Highbridge Affordable Tower Brings $23M Boost To Bronx

A mixed-use affordable housing project at 1387 University Avenue is under construction near the High Bridge and is generating economic activity in the Bronx. The development team estimates more than $23 million has been funneled into the borough through payroll, supplier payments, and local purchases, including nearly $5.9 million paid to Bronx-based businesses. Construction employs roughly 350 to 400 workers on typical days, many of them Bronx residents, with hourly wages estimated between about $20 and $50. Construction activity is estimated to drive about $35,000 each week into nearby restaurants, bodegas, and retailers. The fully electric building is planned to include 316 permanent apartments with about 60% supportive units and 106 transitional family shelter units, plus community and outdoor space, an urban farm, free Wi-Fi, and a walking trail. Completion is expected to support about 100 permanent jobs in social services, security, and property management, with hiring priority for Bronx residents.

"A recent economic analysis from the development team estimates that Highbridge has funneled more than $23 million into the Bronx through payroll, supplier payments and local purchases, including nearly $5.9 million paid directly to Bronx-based businesses, according to Samaritan Daytop Village. The report says there are roughly 350 to 400 workers on site on a typical day, many of them Bronx residents, with hourly wages ranging from about $20 to $50. Construction activity alone is estimated to be driving roughly $35,000 each week into nearby restaurants, bodegas and retailers."

"Designed by Magnusson Architecture & Planning, the fully electric building is planned to deliver 316 permanent apartments, about 60% of them supportive units, plus 106 transitional family shelter units. Plans also call for more than 30,000 square feet of community and outdoor space. Renderings from the architect show landscaped terraces with greenery, an urban farm, seating and cookout areas, free wi-fi and a walking trail that would link the site to the High Bridge."

"Once the building is complete, the Highbridge development is expected to support roughly 100 permanent jobs in social services, security and property management, with hiring priority pledged for Bronx residents. The development team reports that 40% of subcontracts so far have gone to minority- and women-"

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