Construction has officially begun on River Commons, a $255 million mixed-use development that will deliver 328 affordable and supportive housing units alongside expanded healthcare services in the South Bronx.
Located on the campus of NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, the project is being recognized as the first in New York City to incorporate a healthcare facility directly into a residential building on hospital-owned property. The integrated development is designed to combine housing, primary care and community resources in a single location.
River Commons is partially funded through the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s New Construction Finance Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability program. The development is being led by Type A Projects, BronxWorks and L+M Development Partners, with Bernheimer Architecture serving as the project’s architect.
City officials say the project advances New York City’s Housing for Health strategy, an initiative focused on expanding affordable housing while improving access to healthcare and supportive services.
“River Commons represents a major investment in affordable housing and healthcare infrastructure,” said Dr. Mitchell Katz, president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals. He noted that the development will provide both permanent affordable homes and additional primary care capacity for Bronx residents.
The 17-story building will replace an existing surface parking lot and offer apartments ranging from studio units to three-bedroom homes. Nearly 70 percent of the residences will be reserved for households earning between 30 and 70 percent of the area’s median income.
In addition, 98 supportive housing units will be designated for formerly homeless individuals receiving assistance through NYC Health + Hospitals’ Housing for Health program.
Beyond residential space, the project will include a 43,000-square-foot expansion of the Gotham Health clinic, increasing access to medical services for the surrounding community. Plans also call for a 15,000-square-foot parking structure and approximately 6,000 square feet of community space that will be used by organizations including African Communities Together and the BronxWorks Empowerment Center.
The development will also introduce a 7,000-square-foot public green space along River Avenue. The outdoor area will feature landscaped gathering spaces and a public art installation created by multidisciplinary artist Fitgi Saint-Louis, providing an inviting community destination for residents and visitors.
Construction is expected to continue through 2029, with officials describing River Commons as a long-term investment in affordable housing, public health and neighborhood revitalization in the South Bronx.
