An ambitious affordable housing project in Norwood has earned a prestigious honor.
On Monday, November 28, Webster Commons, designed by Aufgang Architects, was selected as the 2016 Project of the Year by the New York Association for Affordable Housing.
NYSAFAH annually celebrates projects demonstrating excellence in development and construction in addition to affordability and design.
Constructed by Joy Construction, Webster Commons is a 470,000 square foot project located at 3620 Webster Avenue and is comprised of 484 affordable units in five buildings ranging from nine- to 12-stories.
The complex features indoor and outdoor recreation areas, community facilities, above ground on-site parking and a universal pre-k classroom.
Aufgang’s design for Webster Commons includes a combination of colored bricks, panels and various levels of setbacks and terraces along the façade.
“My colleagues and I are proud to receive this NYSAFAH award,” said Ariel Aufgang, AIA, Aufgang Architects principal. “As we strive to creatively apply our experience, insights and expertise to the design of our clients’ projects including both affordable and luxury commercial buildings and adaptive re-use designs, we have worked closely with NYSAFAH and its members.”
Aufgang said each building in Webster Commons has its own distinctive stylistic approach.
This is a welcomed departure from large affordable projects of decades past that were characterized by multiple large, monolithic buildings whose designs reflected few aesthetic considerations.
The five buildings known as A, B, C, D and E are 100 percent devoted to people qualifying for affordable housing.
Building C is exclusively intended for senior housing, according to Aufgang.
The project is situated on a 2.3 acre parcel located east of Webster Avenue and north of Gun Hill Road.
Prior to development, the site was owned by the Woodlawn Cemetery for over a century and used as a holding area for stones from the historic cemetery.
Webster Commons, LLC purchased the site in December 2008.
Established in 1971, Aufgang Architects is known for its thoughtful, effective and creative designs for both affordable and luxury multifamily buildings and hotels throughout the New York metropolitan area.
Formed in 1995, Joy Construction is a full service general contracting and development firm specializing in multifamily and commercial projects throughout NYC.
Its extensive Bronx portfolio includes the Aufgang designed St. Ann’s Terrace on 756-820 St. Ann’s Avenue, 1115 Intervale Avenue, 1800 Southern Boulevard, 1150 Tiffany Street, 1340-1356 Louis Niné Boulevard, Intervale Gardens Apartments on 1157A Intervale Avenue, 950 Westchester Avenue, Granite Terrace Apartments on 520 Concord Avenue, 1752-1756 Walton Avenue, 112 Henwood Avenue and 3170 Webster Avenue among others.
“The board overwhelmingly approved the construction of Webster Commons,” said Karl Stricker, Community Board 12 second vice chairman and CB 12 Land Use Committee chairman.
“This project will make it possible for Bronxites to afford to stay in our borough,” said Councilman Andrew Cohen.
