Two Affordable Towers by Grand Street Guild Gain CB3 Endorsement

The proposal for two large towers of affordable housing near the Williamsburg Bridge received the support of Community Board 3 last week.

As previously reported, the Grand Street Guild plans 15- and 16-story buildings composed of 480 permanently affordable apartments. The large-scale development comes at the expense of the former Little Star early childhood center at 151 Broome and the two-story parking garage.

In order to proceed, though, the Seward Park Extension East site plan and zoning require a modification to allow such heft onsite (i.e. merging three parcels). CB3 supports the “minor” alterations, and voted as such during its October full board meeting. If Department of Buildings approves, the massive development would break ground behind St. Mary’s Church, and last roughly two years.

Photo: Handel Architects

The first tower, referred to as “Building 3-5,” ascends 15 stories at 165 Broome Street, and features approximately 235,235 square-feet of residential area and 65,668 square-feet of parking space. Or the equivalent of 235 apartments (studios to three-bedrooms) and parking for 126 vehicles.

The second is “Building 3-6,” a 16-story structure at 151 Broome Street, mid-block between Clinton Street and Pitt Street. The proposed makeup is approximately 174,000 square-feet of residential space for senior living (245 studio and one-bedroom units), plus 14,280 square-feet of community facility space

Development will commence in two phases, with Building 3-5 rising first. Expected completion date is sometime in 2025.