New York City-based nonprofit organization The Doe Fund has broken ground to launch the construction of 90 units of affordable and supportive housing at 555 Nereid Avenue, located in the Wakefield section of The Bronx on the site of the former Joseph A. Muller Army Reserve Center.
The 4-story building will include 54 studio units targeted to formerly homeless veterans—a population in critical need of supportive services. The remaining 35 affordable units will be rented to low-income individuals, with a preference for local residents, with one unit set aside for a live-in superintendent.
Construction on the building, which was redesigned by MHG Architects, is expected to be complete by 2021.
“We are deeply proud to transform the former Joseph A. Muller Center into 90 modern, beautiful, high-quality homes for people who desperately need stability after experiencing hardship and homelessness, especially for the 54 veterans who have bravely served our country and who will soon call 555 Nereid Avenue home,” said George T. McDonald, Founder and President of The Doe Fund.
“Across New York City there are veterans struggling to make ends meet after their tremendous contributions and sacrifices for our nation. So I am thrilled and thankful that The Doe Fund is breaking ground on a project that will provide permanent supportive and affordable housing for homeless veterans,” said NYC Council Member Andrew Cohen.
“This project turned into an incredible partnership with the community which has resulted in a great endeavor. I am thankful for all the hard work that NYC Mayor de Blasio, Bronx Community Board 12, and the residents of Wakefield did to create an appropriate project for where the Joseph A. Muller Army Reserve Center once stood.”
On-site building amenities will include social services administered by The Doe Fund, a live-in superintendent, custodial staff, 24-hour security, a community laundry room, a bike room, and a private side yard for residents and their guests.
The building will also include a unique amenity: a 123-seat lecture hall theater that will be available to the community for educational programs, cultural activities, and local community board events.
Development funding sources include NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Sterling National Bank, and Raymond James Tax Credit Funds, Inc. The development also received a social services operating grant awarded through New York City’s 15/15 Rental Assistance Program.
Last month, The Doe Fund announced plans to develop 255 units of affordable, supportive housing at 1331 Jerome Avenue, located in the Mount Eden neighborhood in The Bronx. Both developments will join The Doe Fund’s portfolio of supportive, affordable, and transitional housing serving populations in need across New York City.
The Doe Fund is on track to double its portfolio of affordable and supportive housing by 2020.
“
al project and we are particularly proud to provide quality housing for deserving veterans that have served our nation so proudly. To those veterans, we are so grateful for your service and we thank you for your selflessness and courage. We look forward to welcoming you home to Muller Residence very soon! Congratulations to The Doe Fund on this exciting project!”
