News Summary
Construction has officially started on The Perennial, an affordable housing development on the site of the former Parkway Hospital in Forest Hills. This innovative project will create 145 affordable apartments for seniors and families, transforming a long-vacant property into a vibrant community space. Co-developed by Foxy Development and Selfhelp Realty Group, the project includes essential amenities and services aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. Completion is expected by the end of 2027.
Construction of The Perennial Begins in Forest Hills
Construction has officially commenced on The Perennial, a new affordable housing development located at the site of the long-vacant Parkway Hospital in Forest Hills. This intergenerational project, co-developed by Foxy Development and Selfhelp Realty Group, will convert the derelict hospital into 145 affordable apartments specifically designed for seniors and families.
A Historic Transformation
The Parkway Hospital has been inactive since 2008, and this initiative marks a significant revival for the property and the community. Valued at approximately $150 million, The Perennial is recognized as one of New York’s most complex public-private development projects in recent history. It will feature deeply affordable senior housing, a much-needed addition to the neighborhood.
Design and Planning
The architectural vision for The Perennial has been shaped by Newman Design, with essential structural support provided by Cityscape Engineering and MEP engineering handled by Mottola Rini. Suffolk Construction takes the lead as the general contractor, managing the significant transformation of this historic site.
Zoning and Community Involvement
Developers became involved in this project in January 2020, following a crucial Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) rezoning that enabled the increase of the site’s density from R1 to R7. The rezoning agreement required developers to comply with Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH), mandating that 25% of the residential space be affordable for seniors.
In 2022, a Queens-based developer purchased the property and generously donated the hospital building, retaining the parking lot for future market-rate multifamily development. This generous act allowed Foxy Development to utilize public financing resources to meet the MIH requirements for the site.
Community Support Services
Selfhelp Realty Group joined the team in 2024, contributing its extensive connections to the local community, particularly benefiting Holocaust survivors and older adults. The organization plans to offer various on-site services for older residents, including case management, health services, and educational programming.
Facilities and Amenities
An exciting aspect of The Perennial will be the planned Forest Hills Jewish Center (FHJC), which will relocate to a new 34,000-square-foot space within the building. The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is actively providing capital financing and rental subsidies, ensuring that no senior resident will pay more than 30% of their income on rent. Moreover, the city’s Human Resources Administration will supply additional funding for the on-site social services.
Financial Incentives
The development will benefit from a 40-year property tax exemption and a New York State sales tax exemption during the construction process. To create a modern living environment, the complex will feature an 8-story addition and a 4-story addition, along with a two-story vertical addition, all complemented by fully redeveloped interiors.
Architectural Challenges
The transformation of the hospital’s layout poses design challenges, especially in meeting HPD guidelines while navigating existing columns. Notably, engineers plan to remove seven current columns and replace them with mega beams for structural stability. Custom canopies and materials will enhance the visual appeal, distinguishing the entrances for both FHJC and the residential areas.
Welcome Community Spaces
The façade of The Perennial will prominently feature a four-story limestone rainscreen on its northwest corner. In addition, it will include fiber cement panels and high-efficiency windows, a focus on sustainability. A large-scale mural will grace the south façade, while an aluminum/glass storefront will serve as the residential entrance.
The lobby will captivate visitors with a vegetated wall and custom millwork, with an office belonging to Selfhelp adjacent to it. Community amenities in the cellar will include a pantry and children’s playroom, while the subcellar will contain a 17-space parking garage. Additionally, the upper floors will boast amenities such as a library, exercise room, and community lounges to foster social engagement among residents.
Project Timeline
Construction is anticipated to reach completion by the end of 2027. The Perennial aims to empower older residents to maintain their independence through thoughtful, accessible design features.
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Additional Resources
- 6sqft
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- New York YIMBY
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Projects New York
- Crain’s New York
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing in New York
- Commercial Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Development
- Gothamist
- Google News: Affordable Housing Construction New York
Author: Construction NY News
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