Plaza Borinquen

Organization Name: The NHP Foundation & Operation Pathways

Project Title: Plaza Borinquen

Project Location: Mott Haven - Bronx

Project Description:
Plaza Borinquen (Plaza B), totaling 88 units, consists of groups of triplex townhomes on three scattered sites. The complex is reinforced by red brick exterior facades, a shared open courtyard between the three sites, separately gated patio areas, and well landscaped common exterior spaces throughout. Plaza B was originally constructed in 1975, as a part of a land infill housing program, in which people are moved from substandard to new housing that is erected on vacant lots in their own neighborhoods. John Ciardullo Associates, the original architects, worked with NHP Foundation on the redevelopment of the property in 2015, to preserve the original intent of the property. As stated in John Ciardullo Associates: Architecture and Society “Plaza B is an environment where inner city residents can enjoy privacy within their homes and the free use of semi-public open spaces, while identifying with consecutively larger groups beyond the family, including those outside the community boundary.” While the design of Plaza B allows for community gatherings, it is NHPF’s resident services subsidiary, OP, that transforms the community to one in which neighbors help neighbors and families thrive.

Community Impact:
Located in the vibrant Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx, Plaza B is a testament to the transformative power of community initiatives. OP provides on-site programs and services to the 200 residents living at Plaza B.

OP’s onsite resident services coordinator offers strength-based, equity-focused programs and services, categorized into four focus areas, Academic Achievement, Financial Stability, Healthier Living, and Aging in Place. Each “Pathway” offers residents the opportunity to build skills and overcome barriers. Services are shaped by resident input, supported by their participation, and evaluated with their feedback. This approach has cultivated a cherished community where residents feel heard and valued. At the heart of the community are the residents themselves.

Not only is this vibrant community recognized for their epic holiday decorations and celebrations, but also for offering CPR trainings, ensuring residents have access to Narcan, financial literacy programming, and summer internships for teen residents.

NHPF and OP work in partnership with residents to build a vibrant and inclusive community. Together, we are changing the face of affordable housing.

Organization Description:
The NHP Foundation is dedicated to preserving and creating sustainable, service-enriched multifamily housing, and single-family homes that are both affordable and beneficial to their communities. Operation Pathways is the resident services subsidiary of NHPF. For 25 years, OP has provided on-site programs and services to more than 150,000 residents living in NHPF affordable communities. OPs’ mission is to transform affordable housing communities through innovative programs that engage, empower, and support residents to achieve the futures they desire