In a bold step toward sustainability and urban revitalization, New York City is set to build its largest mass timber residential project on Staten Island’s North Shore. Announced by Mayor Eric Adams, the project will bring over 500 new apartments, 25% of which will be affordable, along the New Stapleton waterfront. Further, the selected developers, Artimus and Phoenix Realty Group, will transform two long-vacant sites using mass timber construction, a climate-friendly alternative to concrete and steel. This innovative material not only reduces carbon emissions but also accelerates construction, making it an ideal choice for this ambitious development.
Transforming Staten Island’s Waterfront
This landmark housing initiative is a key component of the “Staten Island North Shore Action Plan,” a four-year strategy unveiled in 2023 aimed at reconnecting and revitalizing the borough’s waterfront. With $400 million in public investment, the plan will spur the development of 2,400 homes, over 20 acres of public green space, and the creation of more than 7,500 jobs. The overall economic impact is projected to reach $3.8 billion over the next 30 years. Located at the intersection of Front and Canal Streets, the new development will offer homes to families earning between 40% and 80% of the area median income, fostering a truly mixed-income community.
Pioneering Green Building through the New York City mass timber project
This project isn’t just about housing, it’s a statement on the future of sustainable construction in New York City. Furthermore, as the first publicly awarded mass timber development in the five boroughs, it marks a milestone in the city’s transition to greener building practices. It aligns with Mayor Adams’ “Green Economy Action Plan,” which focuses on climate-conscious job creation and infrastructure. With nearly 400,000 green-collar jobs expected in NYC by 2040, this project not only builds homes but also paves the way for a more environmentally resilient city.
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New York City mass timber Project Overview
Location: Front and Canal Streets, Staten Island’s North Shore
Type: Mixed-income residential development
Units: 500+ apartments
Affordable Housing: 25% (for 40–80% AMI households)
Construction Material: Mass timber
Start Date: Expected in 2027
Developers: Artimus and Phoenix Realty Group
City Program: Part of Staten Island North Shore Action Plan
Green Initiative: Supports Green Economy Action Plan
Public Investment: $400 million
Total Economic Impact: Estimated $3.8 billion over 30 years
Future Vision: 2,100+ homes, 600-seat school, retail, community facilities
Public Space: 12+ acres of open space
Jobs Created: Over 7,500 projected
Sustainability Support: Backed by NYC Mass Timber Studio
Setting a New Standard with Mass Timber
The development team will collaborate with the NYC Mass Timber Studio, a technical assistance program designed to support successful mass timber construction. Martha Bush, a director at Marvel (a firm involved in the project), highlighted the environmental benefits, noting that mass timber significantly reduces embodied carbon emissions. She also emphasized its potential to inspire future large-scale sustainable developments across the city. As NYC faces mounting pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, projects like this are setting the bar for how the city builds in the future.
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A Vision for a Mixed-Use, Mixed-Income Future
The Staten Island project represents the next phase of the broader New Stapleton Waterfront redevelopment, a plan to transform a 32-acre former U.S. naval base into a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood. Additionally, once completed, the area will feature over 2,100 mixed-income apartments, retail spaces, a 600-seat public school, community facilities, and 12 acres of public open space. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, following design and site investigations. According to NYCEDC President Andrew Kimball, this initiative is not only addressing the housing crisis but also reinforcing the city’s commitment to resilient, sustainable urban development. As Staten Island takes center stage, this pioneering project is shaping up to be a blueprint for New York’s green future.
