100% Affordable Seniors Housing Development Breaks Ground in the Bronx

NEW YORK—The development team led by ELH Mgmt. LLC; The Kretchmer Companies; Xenolith Partners LLC and JASA, along with HPD; HDC; and NYCHA; celebrated the groundbreaking of a new senior housing development, Casa Celina on Oct. 19.

Located on NYCHA’s Justice Sonia Sotomayor campus in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx, the 100% affordable project, named after Justice Sotomayor’s mother, Celina Báez, will provide 204 units for seniors, plus one superintendent’s apartment.

“Our team is excited to celebrate today with NYCHA, HPD and HDC. This construction start is the beginning of an impactful project that demonstrates the vision of the agencies’ ‘Seniors First’ program and their ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable and elegant affordable housing for seniors,” said Andrea Kretchmer, Principal of Xenolith Partners.

Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been said, “The Casa Celina honors the legacy of Justice Sotomayor’s family, all while prioritizing the health and wellness of our City’s most vulnerable populations. I congratulate all of the leaders who stepped up to the plate on this critical achievement and thank them for continuing to work for a strong Recovery for All.”

The 204 senior-led households consist of 46 one-bedrooms and 158 studios; NYCHA’s Leased Housing Department provided the project-based vouchers for all 204 units. The apartments are reserved for individuals and families making up to 50% AMI, or $47,750 for a family of two. The building will set aside 62 of the units, or 30%, for formerly homeless older adults and one superintendent’s unit.

JASA, the largest nonprofit manager of senior housing in New York City, will manage the property and provide supportive services and programming for older adults.

The building will also offer a range of amenities, including a 1,725 square-foot community senior space staffed by JASA with support from DFTA, a fitness room, laundry room, lounge spaces on each floor for residents, and a landscaped roof terrace where yoga classes and gardening will be available.

Designed by Magnusson Architecture and Planning, Casa Celina is built to support strong mental health with expansive windows throughout the apartments and common areas to offer abundant natural light. Additionally, bright resident lounges on each floor create a vertical network of social spaces, conducive for social interaction and helping to prevent isolation for residents living alone.