Categories: New York City, Member News, Groundbreakings
02.03.2025
On January 31st, Unique People Services (UPS) joined project partners to break ground on Ogden Theatre Apartments. Once complete, this supportive/affordable residence will bring 85 affordable apartments, including 51 supportive, to the Highbridge section of the Bronx. The Ogden Theatre Apartments will be built on the site of a former movie theatre that was repurposed and turned into a bowling alley and church. Onsite services will be provided by Unique People under the NYC 15/15 Initiative funded by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Yvette B. Andre, Executive Director of UPS, kicked off the program and remarked, “We are proud to be leading the way with our intentional development of quality, sustainable housing that will deconcentrate poverty and improve the health outcomes for both our tenant and broader Bronx community. We’re not only creating affordable, supportive housing, but we’re also creating jobs. This is a 24-hour residence and we’re working with partners to ensure that job opportunities are set aside for local Bronx residents. This is a win-win for the community.”
Keith Gordon, CEO of NCV Capital Partners, said, “What was here before was the Ogden Theatre in the 70s. It was auctioned off to a family. And the objective was to provide housing and services for people in need in the community and here we are today.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson also spoke and emphasized the significance of the project for local families. Remarks were also given by Richard Roberts, Redstone Equity Partners; Sean Cullen, M&T Bank; and Sharmi Sobhan, JPMorgan Chase.
Building amenities include an indoor recreation room, outdoor recreation space, a laundry room and bike storage. Ogden Theatre Apartments meets Passive House and Enterprise Green Community standards.
Funding for this project comes from Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (HPD) Supportive Housing Loan Program, private equity, NCV Capital Partners, the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene (DOHMH), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), New York City’s Capital Grants Program, the HPD/NYSERDA Future Housing Initiative Program, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York AHP General Fund Grant, a Freddie Mac permanent loan through M&T Bank and a construction loan from JPMorgan Chase.
The architect is Aufgang Architects and the general contractor is Bruno Frustaci Contracting.