“We are thrilled to deliver 255 critically needed affordable homes to The Bronx. As our city continues to struggle with an affordability crisis, projects like these are a beacon of hope and opportunity for communities most affected by it. What’s more, the supportive housing and services that are integral to this project will uplift some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said George T. McDonald, Founder and President of The Doe Fund.
The start date for construction has yet to be made public, but it's estimated to last 24 months. The Doe Fund is promising, “187,000 sq. ft. of modern, beautiful residential space,” with designs from GF55 Partners. Once completed, the complex will have 82 studios, 92 one-bedrooms, 53 two bedrooms, 27-three bedrooms, and 26,500 square feet of retail space. In-building supportive services will provide case management, job preparedness training, and addition recovery. Building amenities include 24-hour security, energy-efficient appliances, a bike room, community room, and garden.
Some of the units will be set aside for individuals with supportive services needs, which will include those who were once homeless. An award through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) will cover the expenses. Homes are also being allocated for low-income families (those making between 37 and 57 percent of the area median income), as well as for current local residents. It will also be possible to win a spot via the affordable housing lottery.
As Curbed noted, the Doe Fund has also broken ground on a 10-story, 68-unit building at 3188 Villa Avenue in the Bronx. The project is expected to be finished in 2020, the same year that the Doe Fund intends to double the amount of affordable and supportive housing that it provides.