Today, The City announced the transformation of an NYPD parking lot at 324 E 5th Street into approximately 131 affordable homes, a senior center and community space. This effort was designated to a development team consisting of Spatial Equity, Housing Works, the Cooper Square Committee, SLCE Architects, LLP and This Land is Ours Community Land Trust. Together, these mission-driven, minority-owned and non-profit organizations with decades of experience investing in and serving the neighborhood mark the first City land designation under Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration, which will hopefully serve as a model for many more to come.

The Aurea will provide deeply affordable homes for low-income New Yorkers, with 30% of apartments reserved for formerly homeless New Yorkers. Housing Works will provide on-site supportive services for residents. The project will also feature landscaped terraces, green roofs and all-electric building systems designed to meet Passive House sustainability standards.

“I am proud to be part of the development team bringing much needed supportive and affordable housing to the neighborhood I have called my home for almost 35 years. Housing Works is grateful to have been invited by Spatial Equity Co., the Cooper Square Committee, This Land Is Ours Community Land Trust and SLCE Architects, LLP to transform a parking lot into housing, the number one thing people need to not only survive, but to thrive,” said Andrew Coamey, Senior Vice President, Housing Works.

Find the full press release from the Mayor here.