One of the first developments stemming from the East New York Neighborhood Plan, Chestnut Commons will provide affordable housing for formerly homeless and low-income households. Community-centric in both design and development, the project integrates a satellite Community College campus, a food manufacturing incubator that will provide job training, and a credit union. Currently under construction, Chestnut Commons is expected to be completed in 2022.
Developed and operated by locally-based organizations with strong community ties, Chestnut Commons will strengthen the neighborhood with the inclusion of economic development and educational opportunities, arts programming, and job training services. Keeping with the project vision for a healthy, sustainable, and affordable community, the 14-story building is being designed to Passive House standards and in compliance with NYC Active Design Guidelines to promote healthy living for residents.
“To speak broadly of Chestnut Commons, I would start by highlighting the word ‘Commons’ within its name, which is defined as ‘land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole of a community.’
Therein lies the project’s underlying motivation—to provide resources in service of, and responsive to, the needs of the community. Resources for gathering, for education, for housing, and for opportunity. The project’s affects to the whole of the community are incremental, yet wide-ranging and necessary: increasing the level of deeply affordable housing for underserved populations, and decreasing a reliance on fossil fuels with deeply sustainable and resilient strategies.
I’d like to thank NYSAFAH for their recognition of this project and its future service to the Cypress Hills community.” — Keith Engel AIA, Senior Associate
The NYSAFAH awards program recognizes excellence in design, financing, construction, affordability, community need, supportive services, and energy efficiency in affordable housing developments throughout New York State.
