Lottery Opens for Greenpoint Affordable Apartments

A lottery has opened for apartments in a 100 percent affordable building going up on the waterfront in Greenpoint. The 22-story, 375-unit development is part of Greenpoint Landing, a 22-acre 10-building high-rise complex made possible by the 2005 Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning.

Still under construction and set to open in the fall, the H1H2 Apartments at 35 Commercial Street will include studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms with stabilized rents ranging from $410 to $2,572 a year. Eligible households of one to five people will earn 30 percent to 110 percent of the Area Median Income, or $17,060 to $158,510 a year.

view of lower floors of 35 commercial street

The exterior of the building appeared nearly finished Monday. Photo by Susan De Vries

Developed under NYC Housing Preservation and Development’s Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability or ELLA program, 35 Commercial Street will also include 57 apartments for formerly homeless and supportive services from Breaking Ground.

Developed by Park Tower Group and Greenpoint Landing Associates and designed by Handel Associates, the building’s red brick and black steel exterior references historic industrial buildings in the area. Its arched brick entryway leading to one of three interior courtyards is reminiscent of a 19th century former glass factory down the street at 95 Commercial Street with its arched brick opening in an internal courtyard.

chart showing eligibility

Charts via NYC Housing Connect

Photos show units will have views of the East River or Brooklyn. The apartments have white walls, large windows, and wood-look vinyl floors. The kitchens have pale, modern, flat-front cabinetry, faux marble counters, and black stoves. Tenants will pay for electricity in the all-electric homes.

brick exterior

The wide arched entrance of 35 Commercial Street. Rendering by Handel Associates

rendering of lobby with columns

The lobby at 35 Commercial Street. Rendering by Handel Associates

There is a doorman, elevator, accessible entrance, free high-speed Internet, a lounge, fitness center, children’s playroom and outdoor play area, shared laundry, bike storage, central air conditioning, and three landscaped courtyards.

Photo via Housing Connect

Photo via Housing Connect

Photo via Housing Connect

Photo via Housing Connect

“The building itself – with stacked brick volumes and finely detailed facades – relates to the industrial history of Greenpoint,” said Gary Handel, founder and managing partner of Handel Architects, in a prepared statement. “The dramatic arched entryway leads to a landscaped courtyard and then the lobby itself, which becomes part of that portal, and the sinuous ceiling is designed to be related to the curving waterfront nearby.”

When it is complete, Greenpoint Landing will comprise about 5,500 apartments and five acres of green space open to the public, including a lawn, esplanade and picnic area. The first building opened in 2016.

Across the street from 35 Commercial Street is the Nuhart Plastics Superfund site. A park to be known as Box Street Park is planned just northeast of the building.

The lottery closes July 31. To apply, visit the listing on New York City’s Housing Connect website.

children's play room with mountain and tree mural on the wall

The children’s playroom. Rendering by Handel Associates

courtyard with brick pavers and landscaping

Courtyard at 35 Commercial Street. Rendering by Handel Associates

Rendering by Handel Associates

NuHart Plastics factory across the street, at left, and 31 Commercial Street, at right, in 2019. Photo by Susan De Vries

view of construction fence and new buildings in green point

The massive waterfront development includes several luxury towers. Photo by Susan De Vries

[Images via NYC Housing Connect unless otherwise noted]

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