A Bronx warehouse at 295 East 138th Street in Mott Haven is officially approved for redevelopment into a 220-unit affordable housing building, after the City Council gave the green light on June 4. The project aims to launch construction this fall and start leasing by late 2026.

The City Council’s 43-1 vote on Tuesday cleared the way for Urban Builders Collaborative and nonprofit RiseBoro Community Partnership to redevelop the former manufacturing warehouse at 295 East 138th Street. Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, who represents the district, called it “one of the largest affordable deals in the South Bronx this year.”

Developers say the new building will offer rentals to families earning between 30% and 80% of area median income. At least 44 units are reserved for formerly homeless New Yorkers. The seven-story project will feature a rooftop garden, on-site laundry, and a ground-floor food pantry—a detail Salamanca’s office insisted on after last year’s consultations with residents from the Patterson Houses across the street.

The 107-year-old warehouse, vacant since 2019, sits just off the Bx1 bus route and is blocks from the 138th St–Grand Concourse subway station. The conversion is part of Mott Haven’s post-pandemic construction boom, which has seen 2,300 new residential units break ground since 2021, per Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson’s office. Community Board 1 approved the plan in April, but only after developers agreed to restrict retail on the ground floor to “essential businesses”—no chains or banks.

Construction is slated to begin by October, with tenants expected to move in by winter 2026. “This is about keeping longtime Bronxites in their neighborhood,” said RiseBoro’s CEO, Scott Short. “No glassy towers, just homes locals can actually afford.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the warehouse being converted to housing?

The warehouse is located at 295 East 138th Street, between Lincoln Avenue and Alexander Avenue in Mott Haven, Bronx. It’s close to the 138th St–Grand Concourse subway station and the Bx1 and Bx33 bus lines, making it a transit-accessible site for future tenants.

Who will be eligible to apply for these affordable units?

Units will be available to families and individuals earning between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) for New York City. 44 apartments are reserved for formerly homeless residents, with the rest available via NYC Housing Connect lottery once leasing begins.

When will construction and leasing start?

Construction is planned to kick off by October 2024. According to the developers and the City Council, the first residents are expected to move in by late 2026. Application information will be posted on NYC Housing Connect closer to completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Mott Haven warehouse being converted to affordable housing located?

The warehouse is at 295 East 138th Street, between Lincoln Avenue and Alexander Avenue in Mott Haven, Bronx.

How many affordable housing units will be created at 295 East 138th Street?

The redevelopment will create 220 affordable apartments.

Who is eligible to apply for the affordable units at 295 East 138th Street?

Eligibility is for individuals and families earning between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income, with 44 units reserved for formerly homeless residents.

When will construction and leasing begin for the new affordable housing at 295 East 138th Street?

Construction is set to begin by October 2024, with leasing expected to start in late 2026.

What amenities will the new affordable housing building at 295 East 138th Street include?

The building will feature a rooftop garden, on-site laundry, and a ground-floor food pantry.

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