“Topping Out” VOA-GNY’s Second Affordable Housing Development for Older Adults
Construction of Andrews Avenue South Senior Residence, Volunteers of America-Greater New York’s second affordable housing development for seniors in the Bronx, has reached the halfway point, marked by a "topping out" ceremony as the final beam was placed atop the structure on July 18, 2023. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson attended the celebration, joined by Cathleen McCadden, Chief of Staff for NYS Homes and Community Renewal.
New York City is in the depths of an affordable housing crisis, and seniors, in particular, face steep barriers to housing stability—including accessibility challenges due to limited mobility and a shortage of housing that can accommodate on-site medical supports. Andrews Avenue South Senior Residence is a direct response to the growing need for subsidized housing for older adults, helping them “age in place” with the assistance of critical services. The program will provide housing to low- and very low-income seniors (aged 62+), with a total of 118 apartments—thirty-seven of which will be reserved for seniors who have experienced chronic homelessness.
Modeled after VOA-GNY’s first housing development for older adults, East Clarke Place Senior Residence, which the Bronx Times described as, “a blueprint for addressing NYC homelessness,” the Andrews Avenue project is designed with the unique needs of seniors in mind. It will feature large communal spaces, lounges on each floor, and inviting outdoor patios. The residence will host a wide variety of events and activities aimed at building community and helping to fight the social isolation that is an all-too-common aspect of aging. VOA-GNY will provide concierge services and support residents in accessing on-site and off-site services, including medical care and mental health services. The building will also incorporate green and sustainable features to achieve LEED for HOMEs Platinum certification.
“We are incredibly grateful to our government and private sector partners, as well as the staff of VOA-GNY, who have worked tirelessly on the Andrews Avenue South Senior Residence project,” says Julia Oliver, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at VOA-GNY. “Just yesterday, I had the privilege of holding and rocking my newborn grandson in a safe and secure home environment. Everyone deserves to live in a safe environment and have an experience like that. We look forward to Andrews Avenue South Senior Residence being a place where seniors can age in place with dignity and find a supportive community."
The ceremony was attended by Fernando Villa, Principal, Magnusson Architecture and Planning; Joseph Moyer, Associate Principal, Magnusson Architecture and Planning; Cameron Toler, Architect, Magnusson Architecture and Planning; Jeff Chu, Director of Finance and Underwriting, Robert Sanborn Development; Takisia Whites, Director of New Initiatives and Underwriting, Robert Sanborn Development; Blanca Ramirez, Vice President, Hudson Housing Capital, LLC; Michael Siroka, Vice President of Acquisitions, Hudson Housing Capital, LLC; Bob Heinemann, Chief Financial Officer, Procida Construction Corporation; Joseph Procida, Senior Vice President of Site Operations, Procida Construction Corporation; Peter Procida, Manager, Procida Construction Corporation; Jeanine Margiano, Partner, Windels Marx; Lynn Weinig, Special Counsel, Windels Marx; Frank Marallo, Associate, Windels Marx; and Tyrone Middleton, Field Representative III for Downstate Construction, Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.
In addition to Mrs. Oliver, VOA-GNY staff in attendance included Michael Solana, Chief Financial Officer and Executive VP; Mariel Cruceta, Assistant VP of Supportive Housing; Adam Balasiano, Assistant VP of Real Estate; Sandra Márquez, Assistant VP of Real Estate; and Nick Brasse, Chief of Staff.
Construction of Andrews Avenue South Senior Residence will continue into next year, with leasing expected to begin in summer 2024.