The Trinity-Rev. William M. James Senior Apartments

Organization Name: Curtis + Ginsberg Architects

Project Title: The Trinity-Rev. William M. James Senior Apartments

Project Location: Morrisania, The Bronx

Project Description:
The Trinity-Rev. William M. James Senior Apartments brings affordable senior housing and community facilities to the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx. With 154 affordable units, including 57 reserved for formerly incarcerated seniors, the Fortune Society also provides on-site counseling, peer support, and case managers for residents and the general public. The building forms an anchor for the neighborhood, while the building mass is broken down with playful façade treatments to complement the neighborhood character. Amenities keep residents active, social, and healthy—the ground floor contains a community room, sunroom with a hydroponic garden, and gym. A large courtyard and terrace include exercise equipment, outdoor gardening, and other active and passive recreational spaces. The building is on the site of the former Trinity Morrisania Church, elements of which have been incorporated, including restored stained-glass windows and pews, documenting the property's history. The project was financed through HFA 4% Bond Financing, HFA Subsidy, HPD Capital, LIHTC equity with services funded by the ESSHI Initiative and NYC’s 15/15 Supportive Housing Initiative.

Community Impact:
The Trinity-Rev. William M. James Senior Apartments transforms an existing vacant church into thriving affordable and supportive housing. Curtis + Ginsberg Architects led a rezoning study of the neighborhood that resulted in significant new affordable housing, and four new buildings by Bronx Pro within a block.

The project includes 154 affordable units, 57 reserved for formerly incarcerated seniors providing housing for a population with limited options. Notably, the building includes a 5,400 SF ground floor social service space operated by The Fortune Society for residents and the broader community. The satellite location provides counseling, case management, vocational, and health-related services for justice-involved individuals. One of the principal drivers of homelessness in New York City is a cycling between prisons, jail, shelters, and streets. The services provided here will help to ensure residents and community members remain have access to the tools to remain stably housed and thrive. Resident amenities are designed to support these goals—with indoor and outdoor space for gardening, exercise, and socializing.

Organization Description:
Bronx Pro Group LLC is a neighborhood-based firm employing professionals and support staff engaged in real estate development, construction, property management, resident services, and asset management. Fortune Society has over 50 years of experience serving formerly incarcerated individuals in NYC, with over 16 years of experience managing supportive housing. Curtis + Ginsberg Architects is an award-winning architecture and planning firm with a mission to improve the built environment in a sustainable and socially conscious manner.

Team Members:

Bronx Pro Group: Developer. Fortune Society: Social Service Provider. Curtis & Ginsberg: Architects. Denardis Engineering - Structural, Steven Winter Associates: Energy / Sustainability

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