Herkimer Gardens

Organization Name: RiseWell Community Services Inc.

Project Title: Herkimer Gardens

Project Location: Brooklyn, New York

Project Description:
Herkimer Gardens is a 120-unit mixed-use affordable and supported housing development, with 60 units designed to serve frail, elderly seniors who need assistance with independent living. The remaining units are reserved for individuals and families who meet income eligibility requirements. This eight-story building in Bedford Stuyvesant is part of the State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative to address chronic social, economic, and health disparities in Brooklyn’s high-need communities. Herkimer Gardens’ amenities designed for residents include a wellness center with physical therapy equipment, an urban farm, a recreational terrace where residents can attend yoga or tai chi classes, a community room, library and computer room, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and 24/7 front desk staffing. The building's design complies with Enterprise Green Communities and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) New Construction - Housing Program. There are solar panels, LED lighting, daylight sensors, solar shades, and other energy efficient features. Herkimer Gardens has already had a life-changing impact on its residents.

Community Impact:
RiseWell Community Services prides themselves on being leaders of change and providing secure, safe, and affordable housing for individuals who suffer and experience various challenges. RiseWell provides all residents with supportive services to live independently in the community and lead a successful future while utilizing our services. Community partnerships, engagement, and integration is a major component to the success of our programming and residents. Herkimer Garden activities are consistently expanding and evolving. Some exciting events from this year include computer literacy classes, Dancing with the Stars in Partnership with Oak Street Health, music therapy, wellness arts and crafts, melting pot workshop, brain games for functioning skills, and more. In collaboration with healthcare partners, BeWell, One Brooklyn Health, HealthFirst, Guardant, and EOM Home Care, Herkimer Gardens will also host its first mental health fair in October 2025. While the implementation of community expertise and engagement is unparalleled, it is also the community of neighbors and staff within the development itself that has made the brightest impact all who walk through the doors.

Organization Description:
RiseWell Community Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization multi-service health and wellness agency, serving Long Island, and New York City. RiseWell's foundational principles are firmly grounded in the community-based movement for racial and social justice as well as equitable mental health and disability services. Having served the community for over 50 years, RiseWell have evolved into one of the region's largest providers committed to improving the lives of individuals, families, and the community.

Team Members:

CSD Housing, LLC (CSD) is the housing consultant. The architect on this project is Urban Architectural Initiatives, RA, PC (UAI). MEGA Contracting Group (Mega) is the contractor.