Abandoned New York building reborn as affordable housing complex

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a significant initiative to address the state's affordable housing crisis by repurposing an abandoned building in Brooklyn into a vibrant community hub.

The project at 1024 Fulton Street, a building with over a century of history, will be transformed into 125 affordable rental apartments, a community center, and a health clinic. This development aims to serve a wide range of households and families, offering services for seniors and children, and providing essential medical care.

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New York is demonstrating that by leveraging state land and listening to communities, we can build the affordable housing our neighborhoods and our state need.

"New York is demonstrating that by leveraging state land and listening to communities, we can build the affordable housing our neighborhoods and our state need," Governor Hochul stated. She emphasized that the project directly responds to residents' requests, embodying "community-driven development at its finest."

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani echoed this sentiment, declaring, "Housing is not a luxury, but the foundation of a just and dynamic city." He highlighted the investment in affordability, community, and public health in central Brooklyn as a "statement of principles."

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This project will offer 125 homes and a community center specifically designed to respond directly to the requests of neighborhood residents. That is, housing for a wide range of homes and families, services for seniors and children, and healthcare. It is an example of community-driven development at its finest.

The building, originally a Brooklyn Union Gas showroom opened in 1912, has been vacant for nearly half a century and was acquired by the city in 1986 due to tax debts. Plans for its conversion into a community center have existed since 1997. The project, spearheaded by Fifth Avenue Committee, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, and One Brooklyn Health, was selected by Empire State Development for an estimated cost of $111 million.

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Housing is not a luxury, but the foundation of a just and dynamic city, which is why this investment in affordability, community, and public health in central Brooklyn is a statement of principles.

The development will offer apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. The community center will be operated by the Fort Greene Council, and the health clinic by One Brooklyn Health. The selection process involved extensive community input, including workshops with over 150 participants.

Authorities anticipate the project will generate approximately 350 construction jobs and provide significant opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs), with a commitment to exceeding 35% MWBE participation in construction and 30% local hiring.

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By selecting a team that prioritizes community engagement and delivers on the promise of creating much-needed affordable housing, we are advancing our mission to build a more equitable New York.