The Doe Fund is redeveloping a former army reserve center in the Bronx into affordable housing for veterans

The Doe Fund has announced plans to develop 90 new units of affordable housing in the Bronx on the site of the former Joseph A. Muller Army Reserve Center at 555 Nereid Avenue in Wakefield. The New York City-based nonprofit organization acquired the long-dormant structure in 2013 and has since worked with Wakefield residents to create a redevelopment plan that responds to the community’s needs. As a result, the site will be converted into 90 studio apartments, 54 of which will be reserved for formerly homeless veterans.

Rendering of 555 Nereid Avenue courtesy of The Doe Fund

MHG Architects led the redesign of the four-story, 51,000 square-foot structure. In addition to the 54 units reserved for veterans, the remaining 35 units will be set aside for low-income individuals, preferably Bronx locals. On-site building amenities will include social services administered by the Doe Fund, a live-in superintendent (who will live in one of the low-income units), custodial staff, 24-hour security, a laundry room, a bike room, and a private side yard. The most important amenity will be a 123-seat lecture hall theater for educational programs, cultural activities, and local community board events. The total gut renovation of the Center is expected to last about two years.

Funding for the project comes from NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Sterling National Bank, Raymond James Tax Credit Funds, Inc, and a social services operating grant awarded through New York City’s 15/15 Rental Assistance Program.

“Supportive housing is one of the most effective, long-term solutions to the crisis of homelessness. By pairing 90 new affordable homes with supportive services, this project will provide greater stability and hope to some of our city’s most vulnerable residents, including 54 veterans,” said acting NYC HPD Commissioner Eric Enderlin in a statement.

Last week, the Doe Fund announced plans to develop 255 units of affordable, supportive housing at 1331 Jerome Avenue, in the Mount Eden neighborhood in The Bronx. With the addition of these two developments, The Doe Fund is on track to double its portfolio of affordable and supportive housing by 2020.

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