Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the start of construction on the Innovative Urban Village Phase 1A, a $270 million development that will bring 385 affordable apartments to the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn. This ambitious project is part of the Christian Cultural Center’s comprehensive campus redevelopment. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has already financed more than 7,700 affordable homes in Brooklyn alone. The Innovative Urban Village will not only expand this legacy but also advance the Governor’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State.
Delivering Affordability and Sustainability
All 385 apartments will be set aside for households earning between 30 and 80 percent of the Area Median Income, with 94 units reserved specifically for individuals and families in need of supportive services, including those experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, residents will have access to case management, legal assistance, nutritional guidance, and social services provided by the Urban Resource Institute. Importantly, the development prioritizes sustainability. It will feature all-electric heating and cooling, solar panels, drought-resistant green roofs, electric vehicle charging stations, LED lighting, and ENERGY STAR appliances, making it a model for energy-efficient, environmentally conscious housing in New York City.
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Public-Private Partnerships Driving Change
The redevelopment is a joint venture among the Christian Cultural Center, The Gotham Organization, and Monadnock Development. Designed by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism along with SLCE Architects, the project highlights how public-private partnerships can deliver large-scale solutions to the housing crisis. Additionally, funding comes from HCR’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, generating more than $115 million in equity, plus $47 million from HCR’s Housing Finance Agency. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development contributed another $47 million through its Extremely Low- and Low-Income Affordability Program. Additional financing is provided by the Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
A Vision for Community and Opportunity
What’s more, Innovative Urban Village will ultimately bring nearly 2,000 affordable apartments across 10 buildings, with future phases adding childcare facilities, senior services, a performing arts center, and workforce development programs. New streets will be integrated into the existing neighborhood grid to improve walkability and connect three acres of public open space. For the Christian Cultural Center and its partners, this development is more than a construction project; it’s a long-term vision to create vibrant, inclusive communities. As Governor Hochul put it, these efforts are laying the foundation for thousands of New Yorkers to have a safe, modern, and affordable place to call home.
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Project Overview
Project Name: Innovative Urban Village Phase 1A
Location: East New York, Brooklyn, New York City
Total Cost: $270 million for Phase 1A
Affordable Units: 385 apartments, for households earning 30-80% of Area Median Income
Supportive Housing: 94 units reserved for residents needing onsite support services
Sustainability Features: All-electric heating/cooling, solar panels, green roofs, EV chargers
Developers: Christian Cultural Center, Gotham Organization, Monadnock Development
Funding Sources: HCR tax credits, NYC Housing Preservation and Development, Goldman Sachs
Future Plans: Nearly 2,000 total affordable apartments, childcare, senior services, performing arts center
Timeline: Construction underway, multi-phase build-out planned over several years
