Construction has begun on Phase 1A of Innovative Urban Village, a $270 million revolutionary affordable housing complex unfolding in East New York, Brooklyn. The complex will offer 385 affordable homes in downtown-style structures as well as commercial space for a new new fresh food grocery store—a major move toward the continued redevelopment of the Christian Cultural Center campus.
The project is included in a larger vision to revamp the 10.5-acre campus to become a vibrant, community-integrated urban village that aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s $25 billion housing plan, which would produce or preserve 100,000 affordable homes throughout the state.
A Multi-Phase Vision for Community Living
Innovative Urban Village is the result of a public-private partnership between the Christian Cultural Center, The Gotham Organization, and Monadnock Development. It is designed by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism in collaboration with SLCE Architects, while on-site support services will be provided by the Urban Resource Institute.
The entire redevelopment project includes nearly 2,000 units of affordable apartment homes within 10 buildings and public facilities like child care facilities, senior and workforce development services, performing arts center, and community open space. The site layout has new pedestrian-oriented streets and three acres of publicly accessible open green space so that it can blend in with the rest of the neighborhood.
Innovative Urban Village: Housing With a Mission
All 385 units in the first phase are income-restricted, set aside for families with incomes of 30% to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Of those, 94 will be set aside for residents who require supportive services, including the previously homeless and families. These renters will receive specially tailored aid, such as case management, legal services, nutrition counseling, and other social services.
A Model for Sustainable Urban Development
In addition to costing less, the project is also energy efficient and sustainable. The buildings will have all-electric heating and cooling, solar power, green roofs, LED lighting, low-flow water appliances, EV charging points, and ENERGY STAR appliances—pursuing being energy efficient and having a lower environmental footprint.
The site was redeveloped through a City-approved rezoning, and it is also registered in New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program, eligible for up to $28 million in tax credits.
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Backed by Strong Financial and Government Incentives
The financial model behind Innovative Urban Village is solid. It includes over $115 million of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program equity and $47 million of New York State Housing Finance Agency assistance. The development also receives support of $47 million under New York City’s Extremely Low- and Low-Income Affordability Program and that of the Urban Investment Group within Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas hailed the initiative: “Today’s $162 million investment is a bet on long-term change in East New York. Innovative Urban Village is not housing—it’s a step towards inclusive neighborhood development.”
Governor Kathy Hochul also emphasized the broader significance: “This project addresses the housing crisis head-on while making the neighborhood more lively. It’s the result of good partnerships and shared vision for affordability in New York. We’re eager to bring residents home.”
With its blend of affordable housing, community-oriented amenities, and environmental preservation, Innovative Urban Village will be a model for inclusive development throughout New York City and the world.
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Construction begins on Innovative Urban Village Phase 1A – Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: East New York, Brooklyn
Total Investment: $270 million (Phase 1A)
Site Size: 10.5 acres
Status: Construction officially begun on Phase 1A
Housing Details
Phase 1A Units: 385 affordable apartments
Total Planned: Nearly 2,000 affordable apartments across 10 buildings
Income Restrictions: 30% – 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
Supportive Housing: 94 units for formerly homeless individuals and families
Commercial Space: Fresh food grocery store
Key Partners
Lead Partners: Christian Cultural Center, The Gotham Organization, Monadnock Development
Architects: Practice for Architecture and Urbanism with SLCE Architects
Support Services: Urban Resource Institute
Financial Backing: Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs Alternatives
Community Amenities
Childcare centers
Senior and workforce development services
Performing arts center
Open community spaces
3 acres of publicly accessible green space
New pedestrian-friendly streets
Innovative Urban Village Phase 1A Sustainability Features
All-electric heating and cooling systems
Solar panels and green roofs
LED lighting throughout
Low-flow water fixtures
EV charging stations
ENERGY STAR appliances
Financial Structure
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Equity: $115+ million
NY State Housing Finance Agency: $47 million
NYC Extremely Low- and Low-Income Affordability Program: $47 million
Brownfield Cleanup Program: Up to $28 million in tax credits
Total State Investment: $162 million
Policy Alignment
Supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s $25 billion housing plan
Targets creation/preservation of 100,000 affordable homes statewide
Enabled through City-approved rezoning
Participates in NY State Brownfield Cleanup Program
Read also: New York Gov. Hochul Announces $1 Billion Affordable Housing Investment
