The New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust has selected Fifth Avenue Builders to carry out more than $93 million in renovations at the New York City Housing Authority’s Bronx River Addition, an affordable housing development in Soundview. The project will include repairs across 226 apartments in two buildings and follows the Trust Board’s approval on July 8. Fifth Avenue Builders, a joint venture between Urban Atelier Group and Camber Property Group, was selected through a competitive design-build process. The development is the second NYCHA site to vote into the Trust program, with residents approving the transition in April 2024.
Bronx River Addition, via Google Maps.
Renovation work includes full kitchen and bathroom upgrades, window replacements, structural repairs, and updated electric, plumbing, and ventilation systems. Elevators will be replaced, and aging-in-place design features will be integrated throughout the units. Hazardous materials such as mold and lead-based paint will be removed, requiring the temporary relocation of residents. One of the two buildings has remained vacant since 2022 due to deteriorated heating infrastructure. Once renovation work is completed, all residents are expected to return within nine months of their relocation.
Rendering of renovated unit at Bronx River Addition, via nyc.gov.
The renovation utilizes a design-build delivery model to streamline coordination between designers and contractors, reduce costs, and accelerate timelines. The Trust conducted an engagement process beginning in August 2024, which included two visioning workshops, 20 public meetings, and direct outreach to more than 300 residents. A dedicated community liaison remains active throughout the project to ensure continued communication and resident involvement.
“Partnering with Fifth Avenue Builders at Bronx River Addition is the next step in turning resident priorities into reality,” said Vlada Kenniff, president of the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust. “This design-build team will work hand in hand with residents to deliver modern, safe, and resilient homes while preserving the mission of public housing. Together, we are creating spaces where seniors and families can live with dignity, stability, and pride for years to come.”
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I presume the new windows will swing out from the bottom, but I see no screens. People will get eaten up by mosquitoes. The Bronx is not Manhattan with little places for the critters to breed. With the warming weather, some “tropical” mosquito-borne diseases have been found on Long Island.
The cost of nearly $412k per unit was surprising. The mortgage appraisal value for our two six-story buildings with lawns totalling 135 units was $35 million (259k per unit).
They aren’t going to encapsulate it in EIFS are they?
Yeah, over $400,000 per unit for just a renovation. The indifference to corruption at NYCHA and the MTA is why we can’t have nice things. These department leaders should be in prison.
yep those union workers and leaders
Please stop using the word affordable your know that is not affordable most people so stop lieing to the people.
It is based on the area’s median income
This is a NYCHA development.
NYCHA residents pay either 30% of their adjusted gross household income towards rent or pay the flat rent amount, whichever is lower. If 30% of the family’s adjusted gross income is greater than the flat rent, the family’s rent will be set at the flat rent amount.
This is low income public housing.
1630-1632 East 174th Street is the currently vacant building. Good news that those units will become occupied, severely needed.
I wonder if they are going with heat pumps?