The Chelsea neighborhood is receiving some much-needed changes with the addition of a new affordable housing unit that will be taking over a forgotten corner of the city.
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher and Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) celebrated with community leaders and residents alike to commemorate this homeownership project.
“This administration is committed to helping long-time New Yorkers own a piece of their neighborhoods and ensuring that those homes remain affordable far into the future, said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “Through our Affordable Neighborhood Cooperative Program (ANCP), we’re thrilled to provide deeply affordable homeownership opportunities to both new and existing residents in Chelsea. I want to thank AAFE, Council Member Bottcher, Community Board 4, the residents, and the entire community who advocated for and lent their expertise to this project.”
Currently, 4 buildings, including 14 rental apartments, stand on the site where the new project will take place. They will be demolished and replaced with 1 new 9-story building with 26 co-op apartments and 3,500-square-foot ground floor retail space. The retail space will be leased to commercial tenants, selected and with input from the residents.
The 5 existing residents have been temporarily relocated as the buildings undergoes change. They are attending co-op homeownership training sessions, and when the project is complete, they will purchase their brand new homes for $2,500, or $250 if their income qualifies.
“I would like to thank the dedicated community advocates in Chelsea, including former City Council member Corey Johnson, current Council Member Erik Bottcher and Community Board 4 who have been tireless for so many years in their efforts to see this project get off the ground,” said AAFE Co-Executive Director Thomas Yu. “AAFE has made a long-term commitment to creating new opportunities for first-time homeowners in New York City. We developed the first ANCP project five years ago and are now working on co-op conversions in the East Village and here in Chelsea. Our team is looking forward to a continued partnership with building residents and the Chelsea community to revitalize this corner of the neighborhood.”
The building’s design will be influenced by the various architectural styles in Chelsea.
The project will include a mix of studio, 1 – 3 bedroom units. There will be a shared terrace and recreational space on the 8th floor with views overlooking the expanse of 7th Avenue. There will also be a shared courtyard, a laundry room, a bike room and an elevator. The building will include numerous sustainable energy features within its mechanical systems. The design factors in natural daylight in corridors instead of fake lighting systems and energy-saving thermal insulation.
Amie Gross AIA, President of Amie Gross Architects, noted, “The building design is inspired by the community – by both its residents and architecture. This project embodies the commitment of Amie Gross Architects to sustainable and affordable structures that are made to last. Together with the input of Manhattan CB4 and AAFE, AGA designed this mixed-use building to honor its context, while contributing to a more inclusive and equitable urban environment.”
Demolition for the buildings is expected to begin in August for approximately 3 months. Construction of the new building will likely start in early 2023 with completion intended to take approximately 2 years.
