustainable income-restricted properties in New York City. Slate appointed multidisciplinary design studio OSD (the Office of Strategy and Design) as the landscape architects responsible for designing a welcoming outdoor experience.
The mix of units includes 130 apartments for formerly homeless families and young adults. Amenity spaces will include a community room, a recreation room, a children’s playroom, classroom space, bike storage, shared laundry facilities, a fitness and yoga studio, and a roof deck.
To maximize energy efficiency, the structure is designed to Passive House standards, which focus on improving interior air quality, temperature control, and air tightness. This includes zero reliance on fossil fuels, fully electric mechanical facilities, and a rooftop solar array.
“All New Yorkers deserve housing they can afford and be proud of and 326 Rockaway provides both,” said Scott Short, CEO of RiseBoro Community Partnership. “At a time when affordability and climate change are two of the biggest issues facing our city, we’re proud to work with Slate to chip away at both of these existential crises.”
Rendering of 326 Rockaway Avenue – Courtesy of Aufgang Architects
Outdoor recreation space for children at 326 Rockaway Avenue – Courtesy of OSD
Outdoor recreation space at 326 Rockaway Avenue – Courtesy of OSD
Tenants will also have access to on-site social services provided by RiseBoro. This includes case management, counseling and crisis intervention, life skills and needs assessments, support for families’ referrals for employment and education opportunities, and opportunities for community engagement and leadership. The staff will also provide mentoring and empowerment services.
The supportive housing program is funded through the NYC 15/15 Program, a New York City-funded rental assistance program that assists eligible families or individuals that are homeless or at risk of homelessness by providing an affordable apartment and supportive services to help them move toward the goal of long-term stability.
“Every new apartment and new building we can build means giving more of our neighbors a safe, affordable and stable home,” said John Valladares, managing director at Slate Property Group. “That’s especially true of 326 Rockaway Avenue, where we’ve worked with our RiseBoro partners to design a building that will feel like a true community. This is a project that’s going to make its residents and its neighbors here in Brownsville proud.”
The building is expected to open summer 2025 with leasing anticipated to begin next year.
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
The question is will it be affordable for the working
People
IS there market rate housing being built in Brownsville?