Bedford Green House I

Organization Name: ESKW/Architects

Project Title: Bedford Green House I

Project Location: Bronx, NY

Project Description:
The first phase of Project Renewal’s twin housing development in the Bronx, Bedford Green House I is a 13-story, 84,000 SF mixed-use building located at 2865 Creston Avenue. The LEED-certified project brings 118-units of affordable and supportive housing to formerly homeless individuals and families living with mental illness, people living with HIV/AIDS, and households earning up to 60% of the area’s median income. The building plan allows for accessibility and security, which fosters well-being, as well as social and physical activities. On-site social services are bolstered by innovative design elements and amenities that support the multigenerational residents with year-round resources to stabilize their lives and thrive in their communities. A 1,500 SF rooftop greenhouse equipped with an aquaponics farming system creates a lush space for restorative, year-round farming, and horticultural therapy programs. Additional amenity spaces include bike storage, community room with a warming pantry, and an inviting streetscape with landscaping, outdoor seating, and a playground. Sustainable features include a high-performance envelope and a green façade, which reduce energy use and lower operating costs.

Community Impact:
In addition to bringing affordable housing to the Bronx, Bedford Green House I has become a community of “renewal and stability for individuals and families overcoming homelessness, mental health concerns, and other challenges” (Eric Rosenbaum, President and CEO of Project Renewal).

Phase two, which is currently under construction and slated for completion in the fall of 2024, will bring an additional 116 apartments to the complex, with more than half reserved for low-income seniors. The second building will feature a fitness center and The Molly B. Kronick Library and Learning Center for residents. Supporting the strategies defined in Bedford Green House I, Phase II links with Phase I through several shared amenity areas for residents, including the therapeutic greenhouse atop of Phase I and the landscaped rear courtyard shared by the two buildings. A 2,300 SF medical clinic offering primary care, pediatrics, podiatry, and digital radiology will extend its services to the wider community as well as the residents.

Organization Description:
Founded in 1960 by Judith and Harold Edelman, and currently led by Andrew Knox, FAIA, Randy Wood, AIA, and Kimberly Murphy, AIA, ESKW/Architects is a NYC-based architecture firm with over 60 years of experience. We pride ourselves on our strong commitment to the non-profit and institutional sectors. Our commitment to community-building is exemplified by award-winning projects in housing, education, and healthcare, including New Settlement Community Campus (The Bronx), Cortelyou Road (Brooklyn), and Sharks! (Brooklyn).

Team Members:

Structural: Silman.
Mechanical: Rosenthal Engineering.
Civil: Strandberg & Associates. Key Civil Engineering.
Landscape: Bille Cohen.
Lighting: Jim Conti.
Photography: Michael Grimm.