Photos of the New Development can be Viewed Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the grand opening of The Corden, a $34.5 million housing development for families in the Longwood section of the Bronx. The new development includes 62 affordable apartments with 37 apartments set aside for homeless families. Previously named The Bryant, the building has been dedicated to New Destiny Housing's former executive director, Carol Corden, who retired in 2020 after 24 years at the helm of New Destiny Housing and a lifetime of service creating affordable housing for New Yorkers in need.
"My administration is committed to ending homelessness and creating more affordable housing, and by investing in developments like The Corden in the Bronx, families will have access to a permanent home with the amenities and assistance they need to thrive," Governor Hochul said. "These newly built new apartments will allow 62 families to experience the great benefits and stability that comes from having truly good quality homes, allowing them to live safely and securely."
All households will have access to on-site services including financial counseling, professional development, case management, programming for children, and other services to promote housing security. The project's developer is New Destiny Housing, a New York City nonprofit providing housing to homeless families for nearly 30 years.
Amenities at The Corden include a multi-purpose program space, library, staff offices for social services, a beautifully landscaped courtyard, and indoor and outdoor children's play areas. Tenants will have access to trauma-informed, on-site services from New Destiny's Family Support Program staff.
Supportive services and rent are subsidized through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
State funding for the development includes federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated $13.8 million in equity and $1.3 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal and $5.7 million from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance through the Homeless Housing Assistance Corporation. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development provided $7.9 million from the Supportive Housing Loan Program.
Bank of America/Merrill Lynch provided the construction loan for $11.9 million and pre-development funding was provided by Deutsche Bank's DB Share program. Hudson Housing Capital was the tax credit syndicator, with HSBC as the investor. The building was designed by Magnusson Architecture and Planning, PC, built by D.P. Group General Contractors, and built on land jointly owned by the NYC Housing Authority and HPD.
Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin said, "Building supportive housing like The Corden is an essential part of ending homelessness in New York State. The recovery from COVID-19 has reminded us that we are strongest when we look out for each other, and this project exemplifies that. These 62 families will have quality homes with the services necessary to get back on their feet and live stable, healthy lives."
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "We are extremely proud to partner once again with New Destiny Housing to deliver quality homes for families in need, and we are pleased to see this wonderful new development named in honor of an exceptional and dedicated advocate, Carol Corden. Supportive housing developments like The Corden are the backbone of our fight to end homelessness in New York State. For 62 families, this building represents the beginning of a brighter and a more secure future. Thank you to our many partners who helped shepherd this project to completion."
OTDA Executive Deputy Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, "Supportive services are such a critical component in our efforts to address homelessness throughout our state because they can help remove the barriers that may have prevented those who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness from securing permanent housing. The Corden will help individuals and families in the Longwood neighborhood of the Bronx to remain housed in independent settings, address issues that contributed to their housing insecurity, and to start a new, productive chapter in life."
HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll said, "Today we celebrate the completion of 62affordable homes, more than half of which are set aside for formerly homeless domestic violence survivors, with critical on-site supportive services to help residents thrive. We are proud to work with New Destiny and our colleagues at the State to make sure these families have a safe place to call home."
Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda said, "By creating affordable housing and providing supportive services, we can begin addressing many of the root causes of homelessness in our communities. The Corden will provide these homes and this assistance to the Longwood area, helping to address housing insecurity while also providing homes for the most vulnerable among us. I applaud the leadership of all stakeholders for continuing to make housing insecurity a top issue and for helping developments like this become a reality in our communities."
Assemblymember Kenny Burgos said, "During this pandemic, we saw a high rate of domestic violence. It only caused an increase in homelessness and mental distress. This new housing development will provide support and counseling to survivors of domestic violence, which will be critical in helping them heal from this traumatic experience."
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr said, "Bringing more affordable housing to The Bronx is not only important, but will play a crucial role in our borough's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. With the completion of The Corden, and the addition of 62 units of affordable housing, including 37 units for recently homeless individuals and families, some of our most vulnerable Bronxites will have a place to call home and access to invaluable services and amenities that will allow them to make a fresh start. This project is a great addition to the Longwood section of The Bronx and I commend everyone who helped make it possible."
Nicole Branca, Executive Director of New Destiny Housing, said, "We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of The Corden today, adding much needed affordable housing to the community, and providing safe, beautiful new homes with trauma-informed services for our families who have had to endure the unimaginable. Never has supportive housing for families - and domestic violence survivors especially - been more important as we climb out of the pandemic and begin to grapple with the long-term effects on our most vulnerable families."
Todd A. Gomez, Market Executive of Community Development Banking at Bank of America, said, "The Corden is a terrific addition to the central Bronx affordable housing landscape and will deliver an impactful, safe, supportive housing option to the community. Bank of America is proud to work with New Destiny to create such innovative living space for survivors of domestic violence."
Fernando Villa, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal, Magnusson Architecture and Planning, said, "We are so proud to work with New Destiny and to help them meet their mission through design. The goal for The Corden was to have a building that is welcoming, reassuring, and supportive, so quality materials, lots of natural light and shared spaces conceived with families in mind, were critical. Those elements provide a restorative, inspired living environment, one that will help ensure the well-being of all residents."