La Cite Development’s Village Lofts First Modular Development in Hempstead

By Jeffrey Steele, Contributing Writer

Hempstead, N.Y.—Village Lofts, the first modular multifamily rental development to come to Long Island’s Nassau County, received a gala grand opening last week. La Cite Development LLC developed village Lofts. Douglas Elliman Real Estate is the project’s exclusive leasing and marketing agency.

The 29-unit community, which offers market-rate and workforce housing options, features one- and two-bedroom units, including two duplex apartments.

“We feel all of the stars are aligned for rental housing in Long Island,” Dan Bythewood, president of La Cite Development, tells MHN.

Among the disparate factors he cites that led to the decision to develop Village Lofts in Hempstead are a county executive who is pro-workforce housing, the development friendliness of the village, growing universities and job force and a lack of good workforce housing. “Workforce housing is starting to include a significant number of graduates who need housing at these levels,” he adds.

Village Lofts was constructed using a distinctive modular housing product from Clayton Homes. “The challenges we experienced were at the onsite sub-contractors level, and having them understand the handoff between the modular company and their workload,” Bythewood says. “The modular housing process has opened our eyes on where the construction industry is going, and all of the positive benefits that exist with this green building method. We have built a superior product at a better price, and surpassed our expectations on energy efficiency and finishes.”

Apartments at the gated community feature wide-plank maple wood floors, oversized high-tech windows and GE Energy Star appliances that include washer, dryer and dishwasher. Kitchens offer solid hardwood cabinets and ample counter space, and bathrooms feature custom tile work and a contemporary feel. Each apartment comes with a free parking space.

Common-area amenities include a landscaped exterior courtyard, media screening room and on-site storage facilities. Residents enter the grounds through security-coded gated access.

The Village of Hempstead, situated approximately 45 minutes east of Manhattan, can be accessed by the Long Island Railroad and by I-495, Sunrise Highway and the Southern State Parkway.

“Village Lofts is a pioneering modular development, bringing affordable high-quality homes with washer-dryers to renters in the village of Hempstead, N.Y.,” says Douglas Elliman’s Maria Boafo, who along with Matthew Korman and Orlando Frade is an exclusive leasing and marketing agent for the project.

“We are very excited to be representing the rental of this sleek, gated, elevator[-equipped] new development, and have been inundated with inquiries. We’re confident this 29-unit development will lease up very fast. We feel the timing is perfect as the area is in the midst of revitalization, with a fast expanding community. So there is a natural need for fresh modern homes.”