The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has secured $445 million in financing to overhaul Manhattanville Houses, a public housing development in Harlem, Manhattan. The project, which is part of NYCHA’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) initiative, will renovate 1,272 apartments across six residential buildings, improving living conditions for more than 2,600 residents. The conversion of these units to Project-Based Section 8 housing under the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program ensures continued affordability while allowing private partners to fund critical repairs. Construction is already underway and is led by Gilbane Development Company, Apex Building Group, and West Harlem Group Assistance, with ELH Mgmt LLC overseeing property management and Goddard Riverside providing on-site social services.
Conceptual rendering of 1470 Amsterdam Avenue, via nyc.gov
Renovation work will address longstanding infrastructure issues, and will include the installation of new energy-efficient heating and hot water systems, upgraded electrical and ventilation systems, and fully modernized elevators. Apartment interiors will be transformed with new doors, windows, paint, and essential safety features like hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Kitchens and bathrooms will be completely redone, featuring new appliances, fixtures, countertops, and flooring. In addition, all buildings will receive façade repairs, enhanced security installations, and free high-speed internet for residents.
Conceptual rendering of shared basketball court, via nyc.gov
The project will also update shared space across the entire Manhattanville campus. Common areas such as lobbies, mailrooms, stairwells, and hallways will be renovated, with expanded entryways, new laundry and recycling rooms, and secure package storage. Outdoor spaces will also see improvements that include new landscaping, seating, bike racks, and better lighting. The central ball field will be redesigned to include basketball courts and a running path, while pathways and drainage systems will be upgraded to improve accessibility and safety for all residents.
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I think it’s wonderful these towers and the green space will be renovated. But at roughly $350,000.00 per apartment, I truly hope it is a noticeable improvement. The renderings provided don’t show much of a difference, but I do understand much of it will be services renovations. Still, that’s a lot for electrical and elevators.
For half a billion dollars it better be spectacular…
Newly renovated but the condition of the original materials can still be seen, and another obvious thing is to increase safety in many areas: Thanks.
Not much change to the exterior. And for half a billion dollars .
My family was one of the 1st to move in (1961). Our 7th floor apartment had views of the east side and the Palisades to the west. My mother/girl scout leader said they put in 100 foot trees when it was originally landscaped. She created a beautiful garden in the shape of a trefoil in front of 1420.
We moved to Queens in 1969. To this day I think it is one of the most beautiful housing projects in the city.
I think that sounds beautiful. I truly hope the renovations allow the property to function for several decades to come in a good way. I don’t mind the amount of money needed, I just hope it is actually invested in the property and not a developer’s pocket.
When you see the “horror story” segments on TV, it seems the main problems in public housing is the drainage system. Pipe leak causing paint (perhaps lead)and plaster deterioration. A replacement project has to be costly.
Wow. That’s $173,000 dollars spent per person. Why not just give them the money? Seriously?! When so many people are living week to week or worse, they’re spending $173,000 per person on a renovation? For that kind of money… just, wow, it doesn’t make any sense at all. Half a billion could improve schools buy paying teachers more, or fund research in curing disease. Just, wow…