Crotona Pride House

Organization Name: H.E.L.P. USA with SAGE USA

Project Title: Crotona Pride House

Project Location: Crotona, Bronx

Project Description:
This 7-story development provides affordable senior housing (55 studios and 28 one-bedrooms) with an LGBTQ+ senior center in the Crotona neighborhood of the Bronx. It is one of New York City’s first subsidized housing developments that specifically creates a safe community for LGBTQ+ Seniors; with services and support focused on LGBTQ+ resources. In addition to the 9,000 square foot community center and its connected outdoor space at the second-floor roof terrace, residential communal spaces abound. There are lounges on every floor which look out onto Crotona Park and sport sustainable, layered resin dividers, and a large community room at the top floor that opens onto a landscaped roof terrace, both of which look out over the park to the city skyline in the distance. Sustainability and resiliency were clear priorities for Crotona Pride House. Efforts to achieve low operational carbon ensured that the development met the standards for Enterprise Green Communities and New York State Energy & Development Authority (NYSERDA) Multifamily Program Tier 3.

Community Impact:
A comprehensive strategy for aging in place included interventions to combat the negative health impacts of loneliness. While the preponderance of apartments are studios, most are designed with sleeping alcoves for greater flexibility. Separating the living and sleeping areas allows for two residents to share the unit, for family and friends to visit more comfortably, or for home healthcare aides to be in the space with greater privacy.

Another design feature that promotes interaction and community are the lounges on each floor. While dividers create a sense of separation, these spaces are open to the corridors so as to invite use and cultivate a welcoming atmosphere. Views of the neighboring park are an added enticement to enjoy the communal space. Specific lighting, signage, and anti-glare finishes allow residents easy wayfinding, and handrails along the corridors help those with mobility challenges.

The top floor community room and outdoor terrace provide more social spaces and views, while the LGBTQ+ senior center and its connected outdoor terrace offers opportunities to engage with the wider community in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Organization Description:
Founded in 1986, HELP USA is a national homeless service provider and low-income housing developer serving at-risk populations including families, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, people with health challenges and disabilities, and seniors. HELP USA has helped over 500,000 people facing homelessness and poverty to build better lives. SAGE USA is a national advocacy and services organization dedicated to providing advocacy, services, and support to older members of the LGBTQ+ community since 1978.

Team Members:

Magnusson Architecture and Planning (MAP); Procida Construction Corp.; Bright Power; Robert Silman Assocs; Johnson&Urban MEP; Brooker Engineering; terrain-nyc; Hillman Consulting; Steven Winter Assocs