New retirement and social housing services building in The Bronx

This recently approved new ten-story senior housing building at 105 West Tremont Avenue in The Bronx has been designed by our New York studio SB+C Architecture D.P.C. Here New York Principal, Michael Santora explores its design.

The building is one of three properties to be developed as part of the wider regeneration of Morris Heights. Developer Crown Holdings have teamed up with The Community Builders – America’s largest affordable housing operator - to bring state-of-the-art retirement and social services facilities to the area.

Located at the corner of Grand Avenue, the proposed 55,000sq ft, 100ft tall development provides 95 much needed Affordable Independent Residences for Seniors (AIRS).

The project is designed to support ageing-in-place with fully adaptable apartments and the integration of handrails in all corridors, bright lighting, and color-defined wayfinding. There will also be double the required number of fully accessible and designed hearing and vision-impaired units. Residents will enjoy access to a range of amenities onsite which include community and recreation spaces, 24-hour reception, bicycle storage, laundry service and consultation rooms.

The design, with sleek rectangular geometric forms and sustainable porcelain and metal detailing, offers a modern take on the art deco buildings of the nearby Grand Concourse. The building is designed to Passive House Standards, is fully electric, and features a 1,800sq ft solar array on the roof. As the east façade rises above its neighbour it creates an opportunity for a landmark mural – designs for which are still in development.

The building is due to complete in late 2025.