Affordable Senior Housing Breaks Ground in Queens

The 145,000-square-foot building will be energy efficient and all electric. Rendering by Secchi Smith for Bernheimer Architecture, courtesy of Breaking Ground.

Breaking Ground and Community Healthcare Network have started construction on Sutphin Senior Residence, a 173-unit affordable senior housing development in New York City’s Queens borough.

Formerly known as Jamaica Residence, the community will comprise 121 units designated for residents over the age of 62 and earning at or below 50 percent of the area median income. Another 52 units will be set aside for seniors dealing with mental illness, substance use disorders or experiencing homelessness.

Bernheimer Architecture serves as main architect and Monadnock Construction as general contractor; Bright Power will provide Passive House and energy use consulting services. The land was provided by Community Healthcare Network. Completion is expected in 2025.

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According to Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement, state financing for the fully affordable and supportive housing development includes:

• $33 million in permanent tax-exempt housing bonds, $53 million in federal low-income housing tax credits and $13 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal
• $6.7 million provided by The New York State Office for Temporary and Disability Assistance through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program
• $14 million offered by New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Senior Affordable Rental Apartments Program
• $3 million in discretionary support from the New York City Council and Queens Borough President.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Hudson Housing Capital and Capital One are also partners on the project.

A fully affordable, supportive housing project

Sutphin Senior Residence will rise in an Opportunity Zone. Rendering by Secchi Smith for Bernheimer Architecture, courtesy of Breaking Ground.

Upon its completion, the 15-story tower will incorporate studios and one-bedroom floorplans. The 145,000-square-foot, all-electric building will feature a solar array, centralized energy recovery ventilation, Energy Star appliances and low flow plumbing fixtures. Common-area amenities are set to include a fitness center, a multipurpose room, laundry facilities, outdoor recreational areas and security systems.

Sutphin Senior Residence will also comprise a 15,000-square-foot clinic on the ground floor, operated by the Community Healthcare Network, which will supply medical and psychiatric care. Onsite social services will be provided by New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Carrying the address 97-04 Sutphin Blvd., the site is in an Opportunity Zone in Queens’ Jamaica neighborhood. The location is close to Interstate 678, which provides easy access across the New York City metropolitan area. Sutphin Senior Residence will be within walking distance of York College, Jamaica train station and an abundance of dining options and retail centers. John F. Kennedy International Airport will be 3 miles away.