Williamsburg Houses

Organization Name: RDC Development

Project Title: Williamsburg Houses

Project Location: 87 Ten Eyck Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Project Description:
Williamsburg Houses is a 1,620-unit, 20-building New York City Public Housing complex in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Completed in 1938 the property is an official New York City Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the earliest housing developments in the United States. After decades of disinvestment NYCHA and RDC utilized Historic Tax Credits and closed on $490M in financing to preserve and rehabilitate the site through the PACT program. In 36-months, we installed new kitchens and bathrooms with appliances and fixtures; and new piping systems, windows, floors, and heating systems. We preserved the Historic Aspects of the site and enhanced building infrastructure with new roofing systems, safety and security systems, lighting, improved energy efficiency, free Wi-Fi access and robust security systems. After NYCHA’s Federal Monitor detailed the Lead issues at the site, Williamsburg Houses will be designated as Lead-Free Apartments through the abatement of Lead Based Paint. In partnership with the Residents Association, a new social services program was developed and tailored to the community. This restoration project will improve resident quality of life.

Community Impact:
After decades of disinvestment, over 3,000+ residents will now have the safe and healthy homes. Williamsburg Houses will be Lead Free and future apartment improvements were chosen by the resident association.

The historic rehabilitation of Williamsburg Houses, utilizing Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, will preserve New York City’s 2nd ever public housing development.

In partnership with Saint Nicks Alliance and Grand Street Settlement, two nonprofits with deep community ties, social services will be provided to all residents, including senior services, skills training and job placement, educational opportunities, etc.

RDC is actively finalizing a Scholarship Fund specifically for residents in support of post-secondary education. Williamsburg residents, to be hired and trained by RDC, will help manage the program, alongside a third-party provider.

The site achieved Section 3 Compliance with the placement of 38 section 3 individuals in jobs at the site, and offers economic opportunities for development to low-income residents in the form of on-site job placement, and numerous MWBEs have been awarded contracts to further expand economic growth and stability in the community.

Organization Description:
RDC Development is a professional partnership between Wavecrest Management and MDG Design + Construction and the nation’s premier tenant-in-place rehabilitator and was formed specifically to address the challenge of repairing public housing for the long term. With over 30 years of experience in creating and preserving affordable housing, RDC prides itself in its demonstrated ability to raise the quality of housing and life for its residents. Under PACT, Williamsburg Houses marks RDC’s third Rental Assistance Demonstration site, totaling 4,098 units.

Team Members:

RDC Development, a joint venture between Wavecrest Management and MDG Design + Construction; The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA); and New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC).