Virginia House

Organization Name: Acacia Network

Project Title: Virginia House

Project Location: East Harlem

Project Description:
Located at 128 East 112th Street, Virginia House is a six-story building offering 56 affordable studio and one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors (62+), including 23 units for formerly homeless residents. Developed and owned by Promesa HDFC, one of Acacia Network’s development arms, the $34.1 million project preserves and expands a historic East Harlem property that has long served vulnerable populations (as a convent, group home, and community shelter), now reimagined as modern, sustainable senior housing. Designed to meet HPD’s Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) standards and Empire Green Communities requirements, Virginia House incorporates energy-efficient systems, Energy Star appliances, heat-recovery ventilation, and low-VOC materials, with amenities such as community and laundry spaces that foster connection and promote green living. Residents receive on-site support services through a partnership with the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA). Project funding includes a mix of public and private sources, such as: HPD SARA, City Council and Borough President Discretionary Funding (Reso A), NYS Assembly, Sterling National Bank, Enterprise Grant, NYSERDA, and LIHTC equity.

Community Impact:
At Acacia Network, we believe that dignified housing is the foundation for health, stability, and independence. Virginia House advances this mission by providing 56 affordable studio and one-bedroom apartments for seniors aged 62+, including 23 units reserved for formerly homeless residents, supported by on-site case management and social services through NYC’s Human Resources Administration (HRA).

The project strengthens East Harlem’s affordable housing stock while improving residents’ quality of life through energy-efficient design, green building features, and community amenities that foster engagement and reduce isolation. Incorporating Energy Star appliances, heat-recovery ventilation, and low-VOC materials, the building promotes healthy indoor air quality and sustainable living practices.

By combining permanent housing, wraparound services, and environmental stewardship, Virginia House promotes aging in place, enhances community stability, and honors East Harlem’s long tradition of resilience and inclusion.

Organization Description:
Acacia Network, one of New York City’s leading human services organizations and among the State’s largest Hispanic-led nonprofits, serves 150,000+ people annually through integrated, culturally competent, and trauma-informed programs in health, housing, social services, economic development, and cultural revitalization. With 100+ affiliates and related entities across NYC, Upstate and Western New York, Puerto Rico, and select states, we advance healthy neighborhoods by providing stable, high-quality housing that anchors families and communities.