Women-owned entity completes first seniors housing development
LONDON: A female only owned development entity has completed its first seniors housing development under an opportunity programme.
Type A Real Estate Advisors (Type A), a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) developer, in collaboration with JASA, an agency serving older New Yorkers, has celebrated the opening of 1490 Southern Boulevard in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The property is the first development selected from HPD’s M/WBE Building Opportunity RFP to open its doors.
It is 100 percent affordable senior housing with 114 units for households making up to 50 percent AMI, with 30 percent of units in the development set aside for formerly homeless older adults and one superintendent’s unit.
The project is a continuation of a historic partnership between the non-profit and development sectors to combat the lack of affordable housing for seniors in New York City.
Type A was selected to develop the city-owned site as part of Mayor de Blasio’s 2017 initiative to expand the capacity of MWBE firms in the real estate and construction industry, and has led the development to become the first of six projects within this plan to complete construction and lease up of its units.
JASA, the largest nonprofit manager of senior housing in New York City, manages the residential units and common areas in the development. The organization also provides onsite staff to assist residents with social service needs such as accessing benefits and entitlements, home care, and meals, as well as programs and opportunities to participate in community and cultural events.
“This ribbon cutting marks an exciting milestone in our fight to address the clear lack of affordable housing for so many New Yorkers and is illustrative of the priorities and vision of MWBE firms in our city,” said Annie Tirschwell, Partner at Type A. “This project is truly the product of the vision and the hard work of HPD, HDC, Council Member Salamanca, Borough President Ruben Diaz and our lenders whose investment in M/WBE firms was made evident today.”
In addition to the 114 affordable homes, the building features amenities such as 3,600 s/f of community and social service space for residents, a large second floor garden for passive recreation, a fitness center, laundry facilities, and a 2,500 square-foot landscaped and furnished terrace with inspiring city views.
“1490 Southern Boulevard is the first development selected from HPD’s M/WBE Building Opportunity RFP to open its doors. What was once a vacant lot is now 114 affordable homes for low-income seniors, including those who have experienced homelessness,” said HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll. “HPD is proud to partner with Type A and JASA on this project, and we remain committed to expanding the participation of M/WBEs and nonprofits in the affordable housing industry.”
“Bernheimer Architecture’s team designed the building to be a strong presence along Southern Boulevard, one that opens to the street, connects to the neighborhood, and is welcoming to its residents,” said Bernheimer Architecture Principal, Andy Bernheimer. “We are thrilled to have worked with this development team, to serve an in-need population, and to contribute to the growth of the Bronx.”
