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Project Overview
Alafia is a mixed-use, affordable housing development that leverages New York State programs and resources to improve community development and wellness. Through the Vital Brooklyn initiative, Alafia aims to break down barriers to health and wellbeing through eight integrated areas of investment: open space and recreation, healthy food, education, economic empowerment, community-based violence prevention, community-based health care, affordable housing, and resiliency.
Located on a 27-acre site in the Spring Creek section of East New York, and adjacent to the Gatweay Center and the 407-acre Shirley Chisholm State Park, Alafia will rise from the former Brooklyn Developmental Center to deliver a mixed-use development of more than 2,400 residential units, 100% of which are affordable and the majority of which will be available to houses earning up to 60% or less of area median income (AMI).
Neighborhood
East New York
Location
888 Fountain Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11208
Timeline
2022-2030 (anticipated)
Status
Phase 1 Under Construction
Proposed Use
Mixed Use, Affordable Housing
More Details
Residences
Healthy, affordable homes
With more than 2,400 dwelling units, all of which will be affordable housing, Alafia is deliberately designed around wellness, providing considerable set-asides for high health-cost populations. By providing supportive services for the most vulnerable individuals and affordable rents for a diversity of households, Alafia offers high quality homes where all residents can thrive. All residential units will be constructed with green building standards and energy-efficient appliances, incorporating cutting-edge passive house design principles.
2,400+
Residences
Programming
Workforce Development
Solar photovoltaic installation is just the beginning of a robust workforce development pipeline that Alafia will create. The sustainable design of the community will provide hands-on green jobs training to help locals enter the growing field of solar photovoltaic installation. The on-site commercial kitchen and food production facilities will foster culinary training and innovation, including job-readiness and entrepreneurship skills for at-risk teens and young adults.
Green Space
In addition to the garden, green spaces are prominent throughout Alafia. These include a mile-long fitness loop, distinct active zones that will include sports courts and children’s play areas, and residential courtyards.
Wellness Principles
Alafia seeks to incorporate lessons from communities of health and longevity around the world.
Alafia is designed to be a place where residents can enjoy opportunities to exercise, make healthy food choices more easily and affordably, and engage in positive interactions that are the foundation of meaningful engaged lives. While no single factor ensures health and longevity, studies of populations with naturally occurring longevity with naturally occurring longevity conducted by medical researchers, anthropologists, demographers, and epidemiologists point to some common characteristics that contribute to sustained wellbeing in each of these communities.
Natural Movement
More than 4 acres of publicly accessible open space will grace Alafia’s campus, including a fitness loop, active play zones, lawns and more. An urban farm and residential courtyards add even more green space that make it easy to incorporate physical activity into daily life, inducing movement without thinking about it.
Fresh Food Access
Plant-rich diets are a common theme in healthy communities. Alafia will serve as the nexus of food access and healthy food choices. Our on-site urban farm will produce up to 180,000 pounds of fresh produce each year, and will service other operations at Alafia, including Meals on Wheels, a farmers’ market, food literacy programs, restaurants, and more
Social Support Systems
Just as negative influences like smoking can affect wellbeing, positive influences resulting from robust social networks can enhance healthier outcomes. Alafia will place meaningful workforce development and supportive services at the heart of its function. On-site services will include workforce training for careers in the culinary industry, green jobs, and entrepreneurship. Alafia will also partner with service providers to assist the supportive-housing residents, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health challenges, youth aging out of foster care, frail-elderly seniors, veterans, and more.
Mixed Uses
Community Facilities
15,000 SF health clinic operated by One Brooklyn Health System
Senior center
Youth education and performing arts center
Food Production
UP TO 20,000 SF of food production space
INDOOR and outdoor agriculture facility
9,500 SF Meals on Wheels kitchen that will provide fresh food, including halal and kosher options, to East New York
Commercial Space
Up to 50,000 SF of commercial space
“Main Street” retail corridor
Siteplan
Development Team
The team of Apex Building Group, L+M Development Partners, RiseBoro Community Partnership, and Services for the Underserved is a diverse group of private, non-profit, and M/WBE developers, builders, and service providers with experience delivering affordable housing to creatively address the social determinants of health. With a track record of working together and in low income communities, the team brings a combined expertise in affordable housing, supportive housing, services for people with I/DD and behavioral health diagnoses, sustainability, and the development of vibrant and mixed-uses that help to activate and revitalize communities.
Careers and Contracting
Job Opportunities
Alafia is committed to building both quality affordable housing and economic growth in East New York. Inquire today if you are a resident of East New York, at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma or GED, and are interested in building a career in construction.
Business Opportunities
Alafia is seeking local East New York construction-related businesses, suppliers and certified M/WBEs to participate in the development. Inquire today for more information about upcoming bid opportunities, pre-qualifications, future networking events, and workshops related to the project.
