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08.26.2020
Wearing masks and hard-hats, representatives of S:US and Bronx Pro Group led Zoom attendees on a virtual tour of their in-construction Jerome Avenue Apartments project in the Bronx, scheduled to open by the end of 2021. The tour coincided with the topping off of the structure of the building, which usually concludes the highest construction risk period in any development. Martha Masoero of S:US and Justin Stein of Bronx Pro Group walked viewers through their nearly-finished- building that soon will provide 175 homes to a mix of formerly homeless and low-income individuals and families in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx.
The new 16-story building sits on the grounds of what was formerly Jerome Court, a renovated motel for homeless individuals with HIV/AIDs run by SUS. With the support of Community Board 5 and its Chair Dr. Bola Omotasho, Council Member Fernando Cabrera, and the Bronx Borough President, S:US and Bronx Pro were able to use the area’s upzoning to create all new homes, including 58 family sized units for formerly homeless and low-income families. Jerome Avenue Apartments is one of six capital projects approved for the area by City Council in 2018.
One hundred and five apartments will be supportive, funded by the City’s NYC 15/15 supportive housing program. At the groundbreaking, S:US CEO Donna Colonna said: "Everyone deserves a home. The Jerome Avenue Apartments will be more than just a building -- this development will bring hope, possibility, and opportunity to New Yorkers who have experienced homelessness, addiction, poverty, and mental health challenges.”
Samantha Magistro, Managing Director of New Business at Bronx Pro Group added “Jerome Avenue Apartments is a great opportunity to observe how city planning and public policy create good outcomes for New Yorkers.”
Jerome Avenue Apartments will have solar panels and is being built to meet Enterprise Green Communities Criteria for reduced use of fossil fuels and superior indoor air quality for the residents. Amenities for tenants will include a laundry room, fitness room, 24-hour security, and 2,621 sq. ft. space for on-site social services and office spaces for S:US. The development will include a brand-new activated street front for pedestrians, 7,000 sq. ft. ground-floor retail space, and improved landscaping on 176th Street between Davidson and Jerome Avenues.
Capital financing was provided by HDC, HPD, TD Bank and Enterprise. Rental assistance will be funded by HPD and services funded by NYC HRA. Marvel Architects is the building architect and LendLease is the contractor.