Aufgang Architects designs two 100% affordable multifamily projects totaling 446 units

Aufgang Architects designs two 100% affordable multifamily projects totaling 446 units
Bronx, NY Aufgang Architects has released details on two new, award winning, 100% affordable multifamily design projects.
An 18-story 266-unit building at 860 Village Concourse East, featuring a community health services facility, is being developed by Gilbane.
At 1810 Randall Ave., an eight story 180-unit building is being developed by Vertical Community Development as senior affordable housing.
On the site of a former parking lot, 860 Village Concourse East will consist of two towers totaling 201,031 s/f. The unit mix includes 148 studios, 60 one-bedroom, 47 two-bedroom and 11 three-bedroom apartments. Amenities for residents include a bike room, a fitness room, laundry and package rooms, a “learning kitchen” for residents, a recreation room and lounge, an outdoor courtyard and a social services suite with offices and a conference room.
The project will feature a 7,818 s/f Health Hub operated by the Institute for Community Living, offering a range of health programs and resources including group and individual therapy.
The Aufgang design has won the NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence award.
“With nearby mass transit, this new affordable community is well-situated to reduce car reliance, promote sustainable commuting, and conveniently connect residents with the broader city,” said Ariel Aufgang, principal of Aufgang Architects.
At 1810 Randall Ave. a new senior affordable community developed by Vertical Community Development has an apartment mix of 157 studios, 22 one-bedroom and 1 two-bedroom unit.
The design includes church facilities on the ground floor for a congregation that had previously been located at the site.
Residential amenities include a gym, storage rooms, a bike room, a social support services center, 1,285 s/f of outdoor recreation space and indoor recreation centers.
The Aufgang design, built to passive house standards, won NYC Housing Preservation and Development’s first Future Housing Initiative award.
“The growing demand for affordable, comfortable and safe senior housing in the Bronx requires an energetic response from the development community, featuring amenities that are important to seniors,” said Steve Vlaovich, AIA, associate principal at Aufgang.
In the past decade alone, Aufgang has designed over 13 million s/f of built space, comprising more than 13,000 residential units across more than 100 multifamily development projects, both market rate and affordable. These projects had total capitalization of approximately $3 billion.
Aufgang is known for its thoughtful, creative approach that also recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability in all aspects of design and engineering. Technology, including innovative proprietary artificial intelligence applications, enhances the firm’s ability to design comfortable, safe and sustainable multifamily buildings that meet its clients’ objectives.
Aufgang is a certified Minority Business Enterprise.
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Aufgang Architects designs two 100% affordable multifamily projects totaling 446 units
Affordable Residential Projects Announced for Clason Point and Concourse Village, The Bronx

Affordable Residential Projects Announced for Clason Point and Concourse Village, The Bronx
By: Michael Young and Matt Pruznick
Plans have been announced for two 100-percent affordable housing projects in The Bronx at 1810 Randall Avenue in Clason Point and 860 Village Concourse East in Concourse Village. Designed by Aufgang Architects, the buildings will yield a combined 446 units.
Pictured above, 1810 Randall Avenue will stand eight stories and contain 180 affordable rental units for senior housing. Developed by Vertical Community Development, the project will also include a ground-floor church, replacing the facility that formerly occupied the site before its demolition. The residential program will feature 157 studios, 22 one-bedrooms, and one two-bedroom apartment. Amenities will include a gym, storage rooms, a bike storage room, social support services center, and 1,285 square feet of indoor and outdoor recreation space. The property is bounded by Randall Avenue to the north, Taylor Avenue to the east, and Beach Avenue to the west.
The rendering looks southwest at the structure showing a multifaceted massing with several setbacks on the eighth story that will create space for terraces. The building will be enclosed in an earth-toned façade surrounding a grid of rectangular windows. Dark brick will enclose the ground floor, and a flat roof lined with metal railings will cap the structure. The design was selected as the winner of the NYC Housing Preservation and Development’s first Future Housing Initiative Award.
In addition to the religious facility, the property was formerly occupied by a row of low-rise buildings, as seen in the below Google Street View image from 2022.
The second project at 860 Village Concourse East is slated to consist of two 18-story towers spanning a combined 201,031 square feet and yielding 266 rental units. Developed by Gilbane, the project will also include a 7,818-square-foot health hub operated by the Institute for Community Living. The affordable homes will be divided into 148 studios, 60 one-bedrooms, 47 two-bedrooms, and 11 three-bedroom apartments. Amenities will include a bike room, fitness room, laundry and package rooms, a demonstration kitchen, recreation room and lounge, and an outdoor courtyard. The structure is being engineered for sustainability and its design has received a Buildings of Excellence Award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
The site is currently occupied by an open-air parking lot, as seen in the following Google Street View image. The property is located along Morris Avenue at the center of a large block bounded by East 161st Street to the north and East 158th Street to the south. Renderings for the project have yet to be revealed.
Construction timelines for both projects have yet to be announced.
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Affordable Residential Projects Announced for Clason Point and Concourse Village, The Bronx
VCD to Develop 180-Unit Affordable Seniors Housing Project in The Bronx

VCD to Develop 180-Unit Affordable Seniors Housing Project in The Bronx
NEW YORK CITY — Vertical Community Development (VCD) will develop a 180-unit affordable seniors housing project at1810 Randall Ave. in The Bronx. Designed by Aufgang Architects, the eight-story building will offer 157 studios, 22 one-bedroom units and a single two-bedroom unit. Information on age and rent restrictions was not disclosed. Amenities will include a fitness center, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces and social support services, and the building will also house church facilities on its ground floor. Construction is scheduled to begin next year and to be complete sometime in 2027.
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VCD to Develop 180-Unit Affordable Seniors Housing Project in The Bronx
Affordable Housing Design That Works in NYC: Insights From Aufgang Architects

Affordable Housing Design That Works in NYC: Insights From Aufgang Architects
By Diana Firtea
Principal Ariel Aufgang on shaping the city’s next generation of affordable housing
New York City’s multifamily market continues to grapple with a severe housing shortage, where affordability often feels out of reach. Developers and architects are working together to change that, through both new construction and the preservation of existing communities.
Among the city’s most active firms, Aufgang Architects currently has roughly 9,000 multifamily units in its pipeline. In 2024 alone, the firm filed more than 3.3 million square feet of permits, ranking among New York’s busiest architectural practices.
From resilient waterfront planning to energy-efficient retrofits, Aufgang’s design strategies balance affordability with long-term sustainability. Multi-Housing News spoke with Principal Ariel Aufgang about the affordable housing trends shaping the city’s pipeline and how thoughtful design can foster resilient, community-driven development.
Last year, your firm filed one of the highest number of permits in the city. What does that volume say about where and how affordable housing is moving forward in New York?
Aufgang: We have a healthy mix of new construction and preservation design projects in all five boroughs. This robust pipeline reflects many factors, including the challenges of zoning changes and other land use actions impacting sites that our planning department in many instances has been working on for years.
NIMBYism in certain neighborhoods is still a factor in achieving the density that makes affordable development financially realistic. The growth in our work in multifamily development results from our strategy of thinking big throughout all phases of the project planning.
Regulations in New York can be complex. How do codes and reviews shape your design process and timelines from the outset?
Aufgang: We are experienced and expert at the highly organized balancing act needed to contend with codes and regulations that often contradict each other… We have to be realistic regarding the often slow bureaucratic process for reviews and approvals.

Many New York sites are narrow, irregular or otherwise constrained. Can you share an example of how design adapted to a difficult site?
Aufgang: When confronted with a challenging site, often where others have been stymied, we take creative approaches to solve problems such as steep slopes or unique geometries, noise under airport flight paths or adjacent structures very near the lot lines.
One of our multifamily designs was constructed on a very irregularly shaped lot, requiring acute wall angles and tight corners. We specified windows in these corners that allowed more natural light and provided appealing views.
High construction costs are a challenge for everyone involved in the development pricess. Which recent project shows how you balanced budget limits with high-quality affordable design?
Aufgang: We carefully research innovative materials and new technologies for cutting-edge designs that help meet budgets. Interestingly, in most instances our designs for affordable multifamily housing utilize materials that are also used in market-rate projects. Also meticulous project management helps assure adherence to construction budgets.

A good example of this is the recently completed North Cove Apartments, a 30-story, 611-unit fully affordable mixed-use building at 375 W. 207th St. along the Harlem River waterfront in Inwood, upper Manhattan, developed by Maddd Equities and Joy Construction.
Edgemere Commons is another project you recently completed, one where resiliency played a central role. How did storm-risk planning influence the site design there?
Aufgang: Mitigating flood risk was among the environmental issues that were a priority in our urban planning and design of Edgemere Commons, a new 100 percent affordable mixed-use community developed by Tishman Speyer on a 9.3-acre site facing the Atlantic Ocean beachfront in the Far Rockaway section of Queens. Our flood mitigation strategy involved raising the intersection of two interior streets several feet higher than the flood plain.
The higher road grade was built over large cisterns we designed as part of a storm water resiliency system that also includes bioswales, vegetated channels for water runoff. The buildings we designed in Edgemere Commons have standby electrical generators located above the high water level emergency electrical outlets in each unit. We included cooling rooms on each floor for resident comfort should the power go out during extreme heatwaves.
Supportive and senior housing are also a big part of your portfolio. Which design elements directly respond to the needs of these residents?
Aufgang: Our supportive and senior housing designs include extra electrical outlets in kitchens that exceed code requirements to accommodate medical and health equipment. We specify areas for residents to go to on every floor with emergency power for cooling or heating in case electricity goes out.
There is also dedicated office space in the buildings for providers of supportive services, which have separate, discrete access to maintain the privacy of their clients.

Many of your buildings mix housing with community spaces such as worship areas or nonprofit offices. What architectural strategies make these uses coexist successfully?
Aufgang: Our designs specify distinct identities for worship spaces, residential areas and offices, with separate entrances to religious facilities and soundproofing to isolate them audibly for the comfort of the residents …
Looking ahead, which upcoming projects do you expect will set new benchmarks for affordable housing design in the city?
Aufgang: The adaptive reuse of the huge, landmarked Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx includes new construction of an adjacent 450-unit affordable multifamily tower built to Passive House standards that will set new benchmarks for affordable housing.

These include access to extensive commercial, educational and recreational facilities open to the public in the repurposed Armory—designed by Aufgang and our partners at FX Collaborative—and proximity to public transportation. This improves the quality of life for residents of that neighborhood, in addition to making it a destination.
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Affordable Housing Design That Works in NYC: Insights From Aufgang Architects
Two affordable housing projects in the works to bring 446 housing units to the Bronx

Two affordable housing projects in the works to bring 446 housing units to the Bronx
By Ethan Marshall
Aufgang Architects announced they are in the early stages of working on two new 100% affordable housing projects totaling 336 units in the Bronx, at 860 Concourse Village E. and 1810 Randall Ave.
Formerly the site of a parking lot, 860 Concourse Village E. will have two towers spanning 201,031 square feet and standing 18 stories tall. This project will account for 266 of the housing units, including 148 studios, 60 one-bedroom units, 47 two-bedroom units and 11 three-bedroom units.
This future property will include a bike room, a fitness room, a laundry room, a package room, a “learning kitchen,” a recreation room, lounge, an outdoor courtyard and a social services suite with offices and a conference room.
The future structure’s design was named the recipient of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Buildings of Excellence Award.
“With nearby mass transit, this new affordable community is well-situated to reduce car reliance, promote sustainable commuting, and conveniently connect residents with the broader city,” said Ariel Aufgang, principal of Aufgang Architects.
A health hub is also planned to be part of this property. This community health services facility is being developed by Gilbane and is expected to take up 7,818 square feet. The Institute for Community Living will be operating the health hub, offering plenty of health programs and resources, including individual and group therapy.
There is convenient access to multiple forms of mass transportation from this property. The Melrose train station, which provides service for the Harlem line, is located nearby. Additionally, bus stops can be found in the area for the Bx1, Bx2, Bx6, Bx6+, Bx13, Bx32, Bx41, Bx41+ and BxM4 lines.
A new community for Seniors
These housing project plans to also have a new senior affordable at Randall Avenue. This 8-story-tall building, developed by Vertical Community Development, will have 180 housing units, including 157 studios, 22 one-bedroom units and one two-bedroom unit.
Church facilities are planned for the first floor for a congregation that had previously occupied the site. Additional amenities that will be featured at 1810 Randall Ave. include a gym, storage rooms, a bike room, a social support services center, indoor recreation centers and 1,285 square feet of outdoor recreation space.
Aufgang’s design of this building, which was built to passive house standards, won New York City Housing Preservation and Development’s first Future Housing Initiative award.
“The growing demand for affordable, comfortable and safe senior housing in the Bronx requires an energetic response from the development community, featuring amenities that are important to seniors,” said Aufgang Associate Principal Steve Vlaovich.
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Two affordable housing projects in the works to bring 446 housing units to the Bronx
Aufgang Architects Announces Two New 100% Affordable Multifamily Design Projects in the Bronx Totaling 446 Units

Aufgang Architects Announces Two New 100% Affordable Multifamily Design Projects in the Bronx Totaling 446 Units
Aufgang Architects has released details on two new, award winning, 100% affordable multifamily design projects in the Bronx.
An 18 story 266 unit building at 860 Concourse Village East, featuring a community health services facility, is being developed by Gilbane.
At 1810 Randall Avenue an eight story 180-unit building is being developed by Vertical Community Development as senior affordable housing.
On the site of a former parking lot, 860 Village Concourse East will consist of two towers totaling 201,031 square feet. The unit mix includes 148 studios, 60 1-bedroom, 47 2-bedroom and 11 3-bedroom apartments. Amenities for residents include a bike room, a fitness room, laundry and package rooms, a “learning kitchen” for residents, a recreation room and lounge, an outdoor courtyard and a social services suite with offices and a conference room.
The project will feature a 7,818 square foot Health Hub operated by the Institute for Community Living, offering a range of health programs and resources including group and individual therapy.
The Aufgang design has won the NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence award.
“With nearby mass transit, this new affordable community is well-situated to reduce car reliance, promote sustainable commuting, and conveniently connect residents with the broader city,” said Ariel Aufgang, principal of Aufgang Architects.
At 1810 Randall Avenue a new senior affordable community developed by Vertical Community Development has an apartment mix of 157 studios, 22 1-bedroom and 1 2-bedroom units.
The design includes church facilities on the ground floor for a congregation that had previously been located at the site.
Residential amenities include a gym, storage rooms, a bike room, a social support services center, 1,285 square feet of outdoor recreation space and indoor recreation centers.
The Aufgang design, built to passive house standards, won NYC Housing Preservation and Development’s first Future Housing Initiative award.
“The growing demand for affordable, comfortable and safe senior housing in the Bronx requires an energetic response from the development community, featuring amenities that are important to seniors,” said Steve Vlaovich, AIA, Associate Principal at Aufgang.
In the past decade alone, Aufgang has designed over 13 million square feet of built space, comprising more than 13,000 residential units across more than 100 multifamily development projects, both market rate and affordable. These projects had total capitalization of approximately $3 billion.
Aufgang is known for its thoughtful, creative approach that also recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability in all aspects of design and engineering. Technology, including innovative proprietary artificial intelligence applications, enhances the firm’s ability to design comfortable, safe and sustainable multifamily buildings that meet its clients’ objectives.
Aufgang is a certified Minority Business Enterprise.
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Aufgang Architects Announces Two New 100% Affordable Multifamily Design Projects in the Bronx Totaling 446 Units
Slate, Avenue Realty Receive $64M Loan for Refinancing of Brooklyn Multifamily Project

Slate, Avenue Realty Receive $64M Loan for Refinancing of Brooklyn Multifamily Project
NEW YORK CITY — A partnership between two local firms, owner-operator Slate Property Group and real estate private equity firm Avenue Realty Capital, has received a $64 million loan for the refinancing of The Welz, a 162-unit community in the East Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. Designed by Aufgang Architects, the 19-story, newly constructed building offers studio, one- and two-bedroom units. Roughly 30 percent (49) of the residences are reserved for renters earning between 60 and 130 percent of the area median income, and residents also have access to a rooftop deck with grilling stations, a fitness center and package lockers. Daniel Fromm of Newmark arranged the three-year, floating-rate loan through Starwood Capital on behalf of the partnership.
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North Cove Apartments designed by Aufgang receives 2025 Innovation Award

North Cove Apartments designed by Aufgang receives 2025 Innovation Award
Manhattan, NY North Cove Apartments, a new housing development bringing 611, 100% affordable units to the Inwood section, has received the 2025 Innovation Award from the NYC Housing Partnership.
The 2025 Innovation Award was presented to Maddd Equities and Joy Construction, developers of North Cove Apartments, at the Housing Partnership’s 42nd Anniversary gala luncheon on October 22nd.
Designed by Aufgang Architects, the 295-ft.-tall, 544,000 s/f building includes:
- 61,000 s/f of retail space on the first two floors
- A 35,000 s/f Food Bazaar supermarket
- 120 parking spaces
With a total development cost of around $410 million, North Cove was financed by Wells Fargo Community Lending and Investment, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), New York State Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Credits, NYCHDC and NYC HPD.
Construction of the building created job opportunities for MWBE companies and utilizes Enterprise Green Community energy efficiency design standards.
“The 2025 Innovation Award recognizes Maddd Equities and Joy Construction making a reality of their ambitious vision of the location, scale and amenities of 611 safe and comfortable affordable homes for New Yorkers in this appealing new community, one of the largest in Manhattan,” said Jamie Smarr, president and CEO of the Housing Partnership.
North Cove is a 30-story multi-use development at 375 West 207th St. at the corner of Ninth Ave. It is a residential community on the Harlem River waterfront that enhances the existing natural ecosystem of the property.
“The project site was rezoned as part of the Inwood Rezoning Plan. North Cove is an excellent example of creating new affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods through a collaborative partnership among the private sector, nonprofit organizations such as the Housing Partnership, and public agencies,” said Smarr.
North Cove Apartments’ units are income restricted for households earning between 27 and 100% of Area Median Income (AMI). Fifteen percent of the units are set aside for formerly homeless households who will be provided onsite support services.
Residents will have a wide range of amenities including:
- Bike storage
- Recreation rooms
- Shared laundry facilities
- Outdoor lounges and picnic areas
- Free high-speed internet in every unit
A public waterfront park is also being developed adjacent to the site on land provided by New York City, further enhancing the community’s appeal.
The Housing Partnership’s luncheon gala brought together stakeholders in the city’s affordable housing community, including developers, architects, attorneys, lenders, faith leaders, and affordable housing advocates on Wednesday, October 22nd, at Gotham Hall.
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North Cove Apartments designed by Aufgang receives 2025 Innovation Award
Manhattan Development to Receive NYC Housing Partnership Innovation Award

Manhattan Development to Receive NYC Housing Partnership Innovation Award
By Donna Kimura
A 611-unit housing development in the Inwood section of Upper Manhattan will receive the 2025 Innovation Award from the NYC Housing Partnership.
North Cove Apartments is a mixed-use property on the Harlem River waterfront that enhances the existing natural ecosystem of the property, according to officials.
The award will be presented to developers Maddd Equities and Joy Construction at the Housing Partnership’s 42nd anniversary gala luncheon Oct. 22.
“The project site was rezoned as part of the Inwood Rezoning Plan. North Cove is an excellent example of creating new affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods through a collaborative partnership among the private sector, nonprofit organizations such as the Housing Partnership, and public agencies,” said Jamie A. Smarr, president and CEO of the Housing Partnership.
North Cove’s units are income restricted for households earning between 27% and 100% of the area median income. Fifteen percent of the units are set aside for formerly homeless households; on-site support services will be provided.
Designed by Aufgang Architects, the 544,000-square-foot building features 61,000 square feet of retail space on the first two floors, including a Food Bazaar supermarket, and 120 parking spaces.
With a total development cost of about $410 million, North Cove was financed by Wells Fargo Community Lending and Investment, New York City Housing Development Corp., and New York City Housing Preservation and Development. Low-income housing tax credits and state Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Credits were used.
A public waterfront park is also being developed adjacent to the site on land provided by the city to further enhance the community’s appeal.
The Housing Partnership is a nonprofit that serves as an intermediary among public agencies, developers, financial institutions, and residents to increase opportunities for quality affordable housing to low- and moderate-income households in New York City.
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Manhattan Development to Receive NYC Housing Partnership Innovation Award
Westhab Inc. Opens $73M Transitional Housing Complex in Brooklyn

Westhab Inc. Opens $73M Transitional Housing Complex in Brooklyn
NEW YORK CITY — Westhab Inc., a nonprofit provider of housing and human services, has opened Fort Greene Family Center, a $73 million transitional housing complex in Brooklyn. Aufgang Architects designed the 11-story building, which houses 105 units and was developed in partnership with Slate Property Group. The building also features 1,405 square feet of community facility space and recreational areas for children. In addition, residents have access to a range of onsite social services: job training programs, financial literacy training, youth services and educational support, healthcare coordination and wellness programming.
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Westhab Inc. Opens $73M Transitional Housing Complex in Brooklyn
