2050 Grand Concourse has brought new life to a desolate lot in the Bronx with 96 units for low- and middle-income residents, including 58 homes for residents with special needs.
“We believe affordable housing deserves a beautiful design,” says Fernando Villa, principal with Magnusson Architecture and Planning. “With this population, we wanted to create a building that was inclusive with amenities and special features.”
Coming at a time when health leaders are recognizing the deleterious physical and mental health effects of social isolation, the shared amenity spaces in the development are critical. The 13-story building features a top-floor community room flanked by two roof decks as well as corridors filled with natural light. In addition, glazing in the stairwell—an active design feature—is meant to encourage daily use.
Large windows in the apartments flood the living spaces with even more natural light and help to improve and maintain mental health and wellness.
2050 Grand Concourse was awarded $750,000 through the state’s inaugural Buildings of Excellence Competition. Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the program seeks to advance Gov. Kathy Hochul’s goal to achieve 2 million climate-friendly homes by 2030.
Sustainability features of the LEED Platinum-certified development include an array of solar panels to help offset the electrical usage, high-efficiency mechanical systems, and low-VOC paint.
The building also serves as the headquarters for developer Unique People Services (UPS), a move that further expands the nonprofit organization’s relationship with the residents, helps contain costs, and brings added energy to the neighborhood.
“No matter who we are, we have basic needs,” says Yvette Brissett-André, executive director and CEO of UPS. “We want a roof over our head. We want food on our table. In as much as we are providing services for the very low [income], we have developed a high standard regarding our housing. Once you have housing, you can go on to do great things.”
