Affordable Green Housing Opens in the Bronx

A 243-unit affordable green housing complex opens today in Bronx, New York. 

The $68 million Serviam Gardens for low- and moderate-income seniors, was built according to Enterprise Green Communities Criteria, a green building framework for affordable housing.

The 8 story mixed-use project designed by OCV Architects and developed by Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation, sits on nine acres of vacant land on the Mount Saint Ursula campus in the Bronx. An existing Georgian style convent was renovated and enlarged to accommodate housing.

Green Features include a green roof, a rain water recycling system, energy efficient lighting and cooling, and a super-insulated building envelope.

In addition to housing, there are communal spaces for recreation, on-site social services, a library, parking, and child-care facilities.

An "intergenerational" garden preserves open space, allows residents to grow their own food, and encourages interaction between seniors and students at the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula, which shares the site.

As of January 2011, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development requires all affordable developments that receive city subsidies to attain Enterprise Green Communities Certification. 

Enterprise Green Communities Criteria include locating projects near public transit to avoid sprawl; energy and water conservation; green interior materials such as carpets and paints; and indoor air quality.

A national leader in investment capital and development solutions for affordable housing and community revitalization, Enterprise has invested $10 billion since 1982 to help finance  250,000 affordable homes across the US.

Enterprise launched the Green Communities initiative in 2004:

Website: [sorry this link is no longer available]     
(Visited 5,091 times, 3 visits today)

Post Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *