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Redevelopment

E 119th Street Residence

Delivering high-quality, affordable housing in the heart of East Harlem.

Through this project, VOA-GNY will improve quality of life for current residents and bring much-needed affordable homes to the neighborhood.

Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) is revitalizing East 119th Street Residence to deliver hundreds of high-quality, 100% affordable homes to the neighborhood: 174 apartments for current residents, many of whom are veterans or formerly homeless New Yorkers, as well as approximately 525 additional affordable homes for individuals and families.

This two-building project developed by Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) and designed by Magnusson Architecture and Planning, PC represents a $490 million investment in the East Harlem neighborhood.

Meeting the Needs of the Neighborhood

Originally constructed in 1988 as a single-room occupancy building, East 119th Street Residence has been operated by VOA-GNY since 2011, providing stable housing and high-quality support services to those who call it home—despite the building’s age and structural limitations.

Two buildings will replace the existing residence, delivering modern studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments. The buildings will feature a shared courtyard, landscaped terraces, and design elements that support aging in place.

The benefits will also extend beyond current and future residents. The project will include approximately 18,000 square feet of new community facility space with programming that supports community well-being such as healthcare, education and youth development.

The project will reflect VOA-GNY’s experience as an award-winning nonprofit developer and supportive housing provider, blending high-quality design with our deep commitment to human services and community-focused growth.

Project Highlights

East 119th Street Residence will be rebuilt in two carefully-sequenced, multi-year phases designed to create hundreds of new affordable homes while allowing every existing resident to remain in their home during construction.

Phase I will erect a new building behind the existing residence, providing modern replacement apartments for all current residents alongside approximately 121 new affordable homes. Once existing residents have moved into their new apartments, Phase II will begin, demolishing the old building in order to construct a second building with around 403 additional affordable homes.

Each building will be fully electric with temperature controls in each apartment. Amenities will include a full-time lobby attendant, multi-purpose rooms and landscaped terraces, a fitness center, laundry rooms, and bike rooms. A portion of the new apartments will be fully accessible for residents with mobility, visual, or hearing disabilities. Overall, the completed project will deliver:

  • Around 698 homes, all 100% affordable, including approximately 524 net-new apartments.
  • Modern replacement homes for all current residents, without the need for temporary relocation.
  • 18,000 square feet of new community space and a shared courtyard.

Development: Phase I

The first building, consisting of around 295 apartments—including 174 replacement homes for existing residents, plus approximately 121 new apartments for low-income families and individuals—will be constructed on the open space behind the existing building along East 118th Street. Current residents will remain in their existing homes during construction and move directly into the new building when it is complete, avoiding the need for temporary relocation. VOA-GNY will pay all packing and moving costs for existing residents.

  • New supportive-housing studios will be approximately 360 square feet, which is more than three times the size of the existing SRO units, and will include private kitchens and bathrooms. Currently, residents of the existing SRO building must share bathrooms and kitchens. For all existing residents, rent will be capped at 30% of household income.

Development: Phase II

After all current residents have moved into their new Phase I homes with VOA-GNY support, the existing SRO building be demolished and a second new building will then be constructed at this location along 119th Street. Phase II will create around 403 additional 100% affordable apartments for low-income families and individuals, and a new shared courtyard will serve residents of both buildings.

On-Site Support Services

For residents who need additional support to live independently, VOA-GNY staff will continue to provide an array of on-site services including activities to build community among residents, fight social isolation and foster well-being.

Project Status

This project is currently in the land use review process. For more detailed information, please visit the NYC Department of City Planning’s Zoning Application Portal.