Bronx Commons – Building Resident & Community Wellness

Organization Name: Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation

Project Title: Bronx Commons – Building Resident & Community Wellness

Project Location: Melrose, The Bronx

Project Description:
Partnering with Peloton and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), WHEDco activated Bronx Commons, a $165 million new construction of a 426,000 sq. ft. mixed-use campus on a half-city-block dedicated to affordable housing, education, culture, health, and small business supports, enriched with amenities and services that promote the fitness, health, and wellness of its 700+ residents. Bronx Commons includes 305 studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bdrm apartments for formerly homeless households – including those who have experienced domestic violence – and for households earning 30% – 110% AMI. Bronx Commons also hosts a 150-seat NYC Dept. of Ed-operated 3K and pre-K program; a café/deli; the Bronx Music Hall community arts and performance venue; and the Melrose Community Access Support and Training Center – a hub for small business, family support services, and community engagement. Bronx Commons is certified LEED Gold; has a fitness center and bike parking for residents; and features four roof uses: green; garden; recreational; and a 154kW solar panel array. Bronx Commons has two public-facing plazas with performance amphitheaters and abuts a new City park featuring sports turf, gardens, paths & seating.

Community Impact:
Through WHEDco’s partnership with Peloton and LISC, we transformed Bronx Commons into a vibrant hub for health and wellness. In a borough ranked last statewide for health outcomes, this partnership brings much-needed community-centered wellness resources to the South Bronx. Together, we built a residential ecosystem that promotes active living, supports mental and physical health, and strengthens community connection. We outfitted the 2,200 sq. ft. Bronx Commons fitness center with Peloton bikes and Precor equipment. Since 2022, residents 18+ have been eligible for free Peloton digital memberships. Free universal Wi-Fi expands resident access to telehealth, education, employment, and wellness resources. WHEDco’s Wellness Coordinator delivers programming that blends physical activity, nutrition, and connection. Programming spans the fitness center, lobby, rooftop farm, community rooms, recreational rooftop, and Bronx Music Hall. The Coordinator works with the Farm Manager and Family Support team to lead workshops and link households to counseling, benefits, and other services. This integrated approach makes Bronx Commons a model for health-centered development, expanding opportunity for 700+ residents.

Organization Description:
WHEDco is a mixed-use affordable housing developer and community development organization that creates and bridges access in the South Bronx to resources that support thriving neighborhoods. To create a healthy housing ecosystem serving communities of color, WHEDco partnered with Peloton, a leading fitness technology company that offers connected exercise equipment, digital classes, and wellness content, and LISC, a national nonprofit that supports and invests in affordable housing, economic opportunity, health, and safety in underserved neighborhoods.

Team Members:

WHEDco: Davon Russell, President
Peloton, Inc.: Alia McCants, Senior Director of Global Inclusion & Impact, Social Impact Lead
LISC: Valerie White, Senior Executive Director, LISC NY