Nevins Street Apartments

Organization Name: Institute for Community Living (ICL)

Project Title: Nevins Street Apartments

Project Location: 50 Nevins Street, Downtown Brooklyn

Project Description:
50 Nevins St, Downtown Brooklyn is a 114,000 sq ft, mixed use, affordable and supportive housing development. In total, 129 units are available, featuring 50 affordable units and 78 supportive units. Residential amenities include 24-hour front desk security, exercise room, laundry facility, bike parking, tenant storage rooms, and a computer lab, in addition to onsite mental health supportive services. On the ground and cellar level, there is nearly 6,000 feet of available commercial space, with glass frontage on Schermerhorn Street. Nevins Street Apartments include important sustainability methods that increase resident comfort and decrease energy costs including: photovoltaic panels for on-site renewable power generation, LED lighting throughout, energy recovery-based heating and cooling system, and efficient windows. Substantial rehabilitation was completed on the existing building, in addition to the construction of a new 10- story structure that is fully integrated into one structure. Nevins Street Apartments include a mix of light filled studios, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments outfitted with high quality materials and a variety of layouts.

Community Impact:
50 Nevins St was previously Stepping Stone Residence, a transitional housing program founded by ICL in 1986. The new iteration of Nevins Street Apartments provides permanent housing for adults living with mental illness and low-income individuals and families. Specifically, 78 supportive units are reserved for the formerly homeless, including those with serious mental illness or substance abuse disorders, young adults, and veterans, funded by NYS Office of Mental Health. ICL is the developer and social service provider, offering onsite mental health supportive services for residents. With a team of case managers, residents live in an integrated supportive space to meet all their needs for a better quality of life. ICL staff will conduct comprehensive assessments to determine strengths, needs, and preferences, to support individuals in independent living. Our recovery-oriented social services include onsite skills development, mental and physical health/wellness supports, peer support. A key focus is to assist residents to develop natural social supports and community connections including reunification with family members.

Organization Description:
ICL is one of the largest housing providers in the country with more than 1,500 supported apartment beds, 14 community residences and three transitional housing shelters in New York City. ICL provides trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, integrated, and person-centered care through supportive and transitional housing, counseling, and rehabilitation services for adults, children, veterans, and families with mental health challenges and those living with developmental disabilities.

Team Members:

Developer: Institute for Community Living
Architect: Dattner
General Contractor: Mega Contracting
Owner’s Rep: Olive Branch