Type:
Mixed Income Rental, Public Housing, Historic Preservation
Total Development Cost:
$146 Million
Units:
283
Completed:
Phase I - 2016, Phase II - Expected 2018
Built in the 1890s as five-story “Old Law” tenements and acquired by the New York City Housing Authority in 1970, the Philip Randolph Houses project comprises 22 adjoining buildings on the south side of 114th Street in Harlem and 14 similar buildings opposite on the north side. At one time considered for demolition because of their deteriorated condition, the historic status of the buildings ultimately led NYCHA to pursue their preservation and rehabilitation.
Redevelopment undertaken by Trinity Financial, with a local partner, involved careful restoration of the brownstone building facades, installation of new windows, demolition of the existing interiors, and construction of new, reconfigured interior spaces to provide a total of 283 mixed-income, fully handicapped-accessible rental apartments.
The two-phased project was financed through the Department of Housing and Urban Development mixed finance program and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit resources. New York City funding partners included the NYCHA, NYC Housing Preservation & Development, NYC Housing Development Corporation, and Enterprise Community Investment, Inc.
As the first phase, the $95 million “South Side” project replaced 307 small apartments in the original 22 tenements with 168 units in what are now two interconnected buildings with central circulation and elevator access. The mix of unit sizes from studios to four-bedroom apartments is designed for family living, complemented by a community space, teaching kitchen, computer lab, fitness room, and storage space for residents. Two children’s play areas and other outdoor spaces are provided for residents to enjoy.
The second phase, the $51 million “North Side” project, involves the gut-rehabilitation of the 14 original tenement buildings, resulting in 115 residential units in a single building with central circulation and elevator access. Also a mix of studios to four-bedroom units, the building has similar amenities to the first phase and shares some amenities with the other buildings.
The first-phase South Side project has received historic preservation awards from the Preservation League of New York State and the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
*NOTE Project completed by Mathieu Zahler as an employee of Trinity Financial.
