Developing Westchester: Opal 115 - Mount Vernon West Mixed-use Multifamily Development

Mount Vernon, NY Opal 115 is a mixed-use multifamily development in the Mount Vernon West area. Designed by GF55 Architects and developed by The NRP Group, it is expected to be complete by 2028. Located at 115 South Macquesten Pkwy., the development is composed of two residential buildings of 8 and 13-stories above a common mixed-use base that contains amenities, recreation, community facilities, offices, retail, and parking. The development provides 315 residential units. A Metro North Railroad station is adjacent to the neighborhood, and the Bronx River Parkway is easily accessible.

The design for this transit-oriented 472,000 gross s/f development resulted from an in-depth analysis aimed at enhancing the aesthetic and social aspects of the Mount Vernon West community. “The development sits on a lot in an area that had deteriorated. It was a manufacturing area that was rezoned,” says David Gross, AIA, GF55 executive partner. “The city has been making tremendous efforts to repopulate the area with residential housing and Opal 115 is a keystone project that will be the first of its kind. The intent is to spur the growth of the neighborhood and pave the way for more workforce housing. It will engage and support the community and redefine the character of the neighborhood.”

Guided by the form-based zoning code, Opal 115 introduces a new and dynamic architectural language. “When we approached this project, we felt we had to have a punchy, visually arresting façade to change the feeling of the general area. The old manufacturing buildings did not allow for the density of the new development, so the neighborhood was ready for change,” said Gross. GF55 created a site plan of two independent buildings connected by a continuous base. The larger building is placed on a major street, South Macquesten Ave., and the smaller, lower building is configured along the corner of Grove St. and South Terrace Ave. which is a more residential-scale street. The two buildings have different facades which minimizes the mass of the buildings. They utilize a varied palette of brick, metal panel, stucco, and glass to create a dynamic and rhythmic pattern.

The program includes about 40,000 s/f of building amenity dedicated to the general population in the form of a gym with a basketball court and an incubator space to encourage new businesses in the community. Architectural design elements such as glazing for the recreational facility will be used to connect the gym with the immediate neighborhood. The recreational facility is situated as a distinct cornerstone of the two residential buildings, thereby having its own identity while at the same time unifying the two buildings.

Opal 115 is a sustainable development that will support the needs of Mount Vernon’s growing community with workforce units and 290 parking spaces. 5,000 s/f of commercial space will be available for local businesses. 13,000 s/f of community facility offices and amenity spaces with selected organizations will provide programming for children and teenagers. The recreational facility with basketball court will be accessible to the public. And a 24,000 s/f courtyard above the garage podium will encourage tenants to socialize and relax while enjoying the outdoors. Jonathan Gertman, senior vice president at the NRP Group summarized the importance of the project in this way, “Opal 115 is a unique opportunity to positively shape Mount Vernon. The vibrancy of the design, the scale of the project, and the development’s community amenities will have a direct impact on young working families in the neighborhood.” The development establishes a timeless architectural language while fully aligning with the city’s vision for sustainable, thoughtful, and community-driven urban growth.

Project Info

Project Title: Opal 115

Project Location: 115 South Macquesten Pkwy., Mount Vernon NY

Property Type: Mixed-Use Multifamily Development

Project Type: New

Number S/F: 472,000 S/F

Year Started: 2025

Estimated Completion: 2028

Project Team

Architect: GF55 Architects

Developer: The NRP Group

Consultants; JMC Planning Engineering Landscape Architecture & Land Surveying, PLLC

Structural: McNamara Salvia Structural Engineers

MEP: Ettinger Engineering Associates

Geo-tech: Carlin Simpson & Associates

Envelope Consultant: CANY

Landscape Architect: Weintraub Diaz Landscape Architects

Renderings by Studio Schafer