Project Renewal Opens Bedford Green House II, Bringing 116 New Supportive and Affordable Homes to the Bronx

Project Renewal’s two-building initiative in Bedford Park provides 233 units of total housing for formerly homeless and low-income individuals, families, and older adults.

(New York, NY) —On October 8, Project Renewal was joined by public and private partners to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Bedford Green House II, the nonprofit’s newest affordable and supportive housing development in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx.

The $72 million, 85,000 square-foot, 116-unit residence will provide homes and wraparound services for formerly homeless individuals and families affected by mental illness and substance use disorder, and affordable units for community members. Nearly half of the units are reserved for older adults, creating an affordable, intergenerational community.

“With the opening of Bedford Green House II, we are proud to meet our city’s urgent need for affordable housing while creating a vibrant community where residents can access comprehensive medical care, occupational therapy, and the healing power of green space. A stable and affordable home is the foundation for health, dignity, and opportunity. We are proud to work with our public and private partners to ensure all New Yorkers have access to this basic need,” says Eric Rosenbaum, President & CEO of Project Renewal.

The project will feature a number of innovative amenities and services, including a 2,400-square-foot medical clinic, occupational therapy for all ages, The Molly B. Kronick Library and Learning Center, and community and recreational spaces. The medical clinic in BGH II will offer primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, and other health care services available to residents and the outside community. Located at 2880 Jerome Avenue, the 17-story building exceeds LEED Gold standards for energy efficiency and environmentally friendly design.

Bedford Green House II represents the second phase of Project Renewal’s two-building initiative in Bedford Park, following the successful completion of the 13-story, 117-unit Bedford Green House I. Residents at Bedford Green House II will have access to a rooftop greenhouse at Bedford Green House I which offers horticultural therapy, nutritious herbs and produce, and an aquaponics system.

Bedford Green House’s construction was financed by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), NYS Housing Finance Agency, NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and NY State’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) through their Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP). TD Bank served as tax credit investor as well as providing the construction letter of credit. Richman Capital served as tax credit syndicator. Operating funding is provided by NYS Office of Mental Health through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, in partnership with NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA). A pre-development loan was provided by the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH). The New York City Council, Office of the Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, and Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel, Architects, DPC also supported the project.

Bedford Green House II was developed by Project Renewal. Bruno Frustaci Contracting, Inc. was the general contractor. Architectural design services were provided by Edelman Sultan Knox Wood (ESKW) Architects, with structural engineering by Rosenwasser/Grossman Consulting Engineers, MEP engineering by Allen Rosenthal, geotechnical engineering by Mueser Rutledge, landscape design by Star Whitehouse, and LEED design by Steven Winter Associates.

“Bedford Green House II represents a critical opportunity for us to increase our housing stock by expanding affordable, safe, and stable housing options for our Bronx families and older adults. As our city is still experiencing a housing crisis, I am proud to have provided support for this transformative project in Fordham Heights to ensure its completion. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, Project Renewal, the New York State Homes & Community Renewal, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and everyone else who has played a vital role in making this vision a reality,” says Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

“Today, with the opening of Bedford Green House II, we’re continuing to deliver on our mission to ensure every New Yorker has access to safe, stable, homes. This project reflects what it truly means to meet people where they are, bringing together permanent housing, access to on-site health care, therapy, and restorative spaces for those residents that can benefit from that support and use it to foster connection and growth. I’m so proud to welcome 116 New Yorkers to Phase II of this development, and deeply grateful to all of our partners who made it possible. Because of your commitment, we’re not only providing housing; we’re helping our neighbors build the stability and confidence they need to move forward,” says Acting HPD Commissioner Ahmed Tigani.

“New Yorkers are facing extreme financial distress due to the rising cost of housing. The Bedford Green House Phase II will provide low-income and formerly homeless families in The Bronx, including those affected by mental illness and substance use disorders, with affordable homes and the supportive services they need to achieve long-term stability. I commend Project Renewal, along with City and State agencies and all partners, for their commitment to helping our most vulnerable neighbors thrive through this innovative housing residence and program,” says New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

“The Bronx deserves quality homes that will deliver the support our neighbors’ need to live with dignity. The ribbon-cutting of Bedford Green House II marks the culmination of a $72 million investment that will bring 116 new homes to low-income families, including older adults, formerly homeless individuals, and families impacted by mental illness. With on-site health care services, a library, and shared communal spaces, Bedford Green House II stands as a powerful example of how sustainable, community-centered development is possible for our community and across our city,” says NYC Council Member Pierina Sanchez, Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings.