Categories: New York City, Member News, Groundbreakings
06.25.2024
On June 24th, The Fortune Society joined project partners and elected officials to break ground on Castle III in East Harlem. Once complete this affordable and supportive housing residence will bring 82 new affordable apartments, including 58 supportive apartments for individuals with justice involvement experiencing homelessness. On-site services will be provided by The Fortune Society and funded by both NYC 15/15 and the New York State Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative though the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
Stanley Richards, President and CEO of The Fortune Society, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and said, “Castle III represents our commitment to providing quality, permanent supportive and affordable housing that meets the needs of our community. By offering a safe and stable environment, we are empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve their full potential.”
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine remarked, “Formerly incarcerated and low-income New Yorkers are some of the most vulnerable people in the city, so it’s not hyperbolic to say that The Fortune Society’s residential buildings and services change lives. In a city severely lacking affordable and supportive housing, Castle III will be a lifeline for residents.”
New York City Councilmember Yusef Salaam, who represents the Council’s 9th District said “As we break ground on this new space, we are taking a crucial step toward ensuring that our community is not excluded when it comes to having access to safe, stable, and affordable homes. This development represents hope and opportunity for our community, providing not just housing but a foundation for a brighter future. Affordable housing is a fundamental right, and together, we are making that a reality for more families in the city.”
New York State Senator Cordell Cleare said, “Castle III exemplifies the power of innovative solutions in addressing housing insecurity and empowering individuals with prior justice involvement. By providing permanent supportive housing and comprehensive services, we are creating an inclusive and supportive city for all.” She continued to praise the new project and said, “This initiative is a testament to our commitment to collaborative efforts that ensure every resident has access to the resources they need to thrive. Together, we are investing in the future success and stability of our community.”
Remarks were also provided by New York State Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs, Chair of CB 11 Xavier A. Santiago, Jane E. Silverman, Executive Director, Community Development Banking, JPMorgan Chase, Daniel Magidson, VP of Acquisitions, Enterprise Housing Credit Investments, Emily Lehman, Associate Commissioner of New Construction, HPD, RuthAnne Visnauskas, , Commissioner/CEO of NYS Home and Community Renewal, Michael Reed, Acting Head of Large Buildings, NYSERDA, Michael Washburn, Assistant Director of OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, and Phillp Hall, Resident of Castle Gardens.
Castle III was designed to be an all-electric building with rooftop solar panels to supplement grid-based electricity and will use air source heat pumps to provide heating and cooling, centralized energy recovery ventilation to deliver better indoor air quality, and CO2 heat pump water heaters to provide domestic hot water. The project has also committed to certification through the ENERGY STAR(R) Multifamily New Construction Program, received a NYSERDA building of Excellence award, and will incorporate lessons learned from Passive House certified projects.
Building amenities will include an on-site laundry room, a community room, a bike room, and a landscaped outdoor space.
Funding for this project comes from Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, OTDA’s Homeless Housing Assistance Program, a the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development Supportive Housing Loan Program., and NYS Energy Research and Development Authority and pre development monies from Enterprise/DPAF, Deutsche Bank and Leviticus 25:23 Alternative Fund.
The architect is Curtis + Ginsberg Architect, and the general contractor is Home Builders1 LP .