Funding was recently secured for the first phase of Sparrow Square, a $1 billion redevelopment of the Kingsboro Psychiatric Center at 681 Clarkson Avenue in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Designed by Hill West Architects and developed by nonprofit Breaking Ground Housing Development Fund Corp. and Douglaston Development, the project will consist of two ten-story buildings yielding 262 affordable units. The complex will also include an 8,000-square foot community facility for the Brooklyn Ballet. Adjaye Associates is serving as design architect for the 7.2-acre property, which is generally bounded by Winthrop Street to the north, Clarkson Street to the south, and Albany Avenue to the west. The development will also create Sparrow Way, a new private drive aligned with East 43rd Street.
The renderings show a cohesive architectural design consisting of floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors leading to balconies adorned with planter boxes. A sky bridge is shown connecting the structures, which will have landscaped roof decks with trees. Open lawns and large pedestrian plazas will surround the buildings.
Sparrow Square. Designed by Adjaye Associates and Hill West Architects.
Sparrow Square. Designed by Adjaye Associates and Hill West Architects.
Sparrow Square. Designed by Adjaye Associates and Hill West Architects.
Sparrow Square. Designed by Adjaye Associates and Hill West Architects.
Both buildings in the first phase are being engineered to Passive House standards and will offer all-electric utilities. There will also be electric vehicle charging, stormwater management, solar panels and green roofs.
The affordable housing will be reserved for low and moderate-income individuals earning up to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), and 117 units will be designated as supportive housing. Residential amenities will include a fully equipped gym, bike storage and private outdoor terraces.
Financing for Phase I includes state tax-exempt bonds, a subsidy from New York State’s (NYS) Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, and 4 percent low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC). Additional funding is being provided by Homeless Housing & Assistance Corp. and the New York State Office of Mental Health.
The Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs Alternatives is serving as the project’s investor and has provided nearly $240 million in financing that comprises LIHTC equity and a letter of credit. Programmatic funding was secured through the NYS Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative for the supportive units.
The full Sparrow Square master plan is slated to create roughly 1,000 affordable and supportive homes for individuals, families, and senior citizens, as well as new public green spaces, a community garden, and dedicated community program spaces. Opportunities will also be provided for affordable homeownership. The complex is part of the state’s $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn Initiative, which is turning state-owned land into new housing, healthcare, and community-oriented developments.
Other development partners include Almat Urban LLC, Jobe Development Corp., the Velez Organization, and Brooklyn Community Service.
The nearest subways from the project site are the 2 and 5 trains at the Winthrop Street station along Nostrand Avenue.
Construction is underway and completion of Sparrow Square’s first phase is scheduled for the first quarter of 2029 at a cost of $242 million.
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
Whatever ‘human scale’ is, this seems to be it..
Large undefined public spaces are an invitation for ‘trouble’ if they are not well ‘programmed’ ,as regulation of public spaces is called today.
I recall a development between the south end of the Bronx Zoo and West Farms Square. It was considered stylish when built and public spaces were intended not only for residents, but the neighborhood. However, gangs soon took over these areas and fences had to be erected. Ground floor windows had to be bricked up due to frequent breakage.
Lambert Houses, in the process of being demolished.
Human scale would mean much smaller and more clearly defined public spaces.
Adjaye is not involved in this anymore. Those images are outdated.