The first phase of the Bedford Green House affordable housing project is now complete at 2865 Creston Avenue in Bedford Park, The Bronx. Designed by ESKW Architects and developed by Project Renewal with support from New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC), the development comprises 117 affordable and supportive homes, including 71 apartments set aside for households and individuals that previously experienced homelessness, families impacted by mental illness and substance abuse, and people living with HIV and AIDS. The remaining 46 apartments are reserved for low-income households earning up to 60 percent area median income (AMI).
The property also houses a 1,500-square-foot rooftop greenhouse and aquaponics urban farming system with fish, vegetables, herbs, and micro greens. The space outside the greenhouse will be used for more traditional farming methods. Residents can work with Project Renewal’s horticultural therapist to grow their own food year-round, alongside their neighbors.
“Affordable housing, homelessness, public health, and our environment are all connected, and Project Renewal demonstrates the kind of creative thinking we need to tackle all of them together,” said mayor Eric Adams. “My administration is laser-focused, not on simply creating housing on paper but on getting New Yorkers into the safe, high-quality, affordable homes they deserve, while helping fight climate change and creating our own nutritious food.”
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bedford Green House
Inside the rooftop farm at Bedford Green House
Project Renewal is providing on-site social services including case management, occupational therapy, entitlements support, and horticultural therapy utilizing the greenhouse and aquaponic urban farming system on the building’s roof.
“Bedford Green House helps meet our city’s urgent need for supportive and affordable housing and embodies Project Renewal’s mission to empower individuals and families to renew their lives with health, homes, and jobs,” said Eric Rosenbaum, president and CEO of Project Renewal. “More than just an apartment building, Bedford Green House’s design and programming brings residents together, from children to seniors, around shared activities that support healthy living.
Construction at Bedford Green House broke ground in November 2017 and topped out in 2019. It took another three years to open the building after various delays. To get the project back on track, Project renewal inserted $3.5 million of its own money into the development.
The second phase is expected to break ground this year and will introduce an additional 116 apartments, with more than half reserved for low-income seniors. It will feature a fitness center and The Molly B. Kronick Library and Learning Center for residents. This phase also includes the construction of a 5,000 square-foot medical clinic offering primary care, pediatrics, podiatry, and digital radiology.
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In person the finished product looks pretty cheap with feeders style a/c units inexplicably used. Unfortunately a bit of a net negative for the context of solid art deco apartment buildings in the immediate area. It will likely age poorly as will the upcoming phase 2 building facing Jerome.
Fedders