RiseBoro and Coconut Properties developed 164 units of 100% affordable senior housing and a new 7,400 SF “turn-key” worshipping space for Rocky Mount Baptist Church in Inwood, Manhattan. The building rises to nine stories on an approximately 20,364 SF underutilized lot, combining design-forward thinking with cutting-edge Passive House engineering, extensive outdoor space, and iconic views of the Hudson River. The project’s design approach embraces the unique, challenging context of the site, employing a minimalist copper façade to emphasize the sweeping curve of the street on which the property sits and plays off the natural topography of the rocky, tree-filled hill sitting at the site’s rear. Over time, the copper façade will age and weather to become part of the natural landscape. Building amenities include a landscaped active courtyard on the second floor, amenity spaces on the second and eighth floors for residents, and a multi-use performing arts space on the ground floor. The building’s social services is run by RiseBoro to provide comprehensive programming that meet the aging-in-place needs of residents.

Community Impact:
37 Hillside house a mix of studios and one-bedroom units for low-income seniors–including 50 units set aside for formerly homeless–for which RiseBoro will provide supportive services. The project embraces a “community in one building design” replete with recreation and amenity areas such as a communal kitchen workshop, a library, meeting rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces. The project, half a block from Broadway with multiple modes of public transportation, preserves an oasis of green space for its residents and connects them to the commercial center of the neighborhood.

The Rocky Mount Baptist Church received a new 7,400 SF worshipping space at street level in the new building, doubling the size of its outdated building, as well as $2.7 MM in capital to carry out its mission. The development team collaborated closely with the church and its stakeholders to design their new facility, which includes a larger, modern sanctuary and common room.

The building is designed as a Passive House with PHIUS standards, containing 6” insulated walls, triple-glazed windows, all electric cooking, and heating and cooling provided by Variable Refrigerator Flow Systems.

Organization Description:
Since 1973 RiseBoro Community Partnership has unleashed the potential of communities to thrive, no matter the odds. With a focus on economic, social, and environmental sustainability, we develop new housing, preserve existing housing, and provide a range of supportive services to ensure stability and success of our tenants. Coconut Properties LLC is an NYC-based real estate development firm formed in 2015 and focused on exploring the frontiers of urban policy, design, and community-based partnerships to achieve transformative projects.

Team Members:
Owner/Developer: RiseBoro Community Partnership, Coconut Properties
Builder: Mega Contracting Group
Design: SLCE (executive architect of record) and Architecture in Formation (design architect)