A funding round was recently raised for the renovation of three East Bronx housing developments: Boston Road Plaza, Boston Secor, and Middletown Plaza. The project spans six residential buildings, which house 952 affordable housing units in total, and is part of New York City Housing Authority’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together program. Renovations are being led by Bronx Revitalization Collaborative, working alongside Beacon Communities, Kalel Companies, and MBD Community Housing Corp.
Conceptual rendering of renovated project, via nyc.gov
Work will include interior and exterior improvements, with apartment units receiving updated bathrooms and kitchens, new flooring, doors, and fresh paint. Buildings will be modernized with new roofs, upgraded elevators, and electrical, heating, cooling, plumbing, and ventilation system overhauls. In addition, residents will benefit from free Wi-Fi, improved shared spaces, and enhanced property management.
Conceptual rendering of renovated project, via nyc.gov
Beyond interior work, outdoor areas for the properties will be revitalized with new landscaping, seating, bike racks, walking paths, and playgrounds. Work is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 2026.
As a result of the project, the buildings will transition to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 program. Merchants Capital provided $129.1 million in financing for the $419.6 million renovation, structured as a New York Housing Development Corporation Freddie Mac Risk Share Loan.
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While it’s good they’re not planning on wrapping them in combustible cladding ala London but I do wish something more could be done to make the exteriors less hideous.
I like the appearance of oversize brick, but it apparently can leak badly. Calvary Hospital and a large housing project at West Farms Square near the zoo used this and suffered the consequences. In the second, portions of the buildings were covered with aluminum siding and there is talk of demolishing them. They were architecturally acclaimed when built.
So that calculates to $441,000 per renovated unit. What a bargain.
“the buildings will transition to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 program”
What happens when that department is eliminated by executive order?
I mean, they’re overhauling all of the buildings’ systems & infrastructure, shared areas, as well as revitalizing the exterior, including the grounds. It’s not like it’s just new countertops or something built into that cost.
This project looks solid & similar ones should happen at all public housing facilities until they’re all up to modern standards. The energy efficiency gains alone are well worth it, but bottom line people should not be living in decrepit conditions in these complexes.
true. but they should pay for it. just like the rest of us do.
does this complex pay taxes? Are they reduced? What are the rents? anywhere close to the actual cost of maintaining the property?
Why are there still double hung windows in these buildings?
The wall will not crack until the court orders its demolition, to the width of the window has not yet been decided: Thanks.